Easter is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. While the Easter egg hunt and chocolate bunnies might steal the spotlight for the kids, the star of the dinner table often becomes the centerpiece dish—succulent, perfectly cooked ham. This Easter, why not elevate your holiday meal with a savory baked ham featuring a sweet, sticky honey glaze? This dish is both a feast for the eyes and the palate, creating a comforting aroma that will fill your home with the essence of Easter.
The combination of rich, smoky ham with the sweet and tangy glaze will have your guests asking for seconds. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull it off. With just a few ingredients and some attention to timing, you’ll have a ham that is golden, glazed to perfection, and packed with flavor. The best part? This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables, making it a versatile choice for your Easter feast.
The honey glaze adds a layer of complexity to the savory ham, balancing the natural saltiness of the meat with the sweetness of honey, brown sugar, and a hint of mustard. This glaze creates a beautiful caramelized crust that not only adds flavor but also makes for a stunning presentation. With a preparation time of only 10 minutes, and just over an hour in the oven, you can spend more time with your family and less time slaving away in the kitchen.
No Easter celebration is complete without a delicious main dish to bring everyone together. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a more intimate dinner, this baked ham will make the meal feel extra special. With every bite, you’ll be able to savor the flavors of the holiday and create lasting memories around the table.
Sweet & Savory Baked Ham with Honey Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 8-10 lb fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making sure not to cut too deeply into the meat. This helps the glaze soak in and gives it a lovely presentation.
- Prepare the honey glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brush the ham: Using a pastry brush, coat the ham with a layer of the honey glaze. Save some glaze for later to brush on during the cooking process and for serving.
- Bake the ham: Place the ham in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Every 30 minutes, brush the ham with more of the glaze to keep it moist and ensure the glaze caramelizes beautifully.
- Final touch: Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Brush the remaining glaze over the ham and serve.
