Perfect Honey-Glazed Spiral Ham

Last updated on December 4th, 2025

Let’s make an amazing honey-glazed spiral ham. This recipe takes regular spiral-cut ham and makes it extra tasty by adding a sweet honey coating that keeps everything nice and juicy inside. It’s perfect when you’re cooking for a bunch of people – maybe during the holidays or for a family get-together. We mix honey, brown sugar, and some cozy spices to make the glaze, and honestly, it’s pretty hard to mess up. You’ll nail this one even if you’re new to cooking big meals!

Recipe

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 8-10 pound spiral-cut ham
• 1/2 cup apple juice or water (for the pan)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup honey (preferably local raw honey for best flavor)
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (use whole grain for extra texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation Steps

1. Remove your ham from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout the meat and helps prevent the outer portions from drying out while the center warms up.
2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to accommodate the ham.
3. Place the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan. Pour 1/2 cup of apple juice or water into the bottom of the pan. The liquid will create steam during cooking and help keep the ham moist.
4. Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil to create a seal. This traps moisture and prevents the ham from drying out during the initial cooking phase. Make sure to crimp the foil tightly around the edges of the pan.
5. Place the covered ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1.5 hours. This initial cooking phase helps warm the ham gradually.
6. While the ham is cooking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, combine all glaze ingredients and mix until well combined and smooth. The mixture should be thick but spreadable. If it’s too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
7. After 1.5 hours, carefully remove the foil from the ham. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
8. Brush the ham generously with the prepared glaze, making sure to get into all the spiral cuts. This helps the flavor penetrate deeper into the meat.
9. Continue baking for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, brushing with additional glaze every 15 minutes. Be sure to get the glaze into all the nooks and crannies of the spiral cuts.
10. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching the bone.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 20 minutes before serving. During this time, the internal temperature will rise slightly, and the juices will redistribute throughout the meat.

Tips and Tricks

1. Temperature Matters
   • Starting with room-temperature ham helps it cook more evenly and prevents cold spots
   • Don’t skip the resting period – it’s crucial for juicy meat
   • Use a reliable meat thermometer for accurate temperature readings
2. Moisture Management
   • Keep that liquid in the bottom of the pan throughout cooking
   • If the liquid evaporates, add more hot liquid to maintain moisture
   • The foil seal during initial cooking is crucial for keeping the ham moist
   • Consider using a disposable roasting pan for easier cleanup
3. Glaze Application
   • Use a silicone brush for easy application of the glaze
   • Apply the glaze generously – don’t be shy!
   • If the glaze starts to get too dark, tent the ham loosely with foil
   • Save some glaze to brush on just before serving for extra shine
4. Storage and Leftovers
   • Prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container
   • Leftover ham can be refrigerated for up to 5 days
   • Freeze portions for up to 2 months in airtight containers
   • Use leftover ham bone for soup or stock

How to Serve

Your beautifully glazed ham can be served in numerous ways:

1. Traditional Plating
   • Place the whole ham on a large serving platter
   • Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
   • Surround with roasted vegetables or fresh fruit for color
   • Add some orange slices or pineapple rings for a classic touch
   • Consider adding some whole cloves for decoration
2. Accompaniments
   • Serve with classic sides like scalloped potatoes
   • Include a variety of mustards and sauces
   • Offer warm dinner rolls or biscuits
   • Consider serving with roasted root vegetables
   • Add a fresh green salad for balance
3. Temperature
   • Ham can be served warm or at room temperature
   • If serving buffet-style, place on a warming tray
   • Consider having some heated plates ready
   • Keep extra glaze warm for tableside serving

Your Perfect Holiday Ham

This honey-glazed spiral ham recipe is easy to prepare and consistently gives great results. The success comes from balancing honey, brown sugar, mustard, and spices while maintaining proper moisture during cooking. You can prepare this ham for holidays or weekend family dinners – it works well for any occasion. This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners but produces results that will satisfy experienced cooks, too.

Print