Make the perfect honey glazed ham for your Thanksgiving feast! This easy recipe features a simple brown sugar glaze and juicy, tender results. Get ready for rave reviews!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet honey, rich brown sugar, and warm spices creates a deeply savory and aromatic glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- Tender & Juicy Every Time: Follow these simple steps, and you’re guaranteed a moist, succulent ham that will be the star of your Thanksgiving table.
- Effortless Elegance: This recipe uses a pre-cooked, spiral-cut ham, making preparation incredibly straightforward, even for busy hosts.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: A classic for a reason, this honey glazed ham appeals to everyone and pairs wonderfully with traditional Thanksgiving sides.
- Visual Showstopper: The glistening, golden-brown finish makes this ham as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients Needed for Honey Glazed Ham
- 1 bone-in spiral-cut ham about 10 pounds
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Ginger
- 1 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Cinnamon
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Ham Selection: Opt for a bone-in spiral-cut ham for ease of serving and even cooking. Ensure it’s fully cooked before you begin. Look for hams with good marbling for extra moisture.
Sweetener Swaps: While honey and brown sugar are classic, you can experiment with maple syrup or even a bit of molasses for a darker, richer flavor profile.
Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spice blend to your preference. A pinch of nutmeg or cloves can also be added for extra warmth.
Fat Content: Spiral-cut hams are typically leaner, but the glaze adds richness. The bone also imparts flavor and helps keep the meat moist.
How to Make the Perfect Honey Glazed Ham
1. Prepare for Roasting
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the bone-in spiral-cut ham cut-side down on its side in a roasting pan. This position helps keep the center moist.
2. Mix the Glorious Glaze
In a small bowl, combine the honey, firmly packed brown sugar, McCormick® Ground Ginger, McCormick® Ground Mustard, and McCormick® Ground Cinnamon until thoroughly blended. If the mixture seems too thick, microwave it on HIGH for 30 seconds to 1 minute to 1 minute, stirring halfway through, until it reaches a smooth, brushable consistency.
3. First Glaze Application
Brush about half of the honey mixture evenly over the ham. Gently separate the spiral slices with a brush or spoon to ensure the glaze penetrates into the ham’s center.
4. Initial Bake & Basting
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the glaze from burning too quickly. Bake for 1 hour, basting occasionally with the pan drippings. This step is crucial for infusing flavor and maintaining moisture.
5. Final Glaze & Bake
Remove the foil. Brush the remaining honey mixture over the ham, again ensuring it gets between the slices. Bake for another 45 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
6. Rest Before Serving
Once removed from the oven, let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Serve with the delicious pan drippings.
The Science Behind the Perfect Glaze & Tender Ham
Understanding Maillard Reaction and Caramelization
The Maillard reaction, a complex process between amino acids and reducing sugars, is responsible for the browning and rich, savory flavors developed when cooking meats. In this recipe, it works alongside the sugars in the honey and brown sugar.
Caramelization occurs when sugars are heated, transforming into a deep golden-brown liquid with a distinct, slightly bitter-sweet flavor. The brown sugar and honey in our glaze caramelize during the final stages of baking, creating that irresistible, glistening crust.
Achieving the right balance ensures a beautiful exterior without burning the sugars. The initial covered baking period allows the ham to heat through gently, while uncovering it for the final phase lets the glaze work its magic.
Selecting and Preparing Your Ham
Choosing the Right Ham: For Thanksgiving, a bone-in spiral-cut ham (around 10 lbs) is ideal. The bone adds flavor, and the spiral cut makes carving a breeze. Ensure you purchase a “fully cooked” ham.
Ham Types: While spiral-cut is convenient, other whole bone-in hams can also be used. Adjust cooking times based on weight and type. Avoid pre-sliced deli ham for this recipe.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting for Your Honey Glazed Ham
Expert Tips for Success
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always verify the ham has reached an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) in the thickest part, away from the bone, for safety and optimal texture.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes after baking is non-negotiable for a juicy ham.
- Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick straight from the bowl, a quick 30-60 second microwave zap smooths it out perfectly.
- Basting is Key: Regularly spooning the pan drippings over the ham during the final uncovered baking stage adds immense flavor and moisture.
- Separate the Slices: Gently lift the slices when applying the glaze to ensure flavor gets into every nook and cranny.
- Adjust Oven Temp if Needed: If your oven tends to run hot, consider lowering the temperature slightly to prevent the glaze from burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: This is the primary culprit for dry, tough ham. Stick to the recommended times and use a thermometer.
- Not Resting the Ham: Skipping the resting period leads to juices running out when carved, making the meat dry.
- Glaze Timing: Applying the glaze too early can cause it to burn. The recipe’s two-stage application is designed for optimal caramelization.
- Forgetting the Thermometer: Relying solely on time can be inaccurate. A thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked ham.
- Not Basting: Missing out on basting means missing out on crucial flavor and moisture.
Serving & Storage
Delicious Serving Ideas
Classic Thanksgiving Pairings: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and tart cranberry sauce. If you’re looking for more Thanksgiving side dish ideas, check out our anti-inflammatory diet meal plan for healthy options that complement the holiday meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Complement the ham’s sweetness with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. A pumpkin sweet potato soup can also be a warm and flavorful starter.
Fruity Counterparts: Offer a side of applesauce or a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. A simple apple arugula salad with goat cheese provides a refreshing contrast.
Beverage Pairings: Consider a crisp white wine, a light-bodied red, or even a festive sparkling cider. For a non-alcoholic option, a tart cherry sleep mocktail can be a soothing choice.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Make-Ahead Glaze: The honey glaze mixture can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently warm it before applying.
Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can repurpose leftover ham into other delicious dishes, like a dense bean salad or incorporated into a rice bowl.
Reheating: To reheat slices, gently warm them in a covered dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, gently warm in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving large portions, as it can make the ham tough.
Conclusion
This honey glazed ham recipe delivers a show-stopping centerpiece for your Thanksgiving celebration without the fuss. With its perfectly balanced sweet and savory glaze, incredibly moist texture, and straightforward preparation, it’s sure to become a holiday favorite. Enjoy the delicious results and the compliments that are sure to follow!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What internal temperature should a honey glazed ham reach?
- A honey glazed ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when measured in the thickest part of the ham, away from the bone. This ensures it is safely cooked and still moist.
- How long does it take to cook a 10-pound honey glazed ham?
- For a 10-pound bone-in spiral-cut ham, the general guideline is about 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F (160°C). The recipe provided bakes for 1 hour and 45 minutes total, which is a good starting point for a 10-pound ham.
- Can I make the honey glaze ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the honey glaze mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You may need to gently warm it to achieve a smooth consistency before applying it to the ham.
- How do I ensure the ham stays moist?
- To keep the ham moist, ensure you don’t overcook it. Basting occasionally with pan drippings and covering loosely with foil for the initial part of the baking helps retain moisture. Allowing the ham to rest after baking is also crucial. For other moist and flavorful dishes, consider a creamy Tuscan white bean soup or an easy crockpot chicken breast recipe.
- What are good side dishes for honey glazed ham?
- Classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce pair wonderfully. Roasted root vegetables and applesauce are also excellent choices. You might also enjoy a Mediterranean pasta salad or a hearty potato leek soup.
- How to reheat honey glazed ham?
- Gently reheat leftover ham slices in a covered dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven with a splash of water or broth, or warm them slowly in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture.
Honey Glazed Ham for Thanksgiving
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the bone-in spiral-cut ham cut-side down on its side in a roasting pan. This position helps keep the center moist.
- In a small bowl, combine the honey, firmly packed brown sugar, McCormick® Ground Ginger, McCormick® Ground Mustard, and McCormick® Ground Cinnamon until thoroughly blended. If the mixture seems too thick, microwave it on HIGH for 30 seconds to 1 minute to 1 minute, stirring halfway through, until it reaches a smooth, brushable consistency.
- Brush about half of the honey mixture evenly over the ham. Gently separate the spiral slices with a brush or spoon to ensure the glaze penetrates into the ham's center.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the glaze from burning too quickly. Bake for 1 hour, basting occasionally with the pan drippings. This step is crucial for infusing flavor and maintaining moisture.
- Remove the foil. Brush the remaining honey mixture over the ham, again ensuring it gets between the slices. Bake for another 45 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Once removed from the oven, let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Serve with the delicious pan drippings.
