Honey Baked Ham Recipe – Easy Holiday Dinner Main Course Idea
Honey baked ham is the ultimate holiday centerpiece! Juicy ham coated in a sweet honey glaze with warm spices creates a flavorful, tender dish that’s perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any festive family dinner. Simple to prepare yet elegant enough to impress your guests.
Equipment
- Roasting pan with rack
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Saucepan
- Foil
- Kitchen torch (or broiler)
Ingredients
- 1 spiral-cut smoked ham (8–10 lbs)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or brewed coffee (optional, for depth)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare roasting pan with rack.
- Position Ham: Place ham flat side down, cover loosely with foil.
- Prepare Glaze Base: Mix honey and melted butter. Brush generously over ham.
- Bake: Cook until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), about 10–12 minutes per pound. Baste every 20–30 minutes.
- Add Brown Sugar Glaze: In final 20 minutes, mix brown sugar with spices. Spread over ham and bake uncovered.
- Caramelize: Broil briefly or use kitchen torch to create a caramelized crust.
- Rest & Serve: Let ham rest 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Maple syrup can replace honey for a deeper sweetness.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Bourbon or cola enhances caramelization.
- Pineapple juice adds tropical flair.
- Always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches or breakfast scrambles.