This delicious honey glazed Christmas ham is a beautiful and flavorful main dish for your holiday dinner table. A tender baked ham is coated with a sweet and sticky glaze made with honey, brown sugar, butter, and warm spices, creating a golden caramelized finish.
This easy Christmas ham recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings because it looks impressive while requiring simple preparation. The sweet honey glaze adds incredible flavor to the ham and creates a beautiful glossy finish that makes it perfect for serving during Christmas dinner.
Serve this honey glazed ham with your favorite holiday side dishes for a comforting and memorable family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Glazed Christmas Ham
- Perfect for Christmas dinner
- Sweet and flavorful honey glaze
- Easy holiday main dish
- Beautiful caramelized finish
- Great for family gatherings
- Simple ingredients
- Impressive presentation
- Delicious leftovers
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Easy to prepare ahead
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in spiral ham, about 8–10 pounds
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Orange slices
- Whole cloves
Ingredient Notes
Spiral Ham
A fully cooked spiral ham makes this recipe easier to prepare because it only needs to be reheated and glazed.
The pre-cut slices also make serving easier.
Honey
Honey gives the glaze its sweet flavor and beautiful glossy appearance.
Use a good-quality honey for the best flavor.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds a rich caramel-like sweetness to the glaze.
Both light and dark brown sugar work well.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard balances the sweetness and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar
A small amount of apple cider vinegar adds brightness and helps balance the rich sweet glaze.
How to Make Honey Glazed Christmas Ham
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Prepare a large roasting pan.
You can line the pan with foil for easier cleanup.
2. Prepare the Ham
Remove the ham from its packaging.
Place the fully cooked spiral ham cut-side down in the roasting pan.
Cover loosely with foil.
3. Warm the Ham
Bake the ham according to its package instructions, generally allowing approximately 10–15 minutes per pound, until heated through.
Because cooking times can vary depending on the ham, use the package directions as your primary guide.
4. Make the Honey Glaze
While the ham is warming, prepare the glaze.
Add the following to a small saucepan:
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves
Heat over medium-low heat.
Stir gently until the butter melts and the ingredients are smooth and combined.
Do not boil aggressively.
5. Brush the Ham
Remove the foil from the ham during the final 30–40 minutes of warming.
Brush a generous amount of the honey glaze over the surface of the ham.
6. Continue Baking
Return the ham to the oven uncovered.
Bake until the glaze becomes glossy and lightly caramelized.
Brush additional glaze over the ham every 10–15 minutes if desired.
7. Rest the Ham
Remove the ham from the oven.
Allow it to rest for approximately 10–15 minutes before serving.
8. Serve
Transfer the ham to a serving platter.
Spoon some of the warm glaze over the ham.
Garnish with fresh rosemary and orange slices if desired.
Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Honey Glazed Christmas Ham
Don’t Overcook the Ham
Most spiral hams are already fully cooked.
The goal is usually to gently warm the ham without drying it out.
Follow the package instructions for the specific ham you purchase.
Keep the Ham Covered
Covering the ham with foil during most of the warming time helps keep it moist.
Remove the foil near the end to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Apply the Glaze Near the End
Adding the glaze too early can cause the sugars to darken too quickly.
Brush the glaze over the ham during the final portion of cooking.
Save Some Glaze for Serving
Reserve a small amount of the glaze before brushing it onto the raw ham.
Warm it gently and serve it separately with the finished ham.
Let the Ham Rest
Allowing the ham to rest briefly before serving makes slicing and serving easier.
Honey Glazed Christmas Ham Variations
Orange Honey Glazed Ham
Add:
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
to the glaze for a fresh citrus flavor.
Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham
Add pineapple slices around the ham during baking.
Brush the ham with the honey glaze for a sweet and fruity variation.
Maple Honey Ham
Replace part of the honey with pure maple syrup.
This adds a rich, warm flavor.
Spicy Honey Glazed Ham
Add a small amount of:
- Cayenne pepper
- Red pepper flakes
for a sweet and spicy holiday ham.
Brown Sugar Bourbon Ham
For an adult variation, add a small amount of bourbon to the glaze and cook it gently before brushing it onto the ham.
How to Store Leftover Christmas Ham
Allow leftover ham to cool.
Place it in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Keep leftover glaze in a separate airtight container.
Can You Freeze Cooked Ham?
Yes.
Slice the leftover ham.
Place the slices in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve with Honey Glazed Christmas Ham
This Christmas ham pairs perfectly with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scalloped potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Roasted vegetables
- Christmas dinner rolls
- Cranberry sauce
- Mac and cheese
- Sweet potato casserole
- Holiday stuffing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spiral Ham Already Cooked?
Many spiral hams sold in stores are fully cooked, but always check the package label and preparation instructions.
How Do I Keep Christmas Ham Moist?
Cover the ham with foil during most of the warming time and avoid overheating it.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes.
Prepare the glaze ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Warm it gently before using.
When Should I Add the Honey Glaze?
Add the glaze during the final portion of baking so the sugars can caramelize without burning.
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Yes.
You can use another fully cooked ham, but cooking times and preparation may vary.
Recipe Card
Easy Honey Glazed Christmas Ham
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: About 2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12–16
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in spiral ham, about 8–10 pounds
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Place the spiral ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.
- Cover loosely with foil.
- Warm the ham according to package instructions, generally about 10–15 minutes per pound.
- Meanwhile, combine honey, brown sugar, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium-low heat until the butter melts and the glaze is smooth.
- Remove the foil during the final 30–40 minutes of warming.
- Brush the ham generously with the honey glaze.
- Continue baking uncovered until glossy and lightly caramelized.
- Brush with additional glaze every 10–15 minutes if desired.
- Remove from the oven and rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Serve warm with the remaining glaze.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.