Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, featuring tender slices of juicy ham glazed with a sticky, flavorful honey and garlic sauce. The spiral cut makes…
Tip: save now, cook later.Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, featuring tender slices of juicy ham glazed with a sticky, flavorful honey and garlic sauce. The spiral cut makes it super easy to serve, with each slice soaking up that delicious glaze for a tasty bite every time.
I love making this ham for family gatherings or holiday dinners because it feels special but is really simple to prepare. The garlic packs just the right punch without overpowering the sweetness of the honey, and the glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the ham a nice, shiny finish that everyone always compliments.
My favorite way to serve this ham is alongside some buttery mashed potatoes and roasted veggies to balance out the flavors. Leftovers are great too—perfect for sandwiches or adding to breakfast scrambles. This honey-garlic ham always brings a warm, comforting vibe to the table, and I find myself looking forward to making it again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spiral-Sliced Ham: This fully cooked ham saves time and gives you those easy-to-serve slices. If you can’t find spiral-sliced, a whole cooked ham works, but slicing may be trickier.
Honey: It adds natural sweetness and helps give that beautiful sticky glaze. Maple syrup or agave syrup can be used if you want a different flavor or need a substitute.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth with its molasses notes. Light or dark brown sugar both work, or substitute with coconut sugar for a less sweet option.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a nice punch. Garlic powder is a fine shortcut if you don’t have fresh, but fresh works best here.
Dijon Mustard: Brings a mild tang and helps balance the sweetness. You can swap with yellow mustard or a bit of whole-grain mustard for texture.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Orange Juice: Both add acidity to cut through the richness. Orange juice adds a subtle fruity note, which I prefer for extra brightness.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sticky and Caramelized Glaze on Your Ham?
Getting the glaze just right is key to making this ham special. Here’s how I do it:
- Brush glaze generously on and between the ham slices to flavor inside and out.
- Cover with foil at first to keep moisture in and gently heat through.
- Baste every 20-30 minutes to layer on flavor and keep the glaze sticky.
- Uncover for the last 20-30 minutes of baking so the sugars caramelize and form a slightly crispy, shiny crust.
- Let the ham rest after baking so the juices lock in for juicy slices.
Taking your time with these steps ensures a beautiful glaze that’s sweet, garlicky, and perfectly caramelized without burning.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan – holds the ham and catches drips while baking.
- Basting brush – helps you coat the ham evenly with the honey-garlic glaze.
- Aluminum foil – keeps the ham moist during baking and prevents drying out.
- Sharp carving knife – makes slicing the spiral ham easy and neat.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the glaze ingredients smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding a splash of orange juice and zest for a citrus twist that brightens the glaze.
- Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness and a different flavor profile.
- Mix in a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick that pairs well with the sweet.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or thyme on the ham before baking for an herby aroma and taste.
How to Make Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (about 7-9 lbs)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley and sage), for garnish
- Orange slices, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 1.5 to 2 hours to bake. There’s an additional 10 minutes of resting time before serving. You’ll spend most of the time brushing the glaze and letting the ham cook to tender perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ham:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the spiral-sliced ham flat-side down in a large roasting pan to keep it stable during cooking.
2. Making the Honey-Garlic Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar or orange juice, ground black pepper, and ground cloves if you’re using them. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and combined.
3. Glazing and Baking:
Brush some of the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get some between the spiral slices for full flavor. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Every 20-30 minutes, baste the ham with more of the glaze to build up that sticky, delicious coating.
4. Caramelizing the Glaze:
During the last 20-30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to let the glaze caramelize and form a shiny, slightly crispy crust on the ham’s edges.
5. Resting and Serving:
Once baked, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to lock in the juices. Then, transfer it to a serving platter, garnish with fresh herbs and orange slices for a bright, festive touch, and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Yes! While spiral-sliced ham is easiest for serving, you can use a whole cooked ham instead. Just be sure to slice it carefully and adjust baking time if the ham is larger or smaller.
Can I Prepare the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the honey-garlic glaze up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bring it to room temperature before brushing on the ham for easier spreading.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist, and consider using leftovers in sandwiches or omelets.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work well as substitutes to maintain that sweet, sticky glaze flavor.
