Honey Orange Glazed Ham

This honey glazed ham is the ultimate centerpiece for festive gatherings and laid-back Sunday dinners. Its crackling sweet exterior, bright citrus notes, and tender slices always draw a crowd and bring people back for seconds. Whether for a holiday feast or a potluck, this ham’s glossy glaze and irresistible aroma make any table feel like a celebration.

I made this for my first holiday as a newlywed and it instantly became our tradition My family insists it is not a real holiday meal without this ham on the table

Ingredients

• Fully cooked bone-in spiral ham: Choose an 8 pound ham with a good amount of marbling for tender juicy slices
• Fresh orange slices: The citrus provides freshness and some moisture during roasting Pick vibrant firm oranges with smooth skin
• Orange juice: For a bright tang that balances the sweetness Use fresh squeezed if you can
• Dark brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and adds a touch of molasses flavor Select one with moist soft grains
• Honey: Brings floral sweetness and helps create that classic sticky glaze Use pure honey for best results
• Orange marmalade: Gives fragrant citrus flavor and texture Choose a marmalade that is not overly bitter
• Dijon mustard: Adds gentle heat and complexity Go for a smooth Dijon with no artificial flavors
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Combine for warm depth and aromatic notes Use freshly grated nutmeg if possible
• Bayou City Lemon Pepper: Brings lively citrusy spice Use the freshest blend you have for the best pop
• Ground cloves and salt: Layer in extra warmth and savory balance Be sure your spices are fresh and fragrant

Instructions

Prep the Ham and Pan:

Let your ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes This helps it cook evenly Pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the glaze sticks well Line a shallow roasting pan with orange slices and pour in the orange juice Place a roasting rack over the oranges then set the ham cut side down on top

Make the Orange Honey Glaze:

In a saucepan over medium heat combine dark brown sugar honey orange marmalade Dijon mustard cinnamon nutmeg lemon pepper cloves and salt Stir until all the ingredients come together into a cohesive glossy mixture Allow it to come to a simmer For about four minutes let the glaze bubble gently to slightly thicken and meld the flavors

Glaze and Begin Roasting:

Pour half of your hot glaze evenly over the ham letting it fill the spiral slices for maximum coverage Place the ham uncovered in your preheated oven at 350 degrees Bake for fifty minutes basting with any pan juices once or twice if you like

Finish Glazing:

Carefully remove the ham and pour the rest of the glaze over the top making sure every nook and cranny is coated Put the ham back in the oven and continue baking uncovered for another twenty minutes The outside should become shiny and caramelized

Check for Doneness and Rest:

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone You are aiming for an internal temperature of one hundred forty degrees Remove the ham from the oven then tent it loosely with foil Let it rest for fifteen to twenty minutes This keeps your ham juicy and makes slicing tidier

Carve and Serve:

Use a sharp carving knife to cut gorgeous spiral slices Transfer them to a large platter and pour some juices from the pan over the top Serve the remaining glaze on the side for extra drizzling

Every year I look forward to tasting the perfect mix of orange honey and spice in the glaze When my aunt first tried it she went back for thirds and asked for the recipe That moment still makes me smile

Storage Tips

Store leftover ham tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to five days To keep it moist slice only what you need and leave the rest whole For freezing cut the meat off the bone and place in well sealed bags or containers Freeze for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have orange marmalade try using apricot preserves with a little small amount of grated orange zest Maple syrup can replace part of the honey for a more earthy sweetness If your spice rack is missing lemon pepper add extra black pepper and a bit of lemon zest

Serving Suggestions

This ham is perfect with classic sides like scalloped potatoes roasted green beans or buttery rolls Chopped leftovers turn salads into hearty mains or stuff into fluffy biscuits for an indulgent breakfast My family loves it served with a zippy mustard sauce or tangy cranberry relish

Cultural and Historical Context

Baked ham has long been a festive staple in many cultures In the southern United States glazed hams are a centerpiece for Easter and Christmas celebrations The sweet glaze is a nod to traditions of preserving meats with sugar and spice dating back generations

Seasonal Adaptations

Try garnishing the platter with pomegranate seeds and rosemary for a wintry presentation In spring swap orange marmalade for peach preserves for a lighter glaze Use apple cider in place of orange juice for a fall twist

Success Stories

Friends have told me this ham recipe made their first holiday hosting a breeze Several readers have shared that the leftovers inspired new family favorite sandwiches One neighbor tried it for a birthday party and reported there was not a slice left by the end of the night

Freezer Meal Conversion

To prep for the freezer slice cooled ham off the bone after cooking Divide into meal sized portions and freeze with a little glaze These freezer packs reheat well in the oven covered at a low temperature with a splash of extra juice for moisture

This ham is a showstopper that is surprisingly simple to make. Serve it and listen as everyone begs for the recipe.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure the ham stays juicy?

Resting the ham after baking and basting with glaze helps lock in moisture. Tent the ham with foil and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?

Yes, you can increase or decrease the honey and brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.

→ What temperature should the ham reach?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C) without touching the bone.

→ Should the ham be at room temperature before baking?

Letting the ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking ensures even heating and better results.

→ What can I do with leftover glaze?

Serve extra glaze on the side as a flavorful sauce, or drizzle over sliced ham for added sweetness and moisture.

→ Is it necessary to use a spiral ham?

Spiral hams offer easy slicing and absorb glaze well, but other bone-in hams can also be used with this method.