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Honey Garlic Glazed Christmas Ham

A juicy spiral-cut ham baked low and slow, then brushed with a sticky honey garlic glaze until caramelized. An easy, impressive Christmas dinner main dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Resting 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ham:

  • 8 to 10 lb fully cooked bone-in spiral-cut ham
  • 1/2 cup water or apple juice

Honey garlic glaze:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Take the ham out of the fridge 1 hour before baking. Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  • Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan. Pour the water or apple juice into the pan and cover the ham tightly with foil.
  • Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes per pound (about 2 hours for a 9 lb ham), until the center reaches 120°F (49°C).
  • While it bakes, simmer all the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
  • Raise the oven to 400°F (205°C). Remove the foil and brush half the glaze all over the ham and between the slices.
  • Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, brushing with more glaze halfway, until caramelized and the center reaches 140°F (60°C). Rest 15 minutes, then serve with the pan juices.

Notes

Food safety: A fully cooked ham only needs reheating to 140°F (60°C). If your ham is labeled "cook before eating," cook it to 145°F (63°C) and rest at least 3 minutes.
Make ahead: Make the glaze up to 3 days ahead and keep it in the fridge.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours, up to 4 days. Freeze sliced ham up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm slices covered with a splash of water at 325°F (165°C) until hot, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Variations: Use maple syrup instead of honey, add pineapple juice to the pan, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Keyword christmas ham, glazed ham, honey garlic ham, spiral ham recipe