How to Make the Best Honey Glazed Ham for Christmas Dinner

Few dishes make a more visually appealing centerpiece for Christmas dinner than a honey-glazed ham. It's the ideal combination of sweet, savory, and tangy—a dish that feeds a crowd and looks great on any festive table. What's even better? This recipe can be prepared ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy the festivities rather than being stuck in the kitchen. We'll walk you through a foolproof method for preparing a succulent honey-glazed ham with a delectable combination of honey, citrus, and cloves. Now, let's get started!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Flavor Explosion: With hints of honey, orange, and cloves, this glaze brings out the best in your ham, balancing sweetness with a touch of spice.
Festive Presentation: A golden-brown, caramelized glaze makes this dish look as good as it tastes—a true show-stopper for your holiday table.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead, let the flavors soak in, and free up your schedule for other Christmas kitchen essentials.
Crowd-Pleaser: A honey-glazed ham is a classic that appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a reliable choice for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients to use for making Honey Glazed Ham.

Ingredients

10 Pounds Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham
Juice & Zest of One Orange
1 ¼ Cups Brown Sugar
⅓ Cup Pineapple Juice
⅓ Cup Honey
3 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
¼ Teaspoon Ground Cloves
2 Tablespoons Butter

How to Make Perfect Honey Glazed Ham?

Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Choose a sturdy baking dish that can comfortably hold your 10-pound bone-in ham. If you’re using a Christmas kitchen utensil holder, have your tools organized—like a sturdy brush for the glaze and a sharp carving knife for later. Place the ham in the dish and bake it uncovered for about 2 hours. This initial bake allows the fat to render, and the ham to heat through evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet & Spicy Glaze

While your ham is baking, it’s time to make the irresistible glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, orange juice, and zest. Add in the Dijon mustard, butter, and ground cloves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once the mixture starts to bubble and thicken, remove it from heat. Your glaze should have a syrupy consistency—sticky enough to coat the ham, yet thin enough to seep into every delicious slice.

Step 3: Glaze & Bake to Perfection

Remove the ham from the oven and generously brush the glaze over it, ensuring you cover every inch. Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes. Here’s the key: every 10 minutes, take the time to baste the ham with more glaze, using your kitchen gadgets for Christmas like a basting brush. This frequent glazing creates a glossy, caramelized finish that’s absolutely to die for.

Glazing ham fot Christmas dinner.

Step 4: Let It Rest & Serve

Once the baking time is up, remove the ham from the oven. Allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This rest period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping every slice tender and juicy. When it's time to serve, garnish your ham with some fresh orange slices, rosemary, or cranberries for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Glazed Ham

Classic Sides: Pair your honey-glazed ham with traditional Christmas kitchen accessories like mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or buttery green beans.
Leftover Ideas: Use leftovers for ham sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, or dice it up for a hearty winter soup.
Holiday Presentation: Consider using elegant Christmas serving utensils to present the ham at the table. A festive carving board can also add a holiday touch to your meal.

Zulay's Expert Tips for the Perfect Honey Glazed Ham

When handling a large ham, sturdy Christmas kitchen utensils like a sharp carving knife and a reliable basting brush are essential. Invest in good-quality tools to make the cooking process seamless.
Be patient when applying the glaze—brushing it in layers every 10 minutes allows it to caramelize beautifully without burning.
To prevent the ham from drying out, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil during the initial bake. Remove the foil for the final glazing stage to get that golden-brown finish.

A plate of Honey Glazed Ham with different side dishes.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for the Holidays

Versatile Christmas Kitchen Gadget: A heavy-duty basting brush makes glazing easy.
Less Time in the Kitchen: This recipe is simple yet impactful, giving you more time to enjoy Christmas in the kitchen with family and friends.
The Perfect Gift: A holiday kitchen gift could be the tools you used to make this dish—a good-quality roasting pan or a set of Zulay Kitchen Christmas Spatula for someone who loves holiday cooking.

Zulay's Final Thought

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind centerpiece for your holiday gathering, this honey-glazed ham recipe never disappoints. With its delectable combination of honey, citrus, and warm spices, it's the ultimate Christmas kitchen staple that's both simple to prepare and sure to impress. Don't forget to share your cooking experiences with us—use your favorite holiday kitchen gifts and have fun!

Share the Christmas Spirit

Did you enjoy this honey-glazed ham recipe? Share your feedback in the comments! Don't forget to tag @ZulayKitchen and use #KitchenHappiness when you post your masterpiece. For more Christmas kitchen essentials, follow us for more tips, tricks, and delicious recipes that make holiday cooking a joy.

Happy Holidays and happy cooking!

A Honey Glazed Ham served for Christmas dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the glaze up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it before applying.

What if I don’t have ground cloves?

No worries! You can use a bit of allspice or cinnamon for a different flavor profile, or leave the spice out entirely if you prefer a purely sweet glaze.

How do I know when the ham is done?

Use a reliable meat thermometer—your ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. If you’re looking for one, Zulay Kitchen has a great selection.