A Honey Mustard Glazed Ham is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it an irresistible addition to any holiday feast. The rich combination of honey, mustard, and warm spices creates a deep caramelized crust, while the tender ham stays juicy and flavorful.
This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for a hearty centerpiece for a family dinner, this glazed ham is sure to impress. Serve it with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or fresh dinner rolls for a meal that feels both comforting and elegant.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup whole grain mustard
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the pan)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a roasting pan with butter.
- Place the ham in the roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Brush half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat all the scored areas.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, baste with the remaining glaze, and continue baking for another 30–45 minutes, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- For a caramelized finish, broil the ham on high for 3–5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal per serving | Servings: 10–12 servings
A Timeless Centerpiece for Festive Gatherings
Honey Mustard Glazed Ham is a true showstopper—a dish that graces holiday tables across the world, bringing family and friends together. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or a special Sunday dinner, this succulent, golden-glazed ham is a tradition passed down through generations. Its combination of savory, smoky ham with a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze creates a perfect balance of flavors, making it one of the best main courses for celebratory meals.
This dish is not just about taste; it’s about the experience of sharing food, making memories, and indulging in a meal that feels both festive and comforting. The golden-brown caramelized crust with the tender, juicy meat inside is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. With minimal preparation, this recipe lets the oven do most of the work, making it ideal for hosts who want a stress-free yet impressive meal.
The History Behind Glazed Ham
Glazed ham has a long and rich culinary history, dating back centuries. In medieval Europe, ham was often cured and served during the winter months when fresh meat was scarce. The tradition of roasting ham and adding a sweet glaze became more popular in the United States and Europe during the 19th century, where brown sugar, honey, and mustard became the key components of a flavorful, sticky glaze.
Over time, regional variations have developed, with some families adding maple syrup, pineapple juice, or even a splash of bourbon to enhance the glaze. While the preparation method may vary, the essence remains the same: a beautifully glazed ham that takes center stage at special gatherings and holiday feasts.
Why This Honey Mustard Glazed Ham is the Best
This particular Honey Mustard Glazed Ham stands out from the rest because of its carefully balanced glaze and effortless preparation. Here’s what makes it exceptional:
- The Perfect Glaze:
- This glaze combines honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices to create a depth of flavor that is sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy.
- The mustard adds just the right amount of sharpness to balance out the richness of the ham, while the honey and brown sugar caramelize beautifully during roasting.
- Easy to Make, Impressive to Serve:
- The preparation process is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
- Simply score the ham, brush on the glaze, and let the oven do its magic.
- It requires little active cooking time, making it an excellent option for hosts who want to focus on spending time with guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
- A Versatile Dish:
- This honey mustard ham isn’t just for Christmas or Thanksgiving; it’s a fantastic choice for Easter brunch, potlucks, or even a hearty weekend meal.
- Leftovers can be used in a variety of dishes, from ham sandwiches, quiches, soups, and casseroles to breakfast omelets and salads.
- Customizable to Your Taste:
- Prefer a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Want a fruitier touch? Swap out apple cider vinegar for pineapple juice or orange juice to enhance the sweetness.
- Love a deeper caramelized flavor? Substitute maple syrup or molasses for the honey.
The Benefits of This Recipe
Aside from its incredible flavor, Honey Mustard Glazed Ham is a meal that offers several benefits:
✅ High in Protein: Ham is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and overall health.
✅ Feeds a Crowd: A single 8 to 10-pound ham can serve 10–12 people, making it a great choice for gatherings and family feasts.
✅ Budget-Friendly: Compared to other holiday roasts like prime rib or turkey, ham is often more affordable and provides a lot of servings for its price.
✅ Great for Meal Prep & Leftovers: You can use leftovers in various dishes—making this recipe a practical choice for anyone who loves repurposing meals.
✅ Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Just double-check the mustard and any added ingredients for hidden gluten sources.
What to Serve with Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
This savory-sweet ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes, whether you want a traditional holiday feast or a casual comfort meal.
Here are some classic and creative side dish ideas to serve alongside your ham:
Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes help soak up the delicious glaze.
Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus balance the meal with fresh, earthy flavors.
Mac and Cheese – The rich, cheesy goodness pairs beautifully with the honey mustard glaze.
Dinner Rolls or Cornbread – A warm, fluffy bread is perfect for sopping up extra glaze.
Fresh Salad – A crisp salad with apples, walnuts, and blue cheese adds a fresh contrast.
Grilled Pineapple – The natural sweetness of pineapple complements the smoky-sweet ham.
Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs well with white wine (Riesling, Chardonnay), apple cider, or a light beer.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Since this ham makes plenty of servings, you may have leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
Refrigeration:
- Store leftover ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil. It will stay fresh for 3–5 days in the fridge.
Freezing:
- Slice the ham and wrap portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven: Wrap slices in foil and warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter or glaze.
Final Thoughts
Honey Mustard Glazed Ham is a timeless dish that never goes out of style. With its bold flavors, glossy caramelized crust, and tender, juicy interior, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky goodness. Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration, a Sunday family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe guarantees satisfaction every time.
Make this ham the centerpiece of your next feast, and let the flavors speak for themselves!
Conclusion
Honey Mustard Glazed Ham is more than just a delicious main course—it’s a tradition, a conversation starter, and the heart of many holiday feasts. With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, a caramelized golden crust, and juicy, tender meat, this dish is guaranteed to impress your guests. Whether you’re preparing it for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe is both easy to make and incredibly rewarding.
One of the best things about this ham is its versatility—it pairs beautifully with a wide range of side dishes, and the leftovers can be used for countless delicious meals. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and packed with protein, making it a practical choice for feeding a crowd.
If you’re looking for a stress-free yet impressive centerpiece for your next gathering, this Honey Mustard Glazed Ham is the ultimate choice. Its rich flavor, eye-catching presentation, and ease of preparation make it a standout dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. So, fire up your oven, prepare the glaze, and get ready to serve a ham that will have everyone coming back for seconds!