It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for my family, that means one thing – it’s time to break out the recipe for our famous Honey Glazed Spiral Ham. There’s just something about that rich, caramelized glaze and the tender, juicy meat that makes this dish the star of the show every single holiday season.

I can still remember the first time my grandma taught me how to make her signature Honey Glazed Spiral Ham. I was just a little kid, maybe 8 or 9 years old, hovering around the kitchen, watching her every move with wide, awestruck eyes. The way she handled that massive ham with such care and precision, gently basting it with that fragrant, golden glaze – it was like culinary magic.

And the smell, oh the smell! As that ham roasted away in the oven, the air would fill with the most incredible aromas of brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. I’d stand there, practically drooling, waiting for the moment when we could finally dig in. Let me tell you, the wait was always worth it. That first bite, with the sweet and savory flavors dancing on my tongue? Absolute perfection.

Nowadays, I make Honey Glazed Spiral Ham for my own family, and it’s become a treasured tradition. There’s just something about this dish that brings everyone together, don’t you think? It’s the centerpiece of our holiday table, a reason to gather, reminisce, and make lasting memories. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Why This Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Honey Glazed Spiral Ham

When it comes to Honey Glazed Spiral Ham, this recipe is truly something special. The secret lies in the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, achieved through a carefully crafted glaze that caramelizes to absolute perfection.

The key is in letting the ham roast low and slow, basting it periodically with that irresistible honey-brown sugar mixture. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together seamlessly, resulting in a ham that’s bursting with robust, crave-worthy taste in every single bite.

But it’s not just the glaze that makes this recipe stand out. The choice of high-quality, fully cooked spiral-cut ham is also crucial. This cut not only makes for effortless slicing, but it also ensures that the meat stays incredibly tender and juicy, even after an extended roasting time.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Of course, no Honey Glazed Spiral Ham would be complete without the right ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the all-star cast that makes this recipe so unforgettable:

  • 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked spiral-cut ham: The foundation of the dish, this pre-cooked ham ensures that your final result will be tender, juicy, and flavorful.
  • 1 cup honey: The star of the glaze, honey provides a rich, sweet backbone that balances out the savory ham.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and helps create that beautiful caramelized crust on the exterior of the ham.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: A touch of tangy Dijon mustard helps to cut through the sweetness, creating a more complex and well-rounded glaze.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warm, fragrant cinnamon complements the other spices beautifully, elevating the overall flavor profile.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Earthy, aromatic cloves lend a subtle, yet undeniable complexity to the glaze.

Step-by-Step Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Instructions

Preparing Your Honey Glazed Spiral Ham

With a total time of just 105 minutes (15 minutes of prep and 90 minutes of cook time), this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe is surprisingly easy to pull off, even for a holiday meal. All you’ll need is a large roasting pan, a sharp knife, and a basting brush.

1- Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. While it’s heating up, remove the spiral-cut ham from its packaging and place it in the roasting pan, fat-side up.
2- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Whisk the ingredients together until they’re fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
3- Using your basting brush, generously coat the entire surface of the ham with the honey-based glaze. Be sure to get the glaze in between all the slices for maximum flavor penetration.
4- Once the oven is preheated, pop the ham in and let it roast for 90 minutes, basting it with the glaze every 15-20 minutes. You’ll know the ham is done when the exterior is a beautiful, caramelized golden brown.
5- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
6- Carefully transfer the Honey Glazed Spiral Ham to your serving platter and let your guests dig in! The sweet, savory, and oh-so-tender ham is sure to be the star of the show.

Pro Tips for Success

To ensure your Honey Glazed Spiral Ham turns out absolutely perfect, keep these expert tips in mind:

  • Let the ham come to room temperature before cooking for the most even cooking.
  • Baste the ham frequently to keep it moist and to help the glaze caramelize beautifully.
  • Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
  • If the glaze starts to get too dark, simply tent the ham with foil to prevent further browning.
  • For the juiciest, most flavorful results, let the ham rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Don’t be afraid to get creative with the glaze – try adding a splash of apple cider or a pinch of nutmeg for a seasonal twist.

Serving and Storing Your Honey Glazed Spiral Ham

Perfect Pairings for Honey Glazed Spiral Ham

This Honey Glazed Spiral Ham serves a crowd of 12, making it the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any special occasion. To round out the meal, consider serving it alongside some classic holiday sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a fresh green salad.

And don’t forget the drinks! A crisp, dry white wine or a festive holiday punch would make excellent accompaniments. For a more casual vibe, you really can’t go wrong with an ice-cold beer or a big, bold red wine.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe is that it holds up beautifully, whether you’re serving it right away or saving it for later.

For short-term storage, you can keep any leftover ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap to lock in moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can easily reheat individual slices in the microwave or the entire ham in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

If you’d like to get a head start on your holiday meal prep, you can even make the entire ham in advance. Simply bake it as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap it up and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven until piping hot.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Honey Glazed Spiral Ham

Creative Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Variations

While this classic Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe is truly hard to beat, there’s always room for a little creativity. For a festive twist, you could try swapping out the cinnamon and cloves for warm spices like nutmeg, allspice, or even a touch of ginger.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different types of sweeteners? Maple syrup or even a bit of molasses would lend a lovely depth of flavor to the glaze.

For a more savory take, you could also incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme into the mix. And for a pop of brightness, a squeeze of fresh orange or lemon juice would be a delightful addition.

Making Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Diet-Friendly

Just because you’re watching your diet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the deliciousness of Honey Glazed Spiral Ham. There are plenty of easy swaps and substitutions that can make this recipe work for a variety of dietary needs.

For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the traditional Dijon mustard for a gluten-free alternative. And for a low-carb spin, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze and use a sugar-free sweetener instead.

If you’re looking to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian, you can easily forgo the ham altogether and roast a large, meaty portobello mushroom cap or a thick slice of eggplant. Just coat it in the honey-based glaze and roast it until it’s beautifully caramelized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of mustard instead of Dijon?
A: Absolutely! While Dijon provides a lovely tangy contrast to the sweetness, you can certainly experiment with other types of mustard. Whole grain, honey, or even spicy brown mustard would all work well in this recipe.

Q: How long does it take to cook a Honey Glazed Spiral Ham?
A: This Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe has a total cook time of 105 minutes – 15 minutes of prep and 90 minutes in the oven. The slow, low-temperature roasting is key to ensuring the ham stays tender and juicy while the glaze caramelizes to perfection.

Q: Can I make Honey Glazed Spiral Ham in advance?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or making ahead of time. You can bake the ham as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw (if frozen) and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Q: How many people will this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham serve?
A: This recipe is designed to serve 12 people generously. The 8-10 lb spiral-cut ham is the perfect size for a crowd, making it an ideal centerpiece for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

Q: What if the glaze starts to burn?
A: If you notice the glaze is getting too dark or starting to burn, simply tent the ham with a loose piece of foil. This will prevent further browning while still allowing the ham to finish cooking. Be sure to baste it frequently to keep the glaze from drying out.

Conclusion

There’s just something so special about Honey Glazed Spiral Ham, don’t you think? The way the sweet, savory flavors meld together, the tender juiciness of the meat, the beautiful caramelized crust – it’s the stuff that holiday dreams are made of.

This recipe is truly a winner, and I can guarantee that once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your household, just like it is in mine. So why not give it a shot this holiday season? I promise your friends and family will be absolutely thrilled. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear all about your Honey Glazed Spiral Ham experience!