Glazed Ham Recipe With Brown Sugar and Honey: Sweet and Sticky Holiday Centerpiece

This glazed ham has become my go-to centerpiece for holiday gatherings, delivering a sweet and sticky finish that never fails to impress.

With just brown sugar and honey, the glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating layers of flavor that complement the natural richness of the ham.

I developed this recipe after years of testing, ensuring a balanced sweetness that enhances rather than overpowers. The result is a showstopping dish with a glossy, golden exterior.

Serve it alongside classic sides for a meal that feels both special and effortless. Here’s how to make it perfectly every time.

Ingredients for Glazed Ham Recipe with Brown Sugar and Honey

Holiday centerpiece starts with these rich, sweet, and aromatic ingredients for that perfect glaze.

The ham is the star—bone-in spiral-cut from HoneyBaked Ham or your local butcher saves carving hassle. Look for a ham labeled fully cooked (most are) and aim for about 1 lb per person for generous servings. I grab mine from Costco for the best value, but Whole Foods has great organic options. Avoid pre-glazed hams since we’re making our own (and it’s way better).

Short on brown sugar? Dark brown sugar at a 1:1 swap deepens the molasses notes. No honey? Pure maple syrup works but adds a different flavor. Skip the cloves? Allspice at half the amount gets you close. For the mustard, yellow mustard in a pinch (though Dijon’s tang is ideal). The vinegar can be swapped for lemon juice—freshly squeezed only.

Leftovers keep beautifully. Store wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze slices for 2-3 months. The glaze can be made ahead—store in a jar for 1 week and reheat gently before brushing on the ham.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Glazed Ham With Brown Sugar and Honey

Here’s my method for achieving that perfect sticky, caramelized crust with juicy meat underneath.

Step 1: Prep the Ham and Create the Clove Pattern

Start with the 6 lb Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham—I prefer spiral-cut for effortless serving. Place it cut-side down in a roasting pan. Here’s the thing—score the surface in a diamond pattern, about ¼ inch deep. This isn’t just for looks; it helps the glaze penetrate and creates more crispy edges.

Press the 20 pieces Whole Cloves into the intersections of your diamond scores. If you’re using a pre-scored ham, just space them evenly. These little flavor bombs will infuse the meat with warm, aromatic notes as it bakes.

Step 2: Build the Glaze Base

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter. Once foamy, whisk in the 1.5 cups Light Brown Sugar and 0.5 cup Honey. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly—you’re aiming for a smooth, syrupy consistency.

Now add the 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard, 0.5 tsp Ground Cloves, 0.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon, 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 0.25 cup Orange Juice, and 1 tsp Vanilla Extract. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring often. The vinegar and orange juice cut through the sweetness, while the spices add depth. Trust me, this balance is what makes the glaze irresistible.

Step 3: Apply the Glaze and Bake

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Brush the ham generously with about half the glaze, making sure to get into all those scored grooves and between the slices if using spiral-cut. Pour ¼ cup water into the bottom of the pan to prevent drippings from burning.

Bake uncovered for 1 hour 15 minutes. After 30 minutes, start basting the ham with the pan juices every 15-20 minutes. You’ll see the glaze transform into a glossy, deep amber coating. If it starts to darken too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Step 4: Finish with a Final Glaze and Rest

Remove the ham from the oven and increase heat to 425°F. Brush on the remaining glaze, then return it to the oven for 5-7 minutes to set the coating. Watch it closely—you want a sticky, caramelized crust, not a burnt one.

Transfer the ham to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. This rest allows the juices to redistribute, so every slice stays moist. Garnish with the 1 cup Fresh Pineapple if desired. The pineapple adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, sweet ham.

Best Sauces and Condiments for This glazed ham recipe with brown sugar and honey

Mustard Varieties

For a tangy kick, serve with Dijon mustard—it echoes the mustard in the glaze beautifully. I also love whole grain mustard for its textural contrast. Just 1 teaspoon per serving adds complexity without overwhelming the ham’s sweetness.

Sweet Companions

A dollop of orange marmalade enhances the citrus notes in your glaze. I discovered this pairing at a Sunday family dinner—it’s been a staple ever since. Try 2 tablespoons warmed slightly for easy spreading.

Spicy Contrast

Balance the sweetness with honey mustard sauce—mix 3 tablespoons mayo, 1 tablespoon Dijon, and 1 tablespoon honey. This creamy, tangy dip cuts through the richness perfectly. 💡

Fresh Toppings

Offer fresh pineapple salsa as a bright, fruity topping. Combine diced fresh pineapple, red onion, and cilantro with lime juice. The acidity refreshes your palate between bites.

Classic Gravy

Use the pan drippings to make a quick gravy—simmer with 1 cup chicken broth and 1 tablespoon cornstarch slurry. This savory addition complements the sweet glaze beautifully.

Cheese Pairings

For a gourmet touch, serve with sharp cheddar or Gouda slices. The saltiness contrasts the ham’s sweetness. I love how this simple addition elevates the whole meal. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions