How Do You Make the Best Honey Glazed Ham Recipe at Home?
The best honey glazed ham starts with a fully cooked smoked ham coated in a rich glaze made from honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, butter, and warm spices. Bake it low and slow while basting every 20 minutes to create a juicy interior and a beautifully caramelized crust that’s perfect for holidays or Sunday family dinners.
Few dishes make a holiday table feel as welcoming as a beautifully glazed ham. With its glossy caramelized exterior, juicy slices, and sweet-savory flavor, this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is an easy way to impress family and friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Paired with creamy baked mac and cheese, Southern collard greens, and candied sweet potatoes, it’s a complete comfort-food feast that’s ideal for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special Sunday dinner.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply want leftovers for sandwiches, soups, and casseroles, this foolproof recipe delivers tender, flavorful results every time.
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Why This Recipe Works
Great recipes aren’t just about combining ingredients—they’re about understanding why each one matters.
Honey Creates a Beautiful Glaze
Honey caramelizes naturally in the oven, giving the ham a glossy finish while adding floral sweetness that complements the smoky meat.
Brown Sugar Builds Rich Flavor
Brown sugar contains molasses, which deepens the glaze with caramel notes while helping develop that irresistible sticky crust.
Dijon Mustard Balances Sweetness
Rather than making the glaze taste mustardy, Dijon provides acidity and complexity that prevents the sweetness from becoming overpowering.
Apple Cider Vinegar Brightens Every Bite
A small amount of vinegar cuts through the richness of the ham and balances the sugars for a more rounded flavor.
Butter Adds Silkiness
Butter helps emulsify the glaze, making it easier to brush over the ham while adding richness.
Garlic and Warm Spices Enhance the Meat
Garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and cloves bring subtle savory warmth that complements smoked ham without overwhelming it.
Slow Baking Keeps the Ham Juicy
Because the ham is already cooked, gentle reheating prevents moisture loss while allowing the glaze to build layer after layer of flavor.
Recipe Card
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 2 hours |
| Total Time | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Servings | 12 |
| Calories | Approximately 620 per serving (ham only) |
| Cuisine | Southern American |
| Course | Main Course |
Ingredients
For the Honey Glazed Ham
- 1 fully cooked smoked ham (5–7 pounds)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Orange slices
- Fresh rosemary
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Extra cheddar for topping
Southern Collard Greens
- 2 pounds fresh collard greens
- 5 bacon slices
- 1 diced onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes to taste
Candied Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan
- Aluminum foil
- Pastry brush
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Dutch oven
- Large stockpot
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Colander
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Allowing the oven to fully preheat ensures even cooking from the start.
Common mistake: Placing the ham into a cool oven can cause uneven heating.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Place the smoked ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.
Using a sharp knife, lightly score the surface in a diamond pattern about ¼ inch deep.
Why This Matters
Scoring helps the glaze seep into the meat while creating more caramelized edges.
Avoid cutting too deeply, as excessive scoring can dry the ham.
Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Dijon mustard
- Melted butter
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Ground cloves
Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
Why This Matters
Heating the glaze dissolves the sugar completely, creating a silky mixture that brushes on evenly.
Step 4: Coat the Ham
Generously brush the glaze over every exposed surface of the ham.
Reserve about one-third of the glaze for later basting.
Why This Matters
Building glaze in layers produces deeper flavor than brushing it on only once.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake for approximately 1½ hours.
Every 20 minutes, remove the foil briefly and brush on another layer of glaze.
Why Frequent Glazing Works
Each application caramelizes slightly before the next, creating rich flavor and a beautiful glossy finish.
Avoid skipping the basting, or the glaze won’t develop as much depth.
Step 6: Finish Without the Foil
Remove the foil during the final 20–30 minutes of cooking.
Brush on the remaining glaze.
Bake until beautifully caramelized.
The edges should appear sticky and golden rather than burnt.
Tip: Watch carefully during these last minutes because honey can brown quickly.
Step 7: Rest Before Slicing
Transfer the ham to a cutting board.
Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Why Resting Is Essential
Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in slices that stay moist instead of drying out on the cutting board.
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Cook elbow macaroni until just al dente.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Slowly add milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously.
- Cook until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Colby Jack until smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Fold in the cooked pasta.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Broil for 2 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
Why it works: Combining three cheeses creates a sauce that’s creamy, stretchy, and packed with flavor, while broiling adds a crisp, irresistible topping.
Southern Collard Greens
Instructions
- Wash the collard greens thoroughly and remove the tough stems. Slice the leaves into bite-sized ribbons.
- In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add the collard greens a handful at a time, allowing them to wilt slightly before adding more.
- Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Return the cooked bacon to the pot.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with the apple cider vinegar just before serving.
Why This Works
Long, slow cooking softens the sturdy greens while allowing them to absorb the smoky bacon and flavorful broth. Adding the vinegar at the end brightens the dish and balances its richness.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Instructions
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into evenly sized pieces.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over medium heat.
- Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves into a smooth syrup.
- Add the sweet potatoes and toss gently to coat.
- Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove the lid and cook for another 5–10 minutes, allowing the syrup to reduce into a glossy glaze.
- Spoon the syrup over the potatoes before serving.
Why This Works
Sweet potatoes naturally become creamier as they cook, while the buttery honey glaze thickens into a rich coating that clings to every bite.
Pro Tips
- Bring the ham to room temperature for 30–45 minutes before baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overheating an already cooked ham.
- Baste every 20 minutes for the deepest flavor.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil to retain moisture.
- Remove the foil only for the final caramelization.
- Grate cheese fresh for the smoothest mac and cheese sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be slightly firm before baking.
- Wash collard greens well to remove grit.
- Add vinegar to collard greens at the end for the freshest flavor.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Let the ham rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Save leftover ham for soups, sandwiches, omelets, or casseroles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Bake the ham uncovered for the entire cooking time.
- Applying all of the glaze at once instead of layering it.
- Overheating the ham until it becomes dry.
- Overcooking the pasta before baking.
- Using pre-shredded cheese, which doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Skipping the resting period before slicing the ham.
- Burning the glaze during the final caramelization by leaving the ham unattended.
Variations
Gluten-Free
Use a gluten-free flour blend for the cheese sauce and gluten-free pasta. Confirm the Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free if needed.
Dairy-Free
Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use unsweetened dairy-free milk and cream, and substitute your favorite dairy-free shredded cheeses.
Lower-Sugar
Reduce the brown sugar by half and replace part of the honey with a sugar-free honey-style sweetener suitable for baking.
High-Protein
Serve larger portions of ham and pair with a protein-enriched pasta for the mac and cheese. You can also stir plain Greek yogurt into the cheese sauce after cooking for additional protein if dairy fits your diet.
Maple Glazed Ham
Replace half of the honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper caramel flavor.
Spicy Honey Ham
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for gentle heat.
Citrus Glaze
Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a bright, fresh twist.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potatoes will also keep well for 3–4 days when refrigerated.
Freezer
Slice the ham before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. The mac and cheese can also be frozen in individual portions, although the texture may soften slightly after reheating.
Reheating
Warm ham in a 300°F oven, covered with foil and a splash of broth or water, until heated through. Reheat the side dishes gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it.
- Assemble the mac and cheese one day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Cook the collard greens a day early; many people find their flavor improves overnight.
- Prepare the sweet potato glaze ahead of time and refrigerate separately.
- On serving day, bake the ham, finish the side dishes, and enjoy a stress-free meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Southern-style dinner pairs beautifully with:
- Homemade dinner rolls
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Cornbread
- Green bean casserole
- Deviled eggs
- Cranberry sauce
- Fresh garden salad
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Sweet tea
- Peach cobbler or banana pudding for dessert
Nutritional Notes
This meal offers a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Smoked ham provides protein, while sweet potatoes contribute fiber, vitamin A, and potassium. Collard greens add vitamins K and C, and the homemade cheese sauce creates a rich, comforting side. Adjust portion sizes and ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
A beautifully glazed ham is more than just the centerpiece of a holiday table—it’s a tradition that brings people together. This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe combines sweet honey, rich brown sugar, tangy Dijon mustard, and warm spices to create a caramelized glaze that transforms a fully cooked smoked ham into an unforgettable meal.
Paired with creamy baked mac and cheese, slow-simmered Southern collard greens, and buttery candied sweet potatoes, this comforting dinner is perfect for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Sunday suppers, or any gathering where homemade food takes center stage.
Whether you’re hosting a large family celebration or preparing leftovers for the week ahead, this complete Southern-inspired menu is easy to follow, packed with classic flavors, and designed to deliver consistently delicious results. Once you try it, it’s likely to become one of your most requested holiday meals.
FAQ SECTION
1. Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?
Yes. A spiral-cut ham works beautifully because the glaze seeps between the slices, adding flavor throughout. Just handle it gently when serving to keep the slices intact.
2. What temperature should a fully cooked ham reach?
A fully cooked ham only needs to be reheated to an internal temperature of 140°F when served hot. Using a meat thermometer helps prevent overcooking.
3. How do I keep my ham from drying out?
Cover it loosely with foil, bake at a low temperature (325°F), baste with glaze every 20 minutes, and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
4. Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make the glaze up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it. Warm it slightly before brushing it over the ham.
5. Can I freeze leftover honey glazed ham?
Yes. Slice the ham, wrap it tightly in freezer-safe packaging, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
6. What side dishes go best with honey glazed ham?
Classic pairings include baked mac and cheese, Southern collard greens, candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, cornbread, and deviled eggs.
7. How many people does a 5–7 pound ham serve?
A 5–7 pound bone-in ham typically serves 10–12 people, depending on portion size and the number of side dishes served.
Key Takeaways
- Bake a fully cooked smoked ham at 325°F for juicy, tender results.
- Layer the honey glaze every 20 minutes to build rich caramelized flavor.
- Rest the ham before slicing to retain moisture.
- Pair it with creamy mac and cheese, collard greens, and candied sweet potatoes for a complete Southern-style meal.
- Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and breakfast dishes.
This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe features a fully cooked smoked ham coated with a rich glaze made from honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, butter, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices. Slow baking at 325°F with regular basting creates a juicy interior and a caramelized exterior. Complete the meal with creamy baked mac and cheese, Southern collard greens, and buttery candied sweet potatoes for a classic holiday or Sunday dinner. The recipe includes make-ahead tips, storage instructions, variations, expert cooking advice, and serving ideas, making it an excellent choice for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings.
