Sticky Honey Glazed Baked Ham for Easy Entertaining Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more polished presentation, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern before applying the glaze. This allows the honey to penetrate deeper into the meat and creates a beautiful visual texture.

If you have extra glaze, you can warm it in a small saucepan and serve it on the side as a dipping sauce for guests who prefer a more intense flavor.

When carving, identify the position of the bone and slice around it to remove large sections of meat first. Once the large pieces are removed, you can easily slice them into uniform portions.

Always keep your knife sharp; a dull blade will tear the tender meat rather than slicing through it, which can compromise the visual appeal of your perfectly glazed ham.

Variations

• Spiced Honey Glaze: Whisk in one teaspoon of ground cloves and half a teaspoon of cinnamon into the honey. These warming spices add a festive depth that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the honey and the saltiness of the smoked ham.
• Citrus Infused Ham: Add a tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest to the honey. The bright citrus notes cut through the richness of the ham and provide a refreshing, tangy counterpoint to the caramelized sugar crust.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly in foil and then a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat slices gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.

Allow any leftover ham to cool completely to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than two hours. Once cooled, wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

Properly stored, the ham will retain its quality for several days in the refrigerator. If you have a large amount, consider slicing it all before storage to make it easier to grab for quick meals or sandwiches.

You can prepare the glaze application area in advance. The ham itself can be seasoned or prepared for the oven a few hours early, but it should be baked fresh to ensure the best texture and glaze consistency. If you need to save time, focus on having your sides ready so that the carving of the ham can be the final task before sitting down to dinner.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham on a large platter, surrounded by fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to add a pop of color. The sticky glaze makes it a visually stunning centerpiece that requires very little extra decoration.

Pair the ham with classic sides such as roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness of the honey glaze.

When serving, offer a variety of condiments to complement the savory ham. Ensure the slices are thick enough to hold their shape but thin enough to be enjoyed easily. If you are serving this for a buffet, slice the ham into smaller, bite-sized pieces to make it easier for guests to serve themselves without needing a carving knife.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Sticky Honey Glazed Baked Ham for Easy Entertaining

Prep 15 minCook 3 hRest 20 minTotal 3 h 35 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 1 whole bone-in smoked ham (about 10 lbs)
• 1 cup honey

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a large roasting pan. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture inside and prevent the exterior from drying out during the initial long bake.
2. Remove the foil and brush generously with honey. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, basting every 20 minutes until sticky and caramelized, reaching a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C), then remove and let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes.
3. Transfer the ham to a carving board and allow it to rest for a full 20 minutes before slicing. This extended rest allows all internal juices to settle evenly throughout the meat, ensuring every carved piece remains thoroughly moist, tender, and succulent.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

300

Protein

26 g

Carbohydrates

10 g

Fat

17 g

Fiber

0 g

Sugar

9 g

Sodium

1100 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.