Glazed spiral ham with caramelized brown sugar and honey, garnished with rosemary on a white platter.
Christmas - Dinner - Holidays

Honey-Glazed Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Mustard

Sticky-sweet and beautifully caramelized, this honey-glazed spiral ham uses a brown sugar mustard glaze that bakes into glossy layers — a festive centerpiece with minimal effort.

Prep Time10 minutesCook Time1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 55 minutesServings12
DifficultyEasyCalories360 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (8–10 lb)
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Warm the Ham

Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan with 1/2 cup water. Cover tightly with foil and bake 60 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

Meanwhile, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon, vinegar, and cloves in a small saucepan. Simmer 3–4 minutes until syrupy.

Step 3: Glaze and Finish

Uncover ham and brush with glaze, getting between slices. Bake uncovered 30–45 minutes more, basting every 10–15 minutes, until glossy and caramelized.


Recipe Notes

🍯 Sweetness: Reduce brown sugar by 2 tablespoons for a less-sweet glaze.

🌶️ Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.

🧂 Salty Tip: Rinse packaged ham and pat dry if it tastes overly salty to you.

🎯 Pro Tip: For lacquered edges, switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes — watch closely!