This Glazed Easter Ham is the ultimate showstopper for your holiday feast. Juicy, tender ham is coated with a sweet and savory glaze made from brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and warm spices, creating a beautifully caramelized crust. Whether served for Easter, Christmas, or any special gathering, this ham is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly glazed – A sticky, caramelized glaze adds a sweet and savory balance.
Easy to make – Minimal prep time and the oven does the work!
Feeds a crowd – Great for holiday gatherings and leftovers.
Customizable glaze – Use honey, maple syrup, or fruit preserves for different flavors.
Pairs well with classic sides – Goes beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or dinner rolls.

Ingredients

Glazed Easter Ham 10 This Glazed Easter Ham is the ultimate showstopper for your holiday feast. Juicy, tender ham is coated with a sweet and savory glaze made from brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and warm spices, creating a beautifully caramelized crust. Whether served for Easter, Christmas, or any special gathering, this ham is sure to impress!

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fully cooked, bone-in ham (spiral-cut or whole)
Brown sugar
Honey
Dijon mustard
Apple cider vinegar or orange juice
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
Garlic powder
Black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven – Set the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a roasting pan with foil and place a rack inside.
Prepare the ham – Place the ham cut-side down on the roasting rack. Score the surface in a crisscross pattern if it’s not pre-sliced.
Make the glaze – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
Bake the ham – Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 15 minutes per pound (typically 2-3 hours).
Glaze the ham – During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush the ham generously with the glaze every 10 minutes.
Caramelize the crust – For extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and golden.
Rest and serve – Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours (depending on ham size)
Total Time: About 3 hours

Variations

Maple-Glazed Ham: Swap honey for pure maple syrup.
Pineapple-Glazed Ham: Add crushed pineapple to the glaze for a tropical touch.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat.
Orange-Honey Glaze: Use fresh orange juice and zest for a citrusy twist.
Whiskey or Bourbon Glaze: Stir in a splash of whiskey for depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze ham slices in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil, until heated through. For quick reheating, microwave in short intervals.

FAQs

How much ham do I need per person?

Plan for ½ pound per person for bone-in ham or ⅓ pound per person for boneless ham.

Can I use a boneless ham instead?

Yes! A boneless ham works well and cooks faster. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Do I need to score the ham?

If using a whole ham, scoring helps the glaze soak in better. Spiral-cut hams don’t need scoring.

Should I cover the ham while baking?

Yes, cover with foil for most of the baking time to keep it moist, then uncover to caramelize the glaze.

Can I make this ham in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours, brushing with glaze occasionally, then broil for a caramelized finish.

What sides go well with glazed ham?

Mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, glazed carrots, dinner rolls, or scalloped potatoes pair beautifully.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it before using.

How do I keep ham from drying out?

Baste it with glaze regularly and don’t overcook it. Covering with foil also helps retain moisture.

Can I use store-bought glaze?

Absolutely! But homemade glaze gives better flavor and is easy to make.

What can I do with leftover ham?

Use it in sandwiches, omelets, soups, or a ham and cheese quiche!

Conclusion

This Glazed Easter Ham is a simple yet impressive dish that will make your holiday meal unforgettable. With its rich, caramelized glaze and tender, juicy texture, this ham is the perfect centerpiece for your Easter table. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal to remember!