Baked Glazed Ham Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping main dish that’s both easy and irresistibly tasty, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Baked Glazed Ham Recipe is the one I turn to whenever I want a crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Trust me, the sweet and tangy glaze melds beautifully with the smoky, tender ham—making every bite a little celebration. Stick around, because I’m going to walk you through every step to make sure your ham turns out perfect every time!

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Baked Glazed Ham Recipe has a job to do. The balance of sweet, tangy, and warm spices helps create a glaze that punches up the flavor but doesn’t mask the natural smoky goodness of the ham. Also, grabbing a bone-in spiral-cut ham means easy carving and ready-to-serve slices that wow on presentation.

• Bone-in Spiral Cut Ham: Choosing a fully cooked spiral-cut ham makes the whole process straightforward and ensures even slices for everyone.
• Brown Sugar: The foundation of the glaze’s sweetness and helps create that glossy caramelized crust.
• Crushed Pineapple with Juice: Adds juicy sweetness and subtle acidity to brighten up the glaze.
• Lemon Juice: A touch of acidity that balances out all the sweetness perfectly.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth and slight kick that elevates the glaze beyond ordinary.
• Ground Cinnamon: Gives a warm, cozy spice that’s subtle but essential.
• Ground Cloves: Just a pinch adds complexity and pairs naturally with ham flavor.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe “my own” based on the season or what’s in my pantry. It’s super easy to swap things up, and I encourage you to try it your way too!

• Fruit Swap: Sometimes I swap out pineapple for apricot preserves or orange marmalade for a different citrusy sweetness—equally delicious and great for variety.
• Spice it Up: If you prefer a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze really wakes up the flavor.
• Extra Glaze Layers: For bolder caramelization, I let the glaze sit on longer or add a third glazing step, but be careful not to burn the sugars!
• Gluten-Free: This glaze is naturally gluten-free, which makes it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ham

I always preheat my oven to 325°F before I start. Then, I line a deep baking dish with heavy-duty nonstick foil—if you only have regular foil, double up to prevent leaks. Next, remove the ham from its packaging and discard any glaze packet that comes with it (trust me on this; you want to use your homemade glaze!). Place the ham flat side down in the pan and pop it in the oven for 1 hour. This initial bake warms up the ham gently.

Step 2: Whip Up the Glaze

While the ham is baking, combine brown sugar, crushed pineapple (with juice), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves in a small bowl. Stir it all together until smooth—this mixture is where all the magic happens. I like to taste it here and adjust sweetness or acidity to my liking before glazing.

Step 3: First Glaze and Bake

After the first hour, carefully take the ham out of the oven. Using a spoon or a pastry brush, drizzle half of the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get some between the spiral slices. This gives every bite that sticky, flavorful edge. Return the ham to the oven for 30 minutes to let the glaze start to set and caramelize.

Step 4: Final Glaze and Finish Baking

Remove the ham again and apply the remaining glaze evenly. Pop it back into the oven for another 30 minutes or until the ham is heated through and registers 140-145°F internally. By now, the glaze should be beautifully golden and shiny. Don’t skip checking the temperature with a meat thermometer—that little step ensures your ham is juicy and safe to serve!

Step 5: Serve and Impress

Once done, transfer your ham to a rimmed serving platter with the flat side out for easy slicing. I like to keep the drippings for serving or turning into a quick gravy. If I’m feeling fancy, I arrange some kale or fresh herbs around the edges to make it look festive. Serve it warm or at room temperature—you’ll find it delicious either way!

How to Serve Baked Glazed Ham Recipe

Garnishes

I like keeping garnishes simple but fresh—kale or curly parsley around the platter adds a lovely pop of green that contrasts nicely with the golden ham. Sometimes, I’ll scatter a few pineapple chunks or maraschino cherries for a nostalgic touch that guests always comment on.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and buttery green beans are my go-to companions here. But I also love adding a refreshing coleslaw or a tangy cranberry sauce to balance the richness of the ham.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I sometimes place the ham on a rustic wooden board surrounded by candles and fresh herbs. During summer gatherings, I bring out colorful platters with vibrant fruit garnishes—think pomegranate seeds or orange slices—for a lively, festive feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the feast, I wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap and then foil and store it in the fridge. It usually stays tasty for 3-5 days, and I make sure to keep the glaze juices with it to prevent drying out.

Freezing

When I have a lot of leftovers, I slice the ham and freeze portions in freezer-safe bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. This way, I enjoy that delicious glaze months later without losing quality.

Reheating

For a quick reheat, I pop slices into the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. If reheating for a crowd, I cover the ham with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through—this keeps it tender and glaze intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Glazed Ham Recipe is one of those dishes that makes me feel like a kitchen superstar every time. It’s so straightforward but delivers big on flavor and presentation. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a weekend family dinner, having this recipe in your arsenal means you’re always ready to impress—and maybe even enjoy some delicious leftovers later! I hope you love making it as much as I do. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!

Print