Sweet Honey-Glazed Easter Ham Recipe: A Festive Feast!

Celebrating special occasions calls for a memorable main dish that brings everyone together around the homemade easter ham.

This juicy, tender centerpiece promises to delight every palate with its golden-brown exterior and rich, savory flavor.

Slow-roasted to perfection, the ham delivers a mouthwatering aroma that fills the kitchen with anticipation.

Each slice promises a delectable blend of sweet and smoky notes that dance on your taste buds.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with expert techniques to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Tender, glazed, and bursting with flavor, this ham will become the star of your holiday table.

Prepare to impress your loved ones with this show-stopping centerpiece that elevates your Easter celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 265 kcal

Servings: 13

Everything Needed For Glazed Easter Ham

• Fully Cooked Ham: Choose a bone-in ham for richer flavor and juicier meat, selecting a high-quality cut from a trusted butcher for best results.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a deep caramelized sweetness and helps form a gorgeous sticky coating.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze create a beautiful glossy finish.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy kick and helps balance the sweetness with subtle sharpness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens the flavor profile and helps cut through the richness of the ham.

• Cinnamon: Brings a warm, comforting undertone that complements the ham's savory profile.
• Cloves: Adds a deep, aromatic warmth traditional in holiday glazes.
• Ginger: Introduces a subtle zingy note that enhances the overall complexity of the glaze.
• Black Pepper: Provides a gentle background heat and rounds out the flavor spectrum.

Cooking Gear For Glazed Easter Ham

• Large Roasting Pan: Essential for baking the ham evenly and catching delicious drippings.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover and protect the ham during initial baking.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating the sweet and spicy glaze mixture.
• Pastry Brush: Crucial for spreading glaze evenly over the ham's surface.
• Sharp Carving Knife: Needed for slicing the ham neatly after resting.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring the glaze while it simmers.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for the perfect glaze.

Step Guide For Glazed Easter Ham

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325F. Nestle the ham into a roasting pan with the cut side facing down and wrap it snugly in aluminum foil.

• Slow Roast The Ham

Let the ham bake gently, allowing about 10-12 minutes per pound. An average ham will need roughly 1.5 hours to reach delicious perfection.

• Whip Up A Tantalizing Glaze

Create a flavor explosion by combining brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and warming spices in a saucepan. Simmer until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thick coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Caramelize The Masterpiece

Boost the oven temperature to 400F. Lovingly brush half the glaze over the ham, making sure it seeps into every delectable crevice. Bake uncovered until the surface turns a gorgeous golden brown. Splash the remaining glaze and continue baking until it bubbles with caramelized glory.

• Present And Devour

Allow the ham to rest briefly, then slice and serve. Drizzle any remaining pan juices for an extra flavor punch that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Simple Tweaks For Glazed Easter Ham

• Glaze Perfection Technique: Brush the glaze in stages to create a deep, caramelized coating that locks in moisture and adds incredible flavor complexity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the glaze up to three days in advance and store in the refrigerator, saving precious time on holiday cooking day.
• Leftover Ham Transformation: Transform remaining ham into delicious sandwiches, quiches, or diced additions to breakfast casseroles for zero food waste.
• Diet-Friendly Swap: For low-sugar diets, replace brown sugar with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener while maintaining the glaze's rich flavor profile.
• Ham Selection Pro Tip: Choose bone-in ham for maximum flavor and moisture, preferably from a trusted butcher who can recommend the best cut for your gathering.

How To Plate Glazed Easter Ham

• Flavor Companions: Pair the glazed ham with tangy roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet maple-glazed carrots for a delightful color and taste contrast.
• Spring Feast Presentation: Garnish the ham platter with fresh rosemary sprigs, colorful edible flowers, and citrus slices to create a stunning Easter table centerpiece.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining ham into delicious sandwiches, quiche, or chop into a hearty breakfast hash with crispy potatoes and eggs.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the sweet and savory ham with a crisp Riesling or a light Pinot Noir that balances the rich, caramelized glaze flavor.

Best Way To Store Glazed Easter Ham

• Refrigerator Haven: Wrap leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, storing in airtight containers. Enjoy within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and flavor.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Slice ham into portions, wrap individually in freezer-safe bags. Frozen ham stays delicious for up to 2 months when sealed correctly.
• Meal Transformation Magic: Repurpose remaining ham in breakfast omelets, salads, sandwiches, or hearty soups for exciting culinary adventures.
• Reheating Wisdom: Gently warm ham slices in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Low and slow heating ensures tender, succulent results.

Succulent Easter Ham Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Classic glazed easter ham delights families with its sweet and savory profile. Rich honey-mustard glaze creates irresistible flavor for festive holiday gatherings. Guests will savor each tender, succulent slice.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (8-10 lbs / 3.6-4.5 kg) bone-in spiral-cut ham
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (170 g / 6 oz) honey
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) apple cider vinegar or orange juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Position: Warm the oven to 325F (165C). Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan, fully covering with aluminum foil to preserve moisture and prevent excessive browning.
2. Initial Roasting: Cook the ham for 10-12 minutes per pound, with an 8-pound ham requiring approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. This slow roasting ensures tender, evenly heated meat.
3. Glaze Preparation: Combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper in a saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and develops a rich, glossy consistency.
4. First Glazing Stage: Remove ham from the oven and increase temperature to 400F (200C). Brush half the glaze generously over the entire surface, paying attention to the slice crevices. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 15 minutes to initiate caramelization.
5. Final Glazing and Caramelization: Apply the remaining glaze, creating a sumptuous coating. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the surface transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece with intense flavor depth.
6. Resting and Serving: Extract the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm, drizzling any residual pan glaze for an extra flavor boost.

Notes

• Optimize Ham Temperature: Let the ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating and prevent dry edges.
• Control Glaze Consistency: Whisk glaze ingredients continuously while simmering to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture that adheres perfectly to the ham’s surface.
• Monitor Caramelization Carefully: Watch the ham closely during the final glazing stages to prevent burning, as sugars can quickly transform from golden to charred.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: For low-sugar diets, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use a sugar-free honey alternative to maintain the glaze’s richness without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg