Ah, Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Spiral Ham—this dish dances around the holidays in my kitchen, wrapping me in its warm embrace. The first time I caught a whiff of that sweet glaze caramelizing in the oven, I was hooked. I remember preparing for a family gathering, the air filled with laughter and anticipation as the ham slowly baked to perfection. Each slice glistened, coated in a golden glaze that promised a burst of sweetness and savory goodness in every bite.

As we sat down to enjoy it, the room was blessed with the rich aroma of honey and brown sugar mingling with hints of Dijon mustard. Each forkful melted in our mouths, drawing us together and instilling a sense of joy that only a beloved family recipe can provide. This Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham has since become a staple for holidays and special occasions, making it a dish I know you and your loved ones will cherish just as much as I do.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, this ham becomes the centerpiece of your meal without any fuss.
• Flavor Explosion: The harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors create a symphony for your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or festive celebrations; this ham is loved by everyone!
• Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with an array of sides, making it adaptable for any occasion.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare it in advance, saving you precious time on the day of your celebration.
• Leftover Magic: There are so many delicious ways to use up leftovers, keeping the joy alive long after the meal!

Ingredients

• 1 spiral-cut ham (about 8-10 pounds): This is the star of the show! The spiral cuts make for easy slicing and serve beautifully.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Adds an irresistible sweetness and helps create that fabulous glaze.
• 1/2 cup honey: A drizzle of honey balances the flavors, making each bite a delightful treat.
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: This tangy note cuts through the sweetness, bringing depth to the glaze.
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Brightens up the flavors and adds a pleasant acidity.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: These warm spices add a cozy holiday essence to the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of pepper gives this glaze an extra kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a touch brings out all the other delightful flavors.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). The anticipation builds as you ready your kitchen for this magical transformation!

2. Make the Glaze

In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, black pepper, and salt until smooth. As you whisk, take a moment to inhale deeply; that fragrant blend is pure gold!

3. Prepare the Ham

Place the spiral-cut ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. This keeps it juicy and tender while cooking.

4. Brush the Glaze

Generously brush the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring you work it between the slices. Don’t be shy! Get your hands in there and make every slice shine with that sweet glaze.

5. Cover and Bake

Cover the ham with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes per pound. The scent wafting through your kitchen is utterly irresistible!

6. Caramelize the Glaze

During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize. Keep an eye on it—it’s going to turn into a beautiful, sticky masterpiece!

7. Rest Before Slicing

Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure you heat the ham to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for perfect doneness.
• Baste During Cooking: If you have extra glaze, feel free to baste the ham halfway through cooking for an even richer flavor.
• Slicing Tip: Use a sharp knife and slice along the pre-cut spiral for beautiful presentation.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or cinnamon to your glaze for a special twist!

Flavor Variations

Want to mix it up? Try swapping honey for maple syrup for a unique flavor profile, or add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant touch. You can also spice things up by mixing in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a delightful kick!

Serving Suggestions

This lovely ham is a feast for the eyes and your taste buds! Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. Don’t forget to drizzle any leftover glaze over your sides for a burst of flavor. For drinks, a chilled glass of Riesling or homemade apple cider pairs splendidly!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prep the glaze a day in advance, storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. After cooking, store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Leftovers

Transform your delicious leftovers into a hearty ham and cheese sandwich, a flavorful quiche, or even throw it into a comforting soup. The options are endless!

Freezing

Yes, indeed! You can freeze leftover ham. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To warm up your ham, the oven or microwave works wonders. If you’re using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and wrap the ham in foil to keep it juicy. If short on time, the microwave is also excellent—just be sure to cover it to prevent drying out!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! You can use a bone-in ham or a pre-cooked ham, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Just ensure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free.

What should I do if I can’t find spiral-cut ham?
No worries! You can use any ham; just slice it before serving for similar results.

Can I substitute the apple cider vinegar?
Yes! You can use white vinegar or even lemon juice for a different flavor twist.

Final Thoughts

As you embark on creating this luscious Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Spiral Ham, I hope you feel the warmth and joy that comes from cooking with love. Food has a beautiful way of bringing us together, and this ham is sure to create memories around your table for years to come. So grab your apron, turn on your favorite tunes, and let the deliciousness unfold in your cozy kitchen! Happy cooking! 🍯💛

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This article was crafted with love from Chef Caroline, your culinary companion at TasteItRecipes.com.