This easy Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham is juicy, tender, and coated in a delicious sticky glaze made with honey, brown sugar, mustard, and warm spices. Perfect for holidays and family dinners!

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Honestly, there’s something about a beautifully glazed ham that makes a dinner feel extra special. The outside gets wonderfully caramelized and sticky while the inside stays tender and juicy. I usually make this when I’m feeding a crowd because it looks impressive on the table but doesn’t require complicated cooking.

The best part is that sweet, savory glaze. As it bakes, the brown sugar and honey melt together with the mustard and spices, creating those dark, caramelized edges that are impossible to resist. I always end up slicing off a little piece straight from the cutting board—just to “taste it,” of course!

This Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham is perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you want a comforting centerpiece without spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Ham

1 fully cooked bone-in ham, about 5–7 pounds
½ cup water or apple juice
2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Glaze

¾ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup honey
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter

How to Make Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Place a rack in the lower-middle position so there is enough room for the ham.

Step 2: Prepare the Ham

Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.

If your ham has a thick layer of skin or rind, carefully trim it away, leaving a thin layer of fat underneath. The fat will help keep the ham moist and flavorful as it cooks.

If the ham isn’t already scored, use a sharp knife to make shallow diagonal cuts across the surface, about 1 inch apart. Repeat in the opposite direction to create a diamond pattern.

Honestly, scoring the ham makes such a difference because it gives the glaze plenty of little places to settle.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

Add the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper to a small saucepan.

Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.

Add the butter and stir until melted.

Don’t boil the glaze aggressively. You just want everything warmed through and nicely combined.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.

Pour the water or apple juice into the bottom of the pan. This creates a little steam in the oven and helps prevent the drippings from burning.

Brush a generous layer of the glaze over the entire ham.

Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Bake the Ham

Bake the covered ham for approximately 15–18 minutes per pound, depending on its size and the package instructions.

Because you’re starting with a fully cooked ham, you’re mainly reheating it gently rather than cooking it from raw.

About 30–40 minutes before the ham is finished, remove the foil and brush another generous layer of glaze over the surface.

Step 6: Caramelize the Outside

Continue baking uncovered, brushing with more glaze every 10–15 minutes.

This is where the magic happens. The glaze becomes glossy, sticky, and beautifully caramelized.

Keep a close eye on it toward the end because the sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt fairly quickly.

Step 7: Check the Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone.

For a fully cooked ham, heat it according to the package’s reheating directions; a common target for reheating is around 140°F (60°C).

Step 8: Rest Before Slicing

Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15–20 minutes before slicing.

I know it’s tempting to start cutting immediately, especially when the kitchen smells amazing, but resting helps keep the juices inside the meat.

Slice against the grain and spoon some of the delicious pan juices over the top.

Cooking Tips for the Best Glazed Ham

Don’t Skip the Scoring

Scoring creates little grooves for the glaze to soak into. It also helps the outside caramelize beautifully.

Apply the Glaze in Layers

Instead of putting all the glaze on at once, I usually brush it on several times near the end of cooking. This creates a thicker, shinier coating.

Watch the Sugar

Brown sugar and honey can burn quickly. If the outside is getting too dark before the ham is hot enough, loosely cover it with foil again.

Use a Thermometer

A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of reheating. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone.

Let It Rest

Give the ham at least 15 minutes to rest before slicing. It makes serving much easier and helps retain moisture.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and savory ham goes beautifully with classic comfort-food sides.

I usually serve it with:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables
Green beans
Macaroni and cheese
Scalloped potatoes
Dinner rolls
Cornbread
Glazed carrots
Fresh green salad
Cranberry sauce

For a holiday table, arrange the sliced ham on a large platter and drizzle a little of the warm glaze over the top. Add fresh orange slices or herbs around the edges for a simple presentation.

How to Store Leftover Ham

Allow leftover ham to cool slightly, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate.

It should generally be enjoyed within 3–4 days when properly refrigerated.

You can also freeze sliced ham in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped freezer bag for longer storage. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches, omelets, breakfast casseroles, soups, and cheesy pasta dishes.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 10 servings:

Calories: 390
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Sugar: 19 g
Sodium: 1,250 mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the ham, glaze, and serving size.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham

Juicy and tender
Sweet and savory
Beautiful caramelized exterior
Easy to prepare
Perfect for feeding a crowd
Great for holidays and special occasions
Delicious hot or cold
Leftovers are incredibly versatile

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham is one of those recipes that looks much harder than it actually is. The ham does most of the work while you simply prepare the glaze, brush it on, and let the oven create that gorgeous caramelized crust.

Honestly, the combination of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices is what makes this recipe special. You get sweetness, tanginess, and a little savory bite in every slice.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or just want a delicious family dinner, this glazed ham is a reliable centerpiece that everyone will want seconds of.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a boneless ham?

Yes. A boneless fully cooked ham works well. Since cooking times vary by size and shape, use the package instructions and a meat thermometer as your guide.

2. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the glaze a day or two ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before brushing it onto the ham.

3. Why did my glaze burn?

The combination of honey and brown sugar contains a lot of sugar, so it can burn under high heat. Keep the oven at the recommended temperature and watch the ham closely during the final glazing stage.

4. Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes! Maple syrup makes a delicious substitute and gives the glaze a slightly deeper, richer flavor.

5. What can I do with leftover glazed ham?

Leftover ham is perfect for sandwiches, breakfast omelets, scrambled eggs, casseroles, soups, fried rice, and pasta. I especially love using it in a cheesy breakfast casserole the next morning.