This glazed ham recipe uses a simple honey mustard glaze that caramelizes into a sticky, golden crust in the oven. Whether you're making it for the holidays or a Sunday dinner, this method gives you a tender, juicy ham that looks and tastes restaurant-quality with minimal effort.
If you love easy holiday mains, also check out my Juicy Pork Tenderloin and Glazed Carrots Recipe — both pair perfectly with this ham.
Ingredients for Quick and Easy Glazed Ham
- 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup water
Substitutions & Variations
- Brown sugar: Replace with piloncillo or panela (Dominican raw sugar) for a deeper molasses flavor that adds authentic Caribbean sweetness.
- Honey: Substitute with agave nectar or coconut nectar to reduce the intense sweetness while adding a subtle tropical note.
- Dijon mustard: Use whole grain mustard or yellow mustard for a milder tang that won't overpower the Caribbean-inspired glaze.
- Apple cider vinegar: Replace with pineapple juice for a tropical Dominican twist that tenderizes the meat while adding natural fruit sweetness.
- Ground cloves: Substitute with a blend of allspice and cinnamon to create the warm spice profile commonly used in Caribbean holiday cooking.
- Fully cooked ham: Try using pernil-style pork shoulder (pre-roasted) for a more traditional Dominican presentation with similar glaze compatibility.
How to Make Quick and Easy Glazed Ham
- Preheat oven to 325F. Score ham in a diamond pattern about ¼-inch deep.
- Place ham in roasting pan with 1 cup water.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cloves. Heat until smooth.
- Pour half the glaze over ham, coating evenly.
- Bake about 1 hour, basting with remaining glaze every 15-20 minutes until heated through and caramelized.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
What to Serve With Quick and Easy Glazed Ham
Scalloped potatoes or au gratin make an exceptional pairing with glazed ham, as their rich, creamy texture provides the perfect contrast to the ham's firm, succulent meat. The mild, comforting flavors of cheese and cream allow the sweet-savory glaze to shine while offering a luxurious mouthfeel that elevates the entire meal. This classic American combination has graced holiday tables for generations, creating a sense of warmth and tradition.
Roasted root vegetables bring earthy depth and natural sweetness that beautifully complements the ham's caramelized glaze. Carrots, parsnips, and turnips develop concentrated flavors and appealing caramelization when roasted, creating textural variety alongside the tender ham. The seasonal nature of these vegetables makes them particularly fitting for special occasions and family gatherings.
Mustard greens or other braised greens provide a brilliant acidic counterpoint that cuts through the ham's richness while honoring Southern culinary traditions. The slight bitterness and robust flavor of these nutrient-dense vegetables create perfect balance on the plate. This pairing not only offers visual appeal with vibrant colors but also represents the soul food heritage where ham and greens are considered inseparable companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I use a spiral-cut or bone-in ham?Spiral-cut is easier to carve and cooks faster. Bone-in ham has more flavor and is better for making broth, though it takes longer to cook.
Q: How long does it take?
Plan on about 15 minutes per pound at 325°F, plus 30 minutes for glazing. A 10-pound ham takes about 3 hours total.
3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just whisk it well before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly during storage.
4. What can I substitute if I don't have Dijon mustard?
You can use yellow mustard or whole grain mustard in place of Dijon, though the flavor will be slightly different. For a Caribbean twist, try using a teaspoon of dry mustard powder mixed with a tablespoon of rum or pineapple juice.
5. How do I store leftover glazed ham?
Wrap leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze sliced ham for up to 2 months - just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
6. Why is my glaze not sticking to the ham?
This usually happens when the ham surface is too wet or the oven temperature is too low. Pat the ham dry before applying the glaze and make sure your oven is at the proper temperature to help the glaze caramelize and adhere.
7. What Caribbean sides pair well with glazed ham?
Try serving with rice and beans, sweet plantains, or yuca con mojo for an authentic Caribbean feast. Coconut rice and festival (sweet fried dumplings) also make excellent accompaniments that complement the sweet glaze beautifully.
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 325F. Score ham in a diamond pattern about ¼-inch deep.
- Place ham in roasting pan with 1 cup water.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cloves. Heat until smooth.
- Pour half the glaze over ham, coating evenly.
- Bake about 1 hour, basting with remaining glaze every 15-20 minutes until heated through and caramelized.
- Rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Score the outside of your ham in a crosshatch pattern before glazingâthis helps the glaze penetrate and creates beautiful presentation. Apply the glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it doesn't burn. Baste every 10 minutes to build up layers of glossy, caramelized coating. Storage & Meal Prep:
Leftover ham keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Slice and use in sandwiches, salads, or quick meals. Bone broth made from the ham bone is liquid gold for soups.
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