Ingredients

To make this honey-glazed ham, you’ll need the following:

• 1 spiral cut ham (usually pre-cooked, typically around 7-10 lbs)
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients, each adding unique sweetness and spice to the glaze. The corn syrup ensures that the glaze clings to the ham beautifully, while cloves bring warmth to the flavor profile.

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is ideal for heating the ham slowly and evenly, ensuring a juicy texture.
2. Prepare the Ham
   Place the spiral cut ham in a baking dish. If your ham is larger, a roasting pan will work better. Cover the ham with aluminum foil to keep it moist during the first part of the cooking process.
3. Initial Bake
   Bake the ham for 20 minutes while you prepare the glaze. This first baking step warms the ham and begins the cooking process without drying it out.
4. Make the Glaze
   In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, corn syrup, brown sugar, and ground cloves. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves, bringing it to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer briefly to thicken slightly. This glaze will give your ham its deliciously sticky, caramelized coating.
5. Apply the Glaze
   After the ham has baked for 20 minutes, remove it from the oven. Uncover the ham and use a brush or spoon to generously baste the ham with the glaze. Be sure to cover all exposed parts of the ham to ensure even flavor and caramelization.
6. Return to the Oven
   Return the ham to the oven and continue baking for an additional hour, basting it with the glaze every 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to infuse the ham and the glaze to develop a beautifully sticky, caramelized finish.
7. Final Resting Period
   After an hour of glazing and baking, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring moist and tender slices.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These values are estimates based on a standard serving size of spiral cut ham with glaze.

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 8g
• Sugars: 33g
• Sodium: 1170mg

FAQs

1. What size of ham should I buy for my gathering?
A good rule of thumb is to purchase ½ pound of ham per person if it’s boneless, or ¾ pound per person if it’s bone-in.

2. Do I need to cook a pre-cooked ham?
Yes, even pre-cooked ham should be reheated for safety and flavor. Heating to an internal temperature of 140°F is recommended for optimal taste and safety.

3. Can I use a different sweetener for the glaze?
Yes, you can replace the honey or corn syrup with maple syrup for a deeper, more complex flavor, or try agave syrup for a milder sweetness.

4. Can I make this recipe with a non-spiral cut ham?
Absolutely. However, a spiral cut ham allows the glaze to seep into each slice more easily, providing a more evenly distributed flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Honey-Glazed Spiral Cut Ham

1. Choose the Right Ham
   For this recipe, a spiral cut, bone-in ham provides the best texture and flavor. The bone adds moisture and richness, and spiral cuts allow the glaze to penetrate the meat more effectively.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer
   To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check for a 140°F internal temperature. This will keep the ham juicy and tender.
3. Baste Frequently
   Basting every 20 minutes is key for a rich, sticky glaze. The glaze thickens and caramelizes with each application, enhancing the ham’s flavor.
4. Customize Your Spice Profile
   While cloves add a warm, spicy note, you can experiment with other spices. Cinnamon, allspice, or even a touch of ground ginger can complement the honey and brown sugar glaze nicely.
5. Use a Roasting Pan for Larger Hams
   For larger hams, use a deep roasting pan to avoid any glaze overflow. This also makes it easier to collect and reapply the glaze during basting.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration
   Store leftover ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the ham will stay fresh for 3-5 days.
2. Freezing
   Spiral cut ham can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Slice the ham and place individual portions in freezer-safe bags. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up in the oven at 325°F.
3. Reusing Leftovers
   Leftover ham works great in a variety of dishes. Add it to sandwiches, omelets, soups, or casseroles for a smoky, savory flavor.

Conclusion

This honey-glazed spiral cut ham recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, making it a timeless choice for holiday meals and special gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy to bring a touch of warmth and flavor to any table. The slow-baked ham, generously basted with a sweet and spiced glaze, offers a beautiful presentation and mouth-watering taste that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and forgiving, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Remember to baste often, allow the ham to rest, and enjoy the delicious results. Happy cooking!