The aroma of a gently roasting ham seems to transport me straight to the heart of those cherished holiday gatherings, where laughter dances around the table, and everyone is eager for a taste of something special. Today, I’m excited to share my Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham recipe, which is not only incredibly easy to whip up, but also transforms a fully cooked boneless spiral-cut ham into a sweet and savory centerpiece that will impress any crowd. This dish hits just the right balance of indulgence and comfort, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or festive occasions. With its glossy glaze and a touch of warmth from cinnamon and allspice, I can guarantee it will become a favorite at your table. Ready to dive into a recipe that brings people together over delicious food? Let’s get started on this delightful journey!

Why is this ham recipe a must-try?

Irresistible Flavors: The combination of brown sugar and honey creates a glaze that is both sweet and savory, bringing a unique depth to your holiday table.

Ease of Preparation: This recipe simplifies your cooking with a fully cooked boneless spiral-cut ham, allowing anyone to achieve stunning results without fuss.

Perfect for Gatherings: Impress your guests! This crowd-pleaser is bound to become the highlight of any celebration, reminiscent of cherished family traditions.

Versatile Options: Feeling adventurous? You can easily swap the honey for maple syrup or modify the spices to suit your taste, allowing for personalization.

Meal Prep Perfection: Leftovers are a breeze to store and reheat. Enjoy the flavors all week long or freeze portions for future meals, just like my Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Cheesecake can be saved for later indulgence!

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Ingredients

• For the sweetest and most flavorful results.

For the Ham

Fully Cooked Boneless Spiral-Cut Ham – This main ingredient creates a flavorful, meltingly tender dish.

For the Glaze

Dark Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed) – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor; can substitute with light brown sugar for a milder taste.
Honey (½ cup) – Enhances sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze; may substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Whole Grain Dijon Mustard (¼ cup) – Offers tanginess that balances the sweetness; replace with yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Adds warmth; can experiment with nutmeg for a different spice note.
Ground Allspice (½ tsp) – Complements the other flavors, providing a hint of warmth; can substitute with cloves for a stronger flavor.

For Roasting

Water (2 cups) – Provides moisture during roasting to keep the ham juicy.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham

Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Allow your fully cooked boneless spiral-cut ham to rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking throughout. While it sits, gather your roasting pan and ingredients to streamline the process, making your Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham that much easier to prepare.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Meanwhile, place the ham flat-side down in a large roasting pan and pour in 2 cups of water. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture locked in, which is essential for achieving that juicy, tender texture.

Step 3: Roast the Ham
Place the covered ham in the preheated oven and let it roast for about 12-15 minutes per pound. For a 6-pound ham, this will take approximately 1.5 hours. After this initial cooking time, check for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) to ensure perfect doneness for your Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham.

Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the ham is roasting, prepare the delicious glaze. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of packed dark brown sugar, ½ cup of honey, ¼ cup of whole grain Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground allspice. Stir until well combined for a rich, aromatic glaze that will enhance your ham beautifully.

Step 5: Apply the Glaze
After roasting, carefully remove the ham from the oven and discard the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Brush one-third of your prepared glaze evenly over the ham, allowing it to ooze into the spiral cuts. Roast the ham uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, letting the glaze caramelize.

Step 6: Repeat Glazing
Repeat the glazing process twice more, basting the ham with another third of the glaze, roasting for 10 minutes, and finishing with the final portion of the glaze. This layering creates a delectable, sticky crust on your Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Step 7: Rest the Ham
Once the ham is finished roasting and beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Baste with pan juices to enhance taste and shine.

What to Serve with Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham

There’s nothing quite like the joyful clatter of a family gathering, where every delicious dish contributes to the festive spirit.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery potatoes provide a comforting, velvety contrast to the sweet, sticky glaze of the ham. Pair them with gravy to bring even more flavors to the plate.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness beautifully balances the sweetness of the ham, enhancing the overall meal experience. Tossed with olive oil, salt, and a touch of caramelization, they’re simply irresistible!
Maple-Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots glazed in maple syrup echo the ham’s flavors while adding vibrant color and nutrition. They offer a delightful crunch that your guests will adore.
Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing palate cleanser that contrasts with the savory richness of the ham.
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy pasta offers a sense of nostalgia and comfort that pairs beautifully with the glazed ham. This delightful duo is bound to please both kids and adults alike.
Sweet Potatoes: Roasted or mashed sweet potatoes, drizzled with a hint of brown sugar and cinnamon, create a symphony of sweet flavors in harmony with your honey glazed ham.
Warm Dinner Rolls: Fluffy and soft, these rolls are perfect for sopping up extra glaze on your plate. They create a cozy, heartwarming experience for your meal.
Festive Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and crunch, serving as a refreshing counterpoint to the savory flavors of the ham. This light addition enhances both taste and visual appeal.
Sparkling Apple Cider: This bubbly beverage provides a lovely sweetness and acidity, making it the perfect drink to complement your holiday ham during celebrations.
Pumpkin Pie: End the meal on a sweet note! This classic dessert, with its spiced filling and flaky crust, rounds out your festive spread perfectly, leaving everyone yearning for one last bite.

Storage Tips for Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham

Fridge: Store any leftover brown sugar honey glazed ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil for up to 5 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions of the glazed ham in 1-lb packages, ensuring they’re well-wrapped, for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm the ham in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes.

Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the ham at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure safety and maintain freshness.

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Variations

Feel free to adjust and play with this lovely ham recipe to suit your tastes!

Maple Syrup: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness that adds a unique flavor twist to your glaze.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a subtle kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. This offers a delightful surprise in each bite!
Citrusy Burst: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the glaze for a refreshing citrus brightness that will lift all the flavors. The added zing creates a lovely balance to the rich ham.
Herbed Touch: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme right before glazing to introduce an aromatic layer that elevates the dish to gourmet status. These herbs bring an inviting fragrance that guests will adore.
Cranberry Honey: Swap half the honey with cranberry juice for a sweet-tart twist that pairs wonderfully with the ham, especially around the holidays. It’s a seasonal delight that offers a festive touch.
Ginger Infusion: Add grated fresh ginger to your glaze for a warm spice note that brings an exotic flair, harmonizing beautifully with the other ingredients.
Mustard Variety: Replace the whole grain Dijon with honey mustard to enhance the sweetness while still delivering that tangy contrast that makes this dish shine.
Nutty Brown Sugar: Use brown sugar mixed with finely chopped pecans or walnuts in the glaze for an added crunch that complements the ham’s tender texture fantastically. This delightful twist can make your ham the star of the show!

Don’t forget to match your beautiful Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham with delectable sides like my favorite Cheesecake Honeycomb Delightful for a truly memorable dining experience!

Make Ahead Options

These Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the glaze up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and allspice in a bowl and storing it in the fridge. Additionally, you can apply the glaze onto the ham and wrap it tightly; refrigerate for up to 3 days before roasting—just cover the ham well to maintain its moisture and flavor. On the day you plan to serve, roast the ham straight from the fridge, increasing the baking time by about 10-15 minutes. This way, you save time, resulting in a deliciously sweet and savory centerpiece with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham

Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature of your ham using a meat thermometer for the best results; aim for 130°F for a perfectly tender and hot centerpiece.
Mind the Timing: Avoid overcooking by sticking to the roasting time of 12-15 minutes per pound and adjust according to your ham’s size to achieve juicy, mouthwatering Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham.
Create a Crispy Crust: For that extra caramelized layer, consider broiling your ham for a few minutes at the end of the glazing process, watching closely to prevent burning.
Customize Your Glaze: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Adding spices like nutmeg or even a splash of bourbon can create a unique twist on the classic flavor profile of the brown sugar honey glazed ham.
Save the Leftovers: Leftover ham can be a delightful addition to sandwiches, omelets, or salads, ensuring none of this delicious dish goes to waste—store it properly in airtight containers!

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best boneless spiral-cut ham?
Absolutely! When selecting a boneless spiral-cut ham, look for ones that are well-marbled and have a shiny, fresh appearance. Avoid hams with dark spots all over or excessive liquid in the packaging. They should be labeled as “fully cooked” and have a juicy, tender quality to ensure the best flavor.

What is the best way to store leftover glazed ham?
Leftover brown sugar honey glazed ham can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in aluminum foil to help retain moisture and flavor. For longer storage, you can freeze the ham in 1-lb portions—just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn!

Can I freeze brown sugar honey glazed ham, and how should I do it?
Very! To freeze your glazed ham, allow it to cool completely after cooking. Then, slice it into portions if desired, and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container to protect against moisture loss. It will keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, label the bags with the date, so you don’t lose track of when to use it!

How do I reheat the ham without drying it out?
To reheat your leftover ham, first, ensure it’s thawed overnight in the fridge if you froze it. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the ham in a covered dish. Add a splash of water or some of the pan juices from the original baking to maintain moisture. Warm it for about 20-30 minutes, checking until it’s heated through without becoming dry.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with ham?
Yes! When serving brown sugar honey glazed ham, keep in mind that it can be high in sodium. Always ask your guests about allergies and dietary restrictions. For those watching sugar intake, consider reducing the glaze’s sugar content or substituting with natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol if needed. Always keep pets away from seasoned and cooked meats, as spices and high salt content can be harmful to them.

How can I fix a dry ham that hasn’t cooked well?
If your Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham turns out dry, don’t worry—you can salvage it! Slice the ham and place it in a baking dish. Pour some broth, pan juices, or even apple juice over the slices to add moisture. Cover the dish with foil to trap steam and then reheat it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes. This will help reintroduce moisture and enhance the flavor!