Easy Honey Glazed Ham Recipe for the Holidays

9 min read

Last updated November 7, 2026

This easy honey glazed ham recipe turns a fully cooked spiral ham into a shiny, sweet holiday centerpiece. You warm the ham low and slow. Then you brush on a glaze of honey, brown sugar and mustard until it turns sticky and golden.

Because most store-bought spiral hams are already cooked, you are mainly reheating and glazing. That makes ham one of the easiest holiday mains you can serve.

Key Takeaways

Most spiral hams are fully cooked and only need reheating.
Reheat fully cooked ham to 140 degrees inside.
Bake at 325 degrees and cover the ham to keep it moist.
Add the glaze in the last 20 to 30 minutes so it does not burn.
Leftover ham makes great sandwiches, soups and breakfasts.

On This Page

Choosing the Right Ham
Ingredients
How to Make Honey Glazed Ham
How Long to Cook a Ham
Glaze Variations
What to Serve With Ham
How to Carve a Spiral Ham
Make-Ahead Tips
Storing and Using Leftovers

Choosing the Right Ham

The ham aisle can be confusing. Knowing the main types helps you pick the right one.

Fully Cooked Ham

Most hams sold in stores are fully cooked. You can eat them cold or warm them up. This recipe uses a fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham.

Cook-Before-Eating Ham

Some hams are labeled “cook before eating.” These need full cooking, not just reheating.

Bone-In vs Boneless

Bone-in hams usually have more flavor and stay juicier. Boneless hams are easier to slice and take up less space.

Spiral-Cut

Spiral hams are pre-sliced around the bone. They are easy to serve, but they can dry out if not covered while heating.

Always read the label carefully. It tells you which type you have and often includes heating directions.

140 degreesThe safe reheating temperature for fully cooked ham, per the agency.

Ingredients

This recipe serves about 12 to 16 people with a bone-in spiral ham.

Ingredient	Amount
Fully cooked bone-in spiral ham	8 to 10 pounds
Honey	1/2 cup
Brown sugar, packed	1/2 cup
Dijon mustard	2 tablespoons
Butter	3 tablespoons
Ground cinnamon	1/2 teaspoon
Ground cloves	1 pinch
Orange juice or water	1/2 cup, for the pan

Use the calculator below to choose the right ham size for your crowd.

Servings scaler

Number of guests

This estimate uses a little over 1/2 pound of bone-in ham per guest, with some leftovers.

Quick tip. Place the ham cut side down in the pan. It keeps the slices from drying out while it warms.

How to Make Honey Glazed Ham

This method keeps the ham juicy while building a sticky, caramelized crust.

1. Let the Ham Rest at Room Temperature Briefly

Take the ham out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking. Do not leave it out longer than 2 hours.

2. Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven to 325 degrees. Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan.

3. Add Liquid and Cover

Pour orange juice or water into the bottom of the pan. Cover the ham tightly with foil to trap moisture.

4. Warm the Ham

Bake until the inside reaches 140 degrees on a food thermometer. A whole fully cooked ham usually takes 15 to 18 minutes per pound at 325 degrees.

5. Make the Glaze

While the ham warms, melt the butter in a small pan. Stir in honey, brown sugar, mustard, cinnamon and cloves. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth.

6. Glaze the Ham

About 20 to 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil. Brush half of the glaze over the ham, letting it drip between the slices.

7. Finish and Rest

Return the ham to the oven uncovered. Brush on the rest of the glaze after 10 minutes. Let the ham rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Which glaze would you try on your holiday ham?

Classic honey
Pineapple brown sugar
Spicy honey
Not sure

How Long to Cook a Ham

Cooking time depends on the type and size of your ham. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) gives these times at 325 degrees, in its holiday meats guide.

Ham type	Weight	Minutes per pound
Fully cooked, whole	14 to 16 pounds	15 to 18
Fully cooked, half	7 to 8 pounds	18 to 25
Fully cooked, boneless	3 to 4 pounds	27 to 33
Cook-before-eating, whole bone-in	Varies	18 to 20
Cook-before-eating, half bone-in	Varies	22 to 25

Fully cooked hams should reach 140 degrees when reheated. Cook-before-eating hams need to reach 145 degrees, followed by at least a 3-minute rest.

Always use a food thermometer in the thickest part of the ham, away from the bone. Ovens vary, so start checking early.

Good to know. A fully cooked ham is safe to eat cold. Warming it simply makes it taste better.

Glaze Variations

The honey glaze is classic, but small changes create new flavors. Try one of these on your next ham.

Pineapple Brown Sugar

Swap orange juice for pineapple juice in the pan and add a little to the glaze. Decorate the ham with pineapple rings for a retro look.

Maple Dijon

Replace honey with pure maple syrup and add an extra spoonful of Dijon mustard for tang.

Spicy Honey

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze. It gives a sweet and spicy kick.

Cranberry Orange

Stir a few spoonfuls of cranberry sauce and some orange zest into the glaze. It turns a lovely deep red.

What to Serve With Ham

Ham pairs well with both sweet and savory sides. Build a balanced plate with a few of these.

Sweet potatoes are a natural match. Try our easy sweet potato casserole with pecan topping.

Green vegetables add color and freshness. Our easy green bean casserole recipe is always popular.

Rolls, mashed potatoes, roasted carrots and a crisp salad round out the meal. A spoonful of homemade cranberry sauce adds a bright, tart contrast.

Check the ham label for its type
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
Cover the ham with foil
Make the glaze
Glaze in the last 20 to 30 minutes
Check for 140 degrees with a thermometer

How to Carve a Spiral Ham

Spiral hams are already sliced, which makes serving easy.

Set the ham on a cutting board with the flat side down. Run a sharp knife along the bone to release the slices.

Cut along the natural seams to free sections of meat. Arrange slices on a warm platter and spoon pan juices over them.

Save the bone. It adds rich flavor to soups and beans.

What temperature should a fully cooked ham reach when reheated?

110 degrees
140 degrees
200 degrees

The agency says fully cooked hams can be reheated to 140 degrees.

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Slow Cooker Ham Option

Short on oven space? A smaller fully cooked ham can warm in a slow cooker.

Choose a ham that fits with the lid closed, usually a boneless or small bone-in ham. Pour the glaze over the top and cook on low until the center reaches 140 degrees.

Spoon the juices over the ham a few times while it warms. For a crispier top, move it to a hot oven for a few minutes before serving.

Using the Ham Bone

Do not throw away the bone. It holds lots of flavor and makes a rich base for soups.

Place the bone in a large pot with water, onion, carrot and celery. Simmer for a few hours, then strain the broth.

Use the broth for split pea soup, bean soup or collard greens. Pick off any leftover meat and add it back to the pot.

Freeze the bone if you are not ready to use it. It keeps well for a later soup night.

Make-Ahead Tips

Holiday cooking is easier when you plan ahead.

Make the glaze up to three days early and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before brushing it on.

You can also bake the ham earlier in the day. Slice it and keep it warm in a covered dish in a low oven. Keep hot food at 140 degrees or above until serving.

If you need oven space for sides, warm the ham first. Let it rest under foil while other dishes bake.

Food Safety Tips

Safe handling keeps your holiday meal worry-free.

Keep raw and cooked foods separate, and wash your hands and surfaces often. The agency explains these steps of clean, separate, cook and chill, on its food safety basics page.

Do not leave ham or other perishable food at room temperature for more than 2 hours. That drops to 1 hour when it is above 90 degrees.

When should you brush on the honey glaze?

Before the ham goes in the oven
The night before
In the last 20 to 30 minutes

Adding glaze near the end keeps the sugar from burning.

Add to calendar

Storing and Using Leftovers

Leftover ham is one of the best parts of the holiday. Refrigerate it within 2 hours of serving.

The agency says store-wrapped cooked ham portions keep 3 to 5 days in the fridge. For other foods, check the FoodSafety.gov cold storage chart.

Wrap slices tightly or store them in airtight containers. You can also freeze ham for longer storage.

Leftover Ham Ideas

Ham and cheese sliders on soft rolls
Ham and potato soup made with the bone
Fried rice with diced ham and vegetables
Breakfast omelets or quiche
Split pea soup or white beans with ham

Ham Buying Tips

Buy your ham a few days before the holiday, so you are not rushing on busy shopping days. Check the date on the package and keep it in the fridge until you cook it.

Look for a ham with an even shape and no tears in the packaging. If you prefer less fat, ask the butcher for a trimmed ham.

Some stores sell hams with a glaze packet. You can use it or swap it for this homemade glaze.

Offers can change and many vary by location. Confirm before you go.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few slip-ups can dry out an otherwise great ham.

Cooking uncovered for too long dries out the edges, especially on spiral hams. Keep the foil on until it is time to glaze.

Adding the glaze too early can burn the sugar. Wait until the last 20 to 30 minutes.

Skipping the thermometer makes it easy to overheat the ham. Pull it out when it reaches 140 degrees.

Planning Your Holiday Menu

Ham is a favorite for Christmas, Easter and other family feasts. If you are planning a Christmas dinner, see our guide to what day Christmas 2026 falls on for key dates.

Write out a cooking timeline the day before. Note when the ham goes in, when the glaze goes on and when each side dish bakes.

Try this today. Check that your food thermometer works. Test it in a glass of ice water, where it should read about 32 degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I reheat a fully cooked ham to?

Reheat a fully cooked ham to 140 degrees inside, measured with a food thermometer.

How long does it take to heat a spiral ham?

At 325 degrees, a whole fully cooked ham takes about 15 to 18 minutes per pound.

When should I put the glaze on a ham?

Add glaze during the last 20 to 30 minutes so the sugar does not burn.

Should I cover my ham while baking?

Yes. Covering with foil keeps the ham moist. Remove it when you add the glaze.

How long does leftover ham last?

Store-wrapped cooked ham portions keep 3 to 5 days in the fridge, according to the agency.

Conclusion

Honey glazed ham is easy, festive and perfect for feeding a crowd. Warm it gently, glaze it at the end and use a thermometer for perfect results.

Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a beautiful holiday centerpiece with plenty of tasty leftovers.

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Editor’s Note

This recipe is accurate as of November 7, 2026. Cooking times and temperatures are based on federal guidance. Always check your ham’s label for specific heating directions.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

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