Growing up, Honey Glazed Spiral Ham was always the centerpiece of our family’s holiday celebrations. I can still vividly remember the aroma wafting through the house as my mom pulled that glistening, golden-brown ham out of the oven. It was the kind of smell that just instantly put a smile on your face and made your mouth water.
I loved watching the way the honey glaze would caramelize on the outside, creating this beautiful, crispy crust. And when you’d slice into it, the juices would just come flowing out – it was absolute perfection. My siblings and I would fight over the sweet, sticky bits around the edges, devouring them before anyone else could get their hands on them.
Honey Glazed Spiral Ham has a special place in my heart, and it’s become a treasured tradition that I now get to carry on in my own home. There’s just something so comforting and celebratory about gathering around the table with loved ones and digging into that spiral-sliced masterpiece. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and creates lasting memories.
Why This Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
This Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe is truly the best of the best. I’ve perfected the technique over the years, and I’m confident that it will become your new go-to for any holiday or special occasion. The secret lies in the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just the right amount of tanginess from the glaze.
The Secret Behind Perfect Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
The key is to start with a high-quality, fully-cooked spiral-sliced ham and then coat it in a homemade honey glaze that caramelizes to absolute perfection in the oven. The glaze is made with just a few simple ingredients, but the way they come together is pure magic. Trust me, your guests will be licking their plates clean and begging you for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Spiral-sliced fully-cooked ham: This is the foundation of the dish, and you’ll want to look for a high-quality, bone-in ham that’s been pre-sliced for easy serving.
- Honey: The star of the show! You’ll use both honey and honey mustard in the glaze to create that perfect sweet-and-tangy flavor.
- Honey mustard: Adds a lovely depth of flavor and a subtle kick of heat to balance out the sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Helps the glaze caramelize to that gorgeous, glossy finish.
- Cinnamon: Just a touch of this warm spice complements the honey perfectly.
- Cloves: Another classic spice pairing that enhances the holiday flavors.
Step-by-Step Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Instructions
Preparing Your Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
Baking a Honey Glazed Spiral Ham is easier than you might think! The total time from start to finish is about 2 hours, and the only equipment you’ll need is a roasting pan, basting brush, and a meat thermometer. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.
2- Place the spiral-sliced ham, flat-side down, in the prepared pan. Use your hands to gently separate the slices, creating an accordion-like effect.
3- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, honey mustard, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the mixture is warm and the sugar has dissolved.
4- Generously brush the warm glaze all over the ham, making sure to get in between the slices. You want to create an even, shiny coating.
5- Bake the ham for 60-90 minutes, basting with the pan juices every 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
6- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy that mouthwatering Honey Glazed Spiral Ham!
Pro Tips for Success
- For an extra-crispy crust, broil the ham for 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with the glaze – try adding a splash of apple cider, a sprinkle of rosemary, or even some orange zest.
- Be careful not to overbake the ham, as it can quickly dry out. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature.
- Let the ham rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute for the most tender, juicy results.
Serving and Storing Your Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
Perfect Pairings for Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
Honey Glazed Spiral Ham is the ultimate holiday centerpiece, but it also works beautifully for any special occasion. Serve it alongside classic sides like roasted sweet potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. And don’t forget the dinner rolls – they’re perfect for soaking up all that delicious glaze.
As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a seasonal cocktail like a honey-sweetened old fashioned would be the perfect accompaniment. And for dessert, you can’t go wrong with a slice of warm apple pie or a decadent chocolate cake.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Honey Glazed Spiral Ham will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the ham in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.
You can also make the ham a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to re-glaze it with the reserved pan juices before popping it back in the oven to warm up.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
Creative Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Variations
While this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe is pretty darn perfect as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try swapping out the honey for maple syrup or even a bit of bourbon for a deeper, richer flavor. You could also add in some chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme to the glaze.
For a festive touch, you could even stud the ham with whole cloves or top it with sliced pineapple rings. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Making Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Diet-Friendly
Believe it or not, you can enjoy Honey Glazed Spiral Ham even if you’re following a special diet. For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the regular honey mustard for a gluten-free variety. And for a low-carb twist, you can use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit in place of the brown sugar.
Vegans and vegetarians can get in on the action, too, by using a plant-based “ham” alternative and adjusting the glaze accordingly. The key is to focus on the flavors you love and get creative with the ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a pre-cooked, unsliced ham for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! The recipe will work just as well with a whole, unsliced ham. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as an unsliced ham will take longer to heat through.
Q: How long does Honey Glazed Spiral Ham take to cook?
A: For a fully-cooked, spiral-sliced ham, the total cooking time is usually 60-90 minutes. However, this can vary depending on the size of your ham, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can absolutely make the glaze in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to use it, just reheat it gently on the stovetop until it’s warm and pourable.
Q: How much Honey Glazed Spiral Ham should I plan for per person?
A: As a general rule, plan for about 1/2 pound of ham per person. This will ensure you have enough for generous servings, with a little bit left over for sandwiches the next day.
Q: What should I do if the ham starts to get too brown?
A: If the ham is browning too quickly, simply tent it with foil to prevent further caramelization. You can also lower the oven temperature slightly to slow down the cooking process.
Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
- Total Time: 105
- Yield: 12
Description
Elevate your holiday table with this irresistible Honey Glazed Spiral Ham. Perfectly tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet, caramelized glaze, this showstopping main dish is sure to delight your guests.
Ingredients
– 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham
– 1 cup honey
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. 2. Remove ham from packaging and place it in a large baking dish or roasting pan.
3. 3. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. 4. Brush the warm glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get in between the slices.
5. 5. Bake the ham for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, basting with the glaze every 20 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
6. 6. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a more pronounced flavor, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or orange juice to the glaze. The ham can be prepared a day in advance and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 90
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Honey Glazed Spiral Ham is truly the epitome of holiday magic. The combination of that sweet, sticky glaze and the juicy, tender ham is simply unbeatable. I hope this recipe has inspired you to make Honey Glazed Spiral Ham the centerpiece of your next celebration.
Get ready for rave reviews from your family and friends – this is the kind of dish that brings people together and creates lasting memories. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! I can’t wait to hear all about your Honey Glazed Spiral Ham experience.