It was the Christmas Eve of my first year out of college, and I had just moved into a tiny studio apartment across town from my family’s house. I was determined to host the family for our traditional holiday dinner that year, even if it meant cramming everyone into my 500-square-foot space. After all, I’d just landed my first big-girl job and was ready to prove I could adult like a pro.
When I called my mom to share my plans, she was equal parts surprised and delighted. “A Honey Glazed Spiral Ham?” she exclaimed. “That’s my favorite! Are you sure you want to take that on?” I assured her I had it all under control, remembering how effortless it had looked when she made it each year.
Little did I know, there was a secret art to that shiny, flavor-packed ham that I was about to learn. As I meticulously followed her recipe, basting the ham to perfection and then drizzling on the sweet glaze, the aroma filled my tiny apartment. By the time my family arrived, they were practically drooling before they even walked through the door.
That first Honey Glazed Spiral Ham I made was an absolute showstopper – the perfect blend of salty, sweet, and spice that had everyone going back for seconds. And from that day on, it’s become my go-to holiday (and anytime!) main dish. If you’re looking for a recipe that will impress your guests and has everyone asking for more, this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham is the one.
Why This Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
The key to an absolutely mouthwatering Honey Glazed Spiral Ham lies in the glaze. Sure, the spiral-cut ham itself is the star of the show, but it’s the rich, caramelized honey-mustard coating that takes it to the next level. By basting the ham with this sweet and savory mixture throughout the cooking process, you end up with a shiny, flavorful exterior that seals in all the juices.
But the secret ingredient that really makes this recipe shine? Ground cinnamon. Adding just a touch of warm spice to the glaze gives the Honey Glazed Spiral Ham an unexpected depth of flavor that’ll have your guests wondering what your delicious little “secret” is. Combined with a sprinkle of cloves and nutmeg, it creates a flavor profile that’s truly out of this world.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to nailing this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe is using the highest-quality ingredients. Start with a large (8-10 lb) spiral-cut ham – the spiral slicing ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned and juicy. For the glaze, you’ll need a full cup of sweet, golden honey, plus brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a trio of warm spices: cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
The honey is the real star of the show here, providing that signature glossy sheen and caramelized flavor. Brown sugar adds depth and a hint of molasses, while the Dijon mustard lends a savory counterpoint to balance out the sweetness. And those fragrant spices? They infuse the ham with an irresistible aroma that’ll have your guests swooning.
Step-by-Step Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Instructions
Preparing Your Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 60 minutes, this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe is an absolute breeze to throw together. You’ll need a large roasting pan, some foil, and a few simple tools to get started.
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. Place the spiral-cut ham flat-side down in the roasting pan and cover loosely with foil. This will help the ham retain its moisture as it cooks.
2- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whisk everything together until the glaze is smooth and well-incorporated.
3- About halfway through the ham’s 60-minute cook time, remove the foil and start basting the ham generously with the honey glaze. Be sure to get the glaze into all the nooks and crannies of the spiral cuts.
4- Continue basting the ham every 10-15 minutes, until it develops a beautiful, glossy caramelized exterior. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
5- Once the ham is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
6- Serve your stunning Honey Glazed Spiral Ham warm, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or citrus slices for a beautiful presentation.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Honey Glazed Spiral Ham turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Choose a high-quality, bone-in spiral-cut ham for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-cooked or boneless hams, which can dry out more easily.
- Don’t be afraid to really slather on the glaze – the more you baste it, the more caramelized and flavorful the exterior will become.
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and avoid overcooking. Spiral-cut hams can dry out quickly if cooked too long.
- Let the ham rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. This prevents them from running out when you cut into it.
Serving and Storing Your Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
Perfect Pairings for Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
This Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe is the ultimate holiday main dish, serving 10-12 people generously. For the perfect pairing, serve it alongside classic Christmas sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a bright, crisp salad. The sweet-and-savory ham also complements hearty winter vegetables like roasted carrots, parsnips, and butternut squash.
To round out the meal, pour some festive cocktails like mulled wine or spiked apple cider. For non-alcoholic options, creamy eggnog or hot chocolate are always a hit. And don’t forget the dinner rolls – they’re perfect for sopping up any extra glaze on the plate.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham is that it can be prepared ahead of time, making your holiday hosting a breeze.
For storage, you can refrigerate the cooked and glazed ham for up to 5 days. Simply reheat slices in the oven or microwave when ready to serve. You can also freeze the entire ham for up to 3 months – just be sure to wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe plastic. To reheat from frozen, bake at 325°F until warmed through, about 1-2 hours.
If you want to get a head start, you can actually prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Then, simply brush it onto the ham and bake on the day you plan to serve it. This way, you can enjoy all the delicious aroma and flavor with minimal last-minute effort.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
Creative Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Variations
There are so many ways to put a unique spin on this classic Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe. For a citrusy twist, try swapping out the Dijon mustard for whole-grain or honey mustard and adding a tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the glaze.
You can also get creative with the spices – some cooks like to add a dash of ground ginger or allspice for a warming, holiday-inspired flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try basting the ham with a maple syrup glaze instead of honey for a rich, caramelized exterior.
And for a show-stopping presentation, brush the ham with the glaze and then sprinkle it with chopped pecans or sliced almonds before baking. The nuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet-and-savory ham.
Making Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Diet-Friendly
This Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe can easily be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the Dijon mustard for a gluten-free alternative. You can also use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar for a low-glycemic option.
Looking to make it dairy-free? Omit the butter and use olive oil or coconut oil when basting the ham. And for a vegan or vegetarian twist, skip the ham altogether and use a large butternut squash or portobello mushroom caps in its place. Simply bake the squash or mushrooms and glaze them with the same sweet-and-spicy mixture.
No matter how you choose to adapt it, this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe is sure to be a hit with all your guests – no matter their dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of ham besides spiral-cut?
A: While you can certainly use a different style of ham, spiral-cut is really the best choice for this recipe. The pre-sliced presentation allows the glaze to soak into all the nooks and crannies, resulting in maximum flavor in every bite. Boneless or non-spiral hams may dry out more easily.
Q: How long does it take to cook this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham recipe?
A: With a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 60 minutes, the total time for this recipe is 75 minutes. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, which should reach 140°F when the ham is fully cooked.
Q: Can I make the Honey Glazed Spiral Ham ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. You can refrigerate the cooked and glazed ham for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply reheat the slices in the oven or microwave.
Q: How many people does this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham serve?
A: This recipe is designed to serve 10-12 people generously. The 8-10 lb spiral-cut ham provides plenty of delicious, protein-packed servings. If you’re hosting a smaller crowd, you can always scale down the recipe or enjoy the leftovers throughout the week.
Q: What should I do if the glaze starts to burn?
A: If you notice the glaze is starting to brown or caramelize too quickly, simply tent the ham loosely with foil to prevent further browning. You can also reduce the oven temperature by 25°F if needed. Just be sure to keep basting the ham to maintain that beautiful, shiny exterior.
Conclusion
This Honey Glazed Spiral Ham is truly the showstopping main dish that’ll have your holiday guests raving. With its irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and warm spices, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Not only is it impressively delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare – with just 15 minutes of hands-on time and a 60-minute cook. That means you can spend more time enjoying quality time with loved ones and less time stressed in the kitchen.
So why not give this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham a try for your next special occasion? I guarantee it’ll be the hit of the party. And don’t forget to share your photos and reviews – I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
