Easy Honey Mustard Glaze Ham Recipe | Juicy Holiday Ham with Sweet & Tangy Glaze
Sweet, tangy, and perfectly caramelized — this Honey Mustard Glaze Ham is a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday table. Juicy ham baked with a golden honey mustard glaze delivers irresistible flavor that’s both comforting and festive.
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
- Small saucepan (for glaze)
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in spiral ham (8–10 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup Dijon mustard (or whole-grain mustard)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup pineapple or orange juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for depth)
- Whole cloves (optional, for studding)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (for garnish)
- Citrus slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score ham in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves if desired.
- In a saucepan, whisk together honey, mustard, brown sugar, juice, garlic, and soy sauce. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Place ham in roasting pan and brush with glaze. Cover loosely with foil.
- Bake for 15 minutes per pound, basting every 20 minutes.
- During the last hour, remove foil and apply glaze liberally to allow caramelization.
- Bake until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with herbs and citrus slices.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Bake ham a day ahead and reheat gently, wrapped in foil.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days; freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in oven at 325°F, wrapped in foil to retain moisture.
- Common mistakes: Avoid overcooking (dries ham), don’t glaze too early (burns), and don’t oversalt (ham is already salty).
- Variations: Try chili flakes for spice, apricot preserves for fruitiness, or bourbon/maple syrup for smoky depth.
- Pairings: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or dinner rolls.