Glazed Easter Ham

A beautifully Glazed Easter Ham is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday meal. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, while the warm spices bring a depth of richness to every bite. The caramelized glaze forms a glossy, golden crust that locks in the ham’s natural juices, keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful. This recipe is simple yet impressive, making it ideal for any festive gathering. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or an intimate Easter brunch, this dish guarantees a show-stopping experience. Pair it with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, or homemade biscuits for a complete and satisfying holiday feast.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 (8-10 lb) bone-in smoked ham
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup honey
¼ cup Dijon mustard
½ cup orange juice
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan lined with foil.
Score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly.
Brush half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts.
Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1½ hours.
Remove the foil, baste with the remaining glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 30-45 minutes, basting every 10-15 minutes.
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 10-12

The History and Significance of Easter Ham

Easter ham has long been a traditional dish for springtime celebrations, especially in the United States and parts of Europe. Historically, in many Western cultures, ham was the preferred choice for Easter because it was cured and preserved over the winter, making it readily available by spring. Unlike fresh lamb, which was the primary meat for Easter feasts in ancient Christian and Jewish traditions, ham became the go-to choice in regions where pigs were more commonly raised. The tradition of glazing ham with sweet ingredients, such as honey and brown sugar, dates back centuries. The natural saltiness of cured ham pairs beautifully with the caramelized sweetness of a glaze, creating a rich depth of flavor. Over time, different cultures have adapted their own versions of glazed ham, incorporating local spices and ingredients to make the dish unique.

Why This Honey-Glazed Ham is the Best Choice for Easter

If you’re looking for the ultimate centerpiece for your Easter meal, this Honey-Glazed Baked Ham with Brown Sugar and Dijon Mustard is the perfect option. Here’s why:

Perfect Balance of Flavors – The blend of honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard creates a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the ham a deep, golden-brown crust that enhances its natural taste.
Moist and Juicy Every Time – Baking the ham at a low temperature and basting it regularly with the glaze ensures that it stays juicy and tender. No dry or overcooked ham here!
Easy to Make, Yet Impressive – Despite its elegant appearance and rich flavors, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that looks like it took hours of effort.
Feeds a Crowd – Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or a large family dinner, this recipe is perfect for serving multiple guests. A single ham can serve anywhere from 10 to 12 people, making it ideal for festive occasions.
Pairs Well with Many Side Dishes – One of the best things about this ham is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with classic Easter sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted carrots, buttery biscuits, or a fresh spring salad. You can also use leftovers for sandwiches, omelets, or soups.

Ingredients Breakdown and Their Benefits

Brown Sugar & Honey – These natural sweeteners not only add delicious flavor but also help create a caramelized crust that enhances the ham’s texture.
Dijon Mustard – Adds a subtle tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Orange Juice & Apple Cider Vinegar – Provide acidity, which helps tenderize the meat and enhances its natural flavors.
Cinnamon & Cloves – These warm spices add depth and a hint of holiday nostalgia, making the ham extra special.

Step-by-Step Cooking Tips for the Best Results

Score the Ham for Maximum Flavor – Cutting shallow crisscross patterns on the surface of the ham allows the glaze to seep into the meat, infusing it with deep flavors.
Baste Regularly – Brushing the glaze onto the ham every 10-15 minutes during the last stage of baking helps create a thick, glossy crust.
Use a Meat Thermometer – To ensure the ham is perfectly cooked, use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Rest Before Slicing – Let the ham rest for about 15 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and tender.

Serving Suggestions

To complete your Easter meal, here are some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with this ham:

Creamy Scalloped Potatoes – A rich and cheesy dish that complements the sweetness of the ham.
Honey-Glazed Carrots – Adds a touch of natural sweetness and color to the plate.
Deviled Eggs – A classic Easter side dish that adds a creamy, savory bite.
Homemade Biscuits – Perfect for sopping up any extra glaze and making mini ham sandwiches.
Fresh Spring Salad – A refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham.

Leftover Ideas – Get Creative with Your Easter Ham!

One of the best things about making a glazed ham is that the leftovers are incredibly versatile. Here are some creative ways to use any extra ham:

Ham and Cheese Sandwiches – Layer slices of ham with cheese and mustard on toasted bread for a simple yet delicious meal.
Ham and Egg Breakfast Omelet – Dice up the ham and add it to an omelet with veggies and cheese.
Ham and Potato Soup – Use the leftover ham bone to make a flavorful broth for a comforting soup.
Ham and Pineapple Pizza – Add some ham to your homemade pizza for a classic Hawaiian twist.
Ham and Pasta Bake – Mix ham into a creamy pasta dish for a hearty meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you want to get ahead on your Easter meal prep, you can:

Make the Glaze in Advance – Prepare the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just warm it slightly before using.
Reheat Without Drying Out – Cover leftover ham slices with foil and reheat in a 275°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Adding a splash of broth or orange juice helps keep it moist.
Freeze for Later – Leftover ham can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

Why This Recipe Stands Out from the Rest

There are many ham recipes out there, but this one stands out because of its simplicity, flavor balance, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Unlike some overly sweet or one-note glazes, this recipe incorporates layers of taste—from the sweetness of honey and brown sugar to the tang of Dijon mustard and the warmth of cinnamon and cloves.

Additionally, this recipe is highly customizable. You can:

Swap out honey for maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey for an extra depth of flavor.
Use pineapple juice instead of orange juice for a tropical twist.

Conclusion

This Honey-Glazed Easter Ham is more than just a meal—it’s a tradition, a centerpiece, and a way to bring loved ones together. Its perfectly caramelized crust, rich flavors, and tender meat make it an unforgettable dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it for Easter Sunday or any other special occasion, this ham is guaranteed to impress. So gather around the table, share a delicious meal, and enjoy the warmth of family, friends, and good food.