Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a delightful dish that brings together sweet honey and rich garlic flavors glazed over tender, perfectly sliced spiral ham. It’s the kind of meal that smells…
Tip: save now, cook later.Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a delightful dish that brings together sweet honey and rich garlic flavors glazed over tender, perfectly sliced spiral ham. It’s the kind of meal that smells amazing while it’s cooking and looks beautiful on the table with those juicy, glossy slices.
I love making this ham for special occasions or holiday dinners because it’s so easy to prepare but feels very special. The honey and garlic blend into the ham as it bakes, creating that irresistible sticky glaze on every slice. I always find myself sneaking little tastes while it’s still warm in the kitchen!
One of my favorite ways to serve it is alongside roasted veggies or with some buttery mashed potatoes. It’s also great leftover the next day in sandwiches or chopped up in salads. If you want to make your gathering feel extra cozy and welcoming, this ham is a perfect choice that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spiral Ham: Using a fully cooked spiral ham makes this recipe easy and fast. The spiral cuts help the glaze seep into every slice. If you can’t find spiral ham, a regular fully cooked ham works too, but you’ll need to slice it yourself.
Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and a lovely sticky texture to the glaze. If you want, you can swap it for maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar effect.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a deep, rich sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze. If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar with a little molasses mixed in works well.
Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness. Yellow mustard is a good substitute if Dijon isn’t on hand.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers bold flavor here. Garlic powder can work as a replacement, but fresh gives the best punch.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds a mild acidity to brighten the glaze. Fresh lemon juice is a great alternative for a slightly different but fresh taste.
How Can I Get a Perfect Sticky and Caramelized Ham Glaze?
The glaze is the star of this recipe, and making sure it sticks and caramelizes nicely is key. Here’s how to get it right:
- Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure it seeps between the spiral slices for full coverage.
- Bake the ham tented with foil to keep it moist and allow the glaze to slowly soak in.
- Every 20-30 minutes, baste the ham with pan juices and glaze to build layers of sticky sweetness.
- Remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes to let the glaze thicken and edges caramelize without burning.
- Keep a close watch near the end to avoid overcooking or drying out the ham.
Following these steps will give you that ideal balance of juicy ham with a beautifully sticky, caramel glaze that’s packed with honey and garlic flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Roasting pan – big and sturdy to hold your ham and catch the drips without spilling.
- Meat thermometer – helps you check the ham’s internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Basting brush – makes it easy to spread that honey-garlic glaze evenly over the ham.
- Aluminum foil – perfect to tent the ham and keep it moist while baking.
- Sharp carving knife – essential for slicing the spiral ham neatly along the cuts.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, woodsy sweetness that pairs well with ham.
- Add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon to the glaze for warm, festive spice notes.
- Mix in some fresh rosemary or thyme with the garlic for an herbal touch that brightens the flavor.
- Top the ham with pineapple rings before glazing to add juicy, tangy contrast and classic holiday vibe.
How to Make Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fully cooked spiral ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: 20-30 whole cloves for studding the ham
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and roughly 1½ to 2 hours for baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes for resting the ham before serving. Overall, plan for about 2 to 2½ hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Ham:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the spiral ham flat side down in a large roasting pan or baking dish. If you like, press whole cloves into the thickest parts of the ham’s outer layer to add warm spice and a classic holiday touch.
2. Make the Honey-Garlic Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and ground black pepper until smooth and well combined. This glaze will add sweet, tangy, and garlicky flavor to your ham.
3. Glaze and Bake:
Brush a generous amount of the honey-garlic glaze all over the ham, making sure to work it between the spiral slices so every bite is flavorful. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist as it bakes. Put it in the oven and bake for about 1½ to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
4. Baste and Finish:
Every 20-30 minutes, open the oven and baste the ham with any glaze or juices in the pan to build up a sticky, caramelized coating. In the last 15-20 minutes, remove the foil to let the glaze thicken and the edges get nicely crisp. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
5. Rest and Serve:
Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Then slice along the spiral cuts and serve. Spoon any extra pan juices and glaze over the slices for extra moisture and flavor. Enjoy your tender, juicy, honey-garlic spiral ham!
Can I Use a Frozen Spiral Ham for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use a frozen spiral ham, but make sure to thaw it completely before baking. The best way is to thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours depending on size. This ensures even heating and safe cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Honey-Garlic Ham?
Store leftover ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture and flavor.
Can I Prepare the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the honey-garlic glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it in a sealed container. Bring it to room temperature and whisk before glazing the ham to make application easier.
What Side Dishes Go Well with Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham?
This ham pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad. For a festive touch, serve with cranberry sauce or sweet potato casserole.