25 Delicious Baked Ham Recipes for Any Occasion

The tradition of serving holiday ham is loved by many. It’s a big part of Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. A well-glazed baked ham makes any celebration special.

There are so many ways to make delicious ham. You can choose from classic glazes or try new flavors. This guide has lots of baked ham recipes for any event. You’ll find the perfect dish to wow your guests.

Key Takeaways

• Explore 25 mouthwatering baked ham recipes for everyday dinners and special occasions.
• Discover classic and international variations of holiday ham recipes.
• Find dietary-specific ham cooking options to suit your needs.
• Get detailed ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions for perfect results.
• Learn serving suggestions to elevate your culinary repertoire.

The Art of Baking the Perfect Ham

To bake a ham perfectly, you need to know about ham selection and preparation. It’s important to understand the basics for a delicious ham.

Essential Equipment for Baking Ham

You’ll need the right tools to bake a ham. A big roasting pan is key for even cooking. It also fits a meat thermometer for safety.

A basting brush is needed for glazes. And a carving knife is important for slicing the ham.

Choosing the Right Ham

Picking the right ham is crucial. Hams vary by type, like spiral-cut, bone-in, boneless, fresh, cured, and smoked. Choose a ham that fits your needs and taste.

Basic Ham Preparation Techniques

Good preparation makes a ham delicious. Techniques like scoring the fat layer and studding with cloves improve taste and look. After baking, let the ham rest before carving. This makes it moist and tasty.

Classic Baked Ham Recipes

Baking ham has changed over time. Yet, some classic recipes are still loved by many. These dishes mix old flavors with new ways to cook. Let’s look at four classic baked ham recipes that are great for holidays or special events.

Honey Glazed Baked Ham

A honey glazed baked ham is loved for its sweet and savory taste. It’s easy to make and looks amazing.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
3. Mix the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and ground cloves in a bowl.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush the honey glaze all over it.
5. Bake for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the ham is nicely glazed and heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the honey glazed baked ham with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. It’s also delicious with a side of warm dinner rolls or crusty bread.

Brown Sugar and Pineapple Ham

The tropical flavors of pineapple and brown sugar make a sweet and savory ham. It’s great for spring or summer gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup cherry halves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern.
3. Mix the brown sugar and pineapple juice to create a glaze.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan, brush with the glaze, and top with pineapple chunks and cherry halves.
5. Bake for about 20 minutes per pound.

Serving Suggestions

This ham is perfect for Easter or other spring celebrations. Pair it with a side of roasted asparagus or a fresh fruit salad.

Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham

For a more sophisticated twist, try a maple bourbon glaze. The maple syrup adds sweetness, while the bourbon adds depth.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham and mix the maple syrup, bourbon, and Dijon mustard for the glaze.
3. Brush the glaze over the ham and bake for about 20 minutes per pound.

Serving Suggestions

This maple bourbon glazed ham is perfect for a more adult-oriented gathering. Serve it with roasted Brussels sprouts or a sweet potato casserole.

Orange Marmalade Baked Ham

For a bright and citrusy twist, try using an orange marmalade glaze. The citrus flavor cuts through the richness of the ham beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham and mix the orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar for the glaze.
3. Brush the glaze over the ham and bake for about 20 minutes per pound.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this orange marmalade baked ham with a side of roasted carrots or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Holiday Special Ham Recipes

Make your holiday feast special with a unique ham recipe. These recipes are perfect for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or New Year’s. They add a festive touch to your meals.

Christmas Spiced Ham with Cloves

A traditional Christmas ham is spiced with warm spices and cloves. It’s a classic for any holiday meal.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon ground allspice
• 20-25 whole cloves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves.
3. Mix brown sugar and spices, then rub over the ham.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound or until caramelized.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted veggies and traditional Christmas sides like mashed potatoes or green bean casserole.

Easter Sunday Apricot Glazed Ham

Make your Easter celebration special with a sweet apricot glaze on a baked ham.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Glaze the ham with apricot preserves, mustard, and honey during the last 30 minutes.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with spring-inspired sides like asparagus or deviled eggs.

Thanksgiving Cider-Baked Ham

Try a cider-baked ham for a change from turkey. It’s full of fall flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Baste the ham with apple cider during baking.
3. Glaze with brown sugar and mustard during the last 30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with traditional Thanksgiving dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes.

New Year’s Champagne Ham

Start the new year with a champagne-glazed ham. It’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1 cup champagne
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Glaze the ham with champagne, honey, and mustard during the last 30 minutes.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with champagne-infused desserts or fresh fruit for a celebratory finish.

Sweet and Savory Ham Glazes

Make your ham special with our sweet and savory glaze recipes. The right glaze can turn a simple ham into a meal highlight. We’ll show you four glaze recipes that mix sweet and savory for a tasty experience.

9. Honey Mustard Glazed Ham

The Honey Mustard Glazed Ham mixes honey’s sweetness with mustard’s tang. It caramelizes beautifully while baking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern.
3. Mix the glaze ingredients and brush over the ham.
4. Bake for 2 hours, glazing every 20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with roasted veggies or a fresh salad. It’s a great mix of sweet and savory.

10. Brown Sugar and Dijon Ham

The Brown Sugar and Dijon Ham adds a twist with brown sugar’s molasses and Dijon mustard’s heat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground cloves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix the glaze ingredients.
3. Brush the glaze over the scored ham.
4. Bake for 1.5 hours, glazing every 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole for a cozy meal.

11. Pineapple and Cherry Ham

The Pineapple and Cherry Ham brings a fun twist with its bright colors and tropical taste. It uses both juice and fruit for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves
• 1 cup pineapple rings
• 1 cup maraschino cherries

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Score the ham and insert cloves.
3. Mix the glaze ingredients and brush over the ham.
4. Bake for 2 hours, adding pineapple rings and cherries during the last hour.

Serving Suggestions

Try it with a fruit salad or grilled pineapple for a refreshing side.

12. Maple Syrup and Apple Cider Ham

The Maple Syrup and Apple Cider Ham blends two classic American tastes. It’s great for fall but tasty all year.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried rosemary

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix the glaze ingredients.
3. Brush the glaze over the ham.
4. Bake for 1.5 hours, glazing every 20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or apple sauce for a seasonal touch.

International Baked Ham Recipes

Baked ham recipes from around the world are fascinating. They show us different cooking traditions. Let’s explore four unique recipes, each with its own flavors and ingredients.

Italian Herb Crusted Ham

The Italian Herb Crusted Ham is simple yet flavorful. It uses fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano. These are mixed with garlic and olive oil for a fragrant crust.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) ham
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern.
3. Mix olive oil, garlic, and herbs, and rub over the ham.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted veggies or a green salad. This makes a complete meal.

Asian-Inspired Soy Glazed Ham

This ham combines soy sauce, brown sugar, and ginger. It creates a unique glaze.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) ham
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic for the glaze.
3. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.
4. Bake according to ham size, typically 15-20 minutes per pound.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried veggies. It’s an authentic Asian meal.

Caribbean Rum and Brown Sugar Ham

This ham adds a tropical twist to baked ham. It uses dark rum, brown sugar, and a hint of spice.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) ham
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix rum, brown sugar, mustard, and cinnamon for the glaze.
3. Brush the glaze over the ham during baking.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with grilled pineapple and coconut rice. It’s a Caribbean-themed dinner.

Spanish Paprika and Garlic Ham

This ham highlights Spanish paprika’s smoky flavor. It’s mixed with garlic and olive oil.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) ham
• 2 tablespoons Spanish paprika
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix paprika, garlic, and olive oil to create a paste.
3. Rub the paste over the ham.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with tapas like olives, almonds, and crusty bread. It’s a Spanish-inspired meal.

25 Delicious Baked Ham Recipes for Any Occasion

Let’s explore new ways to make baked ham. We’ll use sodas and fruits for a twist on the classic. These new flavors are both surprising and tasty.

17. Coca-Cola Glazed Ham

The Coca-Cola Glazed Ham changes the game. It uses Coca-Cola’s caramel and acidity for a sticky glaze. Reducing the glaze makes the flavors stronger and the ham looks great.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1 cup Coca-Cola
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place in a roasting pan.
3. In a saucepan, combine Coca-Cola, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the glaze thickens.
4. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Coca-Cola Glazed Ham with roasted veggies or a fresh salad. The sweet and tangy glaze goes well with grilled pineapple or roasted carrots.

18. Dr. Pepper Baked Ham

The Dr. Pepper Baked Ham uses Dr. Pepper’s 23 flavors for a unique glaze. Cherry, vanilla, and spices mix with the ham for a complex taste.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1 cup Dr. Pepper
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place in a roasting pan.
3. In a saucepan, combine Dr. Pepper, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the glaze thickens.
4. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Dr. Pepper Baked Ham with mashed sweet potatoes or green beans. The Dr. Pepper glaze adds a sophisticated touch.

19. Root Beer Glazed Ham

The Root Beer Glazed Ham has a nostalgic twist. Its sassafras and vanilla notes mix with the ham’s saltiness, reminding you of a root beer float.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1 cup root beer
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place in a roasting pan.
3. In a saucepan, combine root beer, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the glaze thickens.
4. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Root Beer Glazed Ham with roasted Brussels sprouts or creamy coleslaw. The root beer glaze adds a fun twist to traditional ham.

20. Cranberry Orange Baked Ham

The Cranberry Orange Baked Ham is perfect for winter. It combines tart cranberries with citrus for a festive dish. It adds color to any holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place in a roasting pan.
3. In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the glaze thickens.
4. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cranberry Orange Baked Ham with roasted root vegetables or mashed potatoes. The cranberry and orange flavors complement the ham well, making it a standout dish.

21. Peach Bourbon Glazed Ham

The Peach Bourbon Glazed Ham brings Southern charm. Sweet peaches and bourbon create a sophisticated flavor. It’s perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
• 1 cup peach preserves
• 1/4 cup bourbon
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place in a roasting pan.
3. In a saucepan, combine peach preserves, bourbon, Dijon mustard, and ground cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the glaze thickens.
4. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Peach Bourbon Glazed Ham with grilled asparagus or roasted sweet potatoes. The peach and bourbon flavors make this dish elegant.

Special Diet Ham Recipes

Baked ham can fit many diets, like low-sodium or sugar-free. It’s great for everyone, no matter their diet. Here are four special ham recipes for different needs.

Low-Sodium Herb Baked Ham

For those watching their salt, try a low-sodium ham. It uses herbs, citrus, and spices for flavor without salt.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) ham, preferably lower-sodium
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
3. Mix olive oil, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the ham, making sure to get some into the scored lines.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted veggies or a salad. Use the pan drippings for a low-sodium gravy.

Sugar-Free Glazed Ham

This recipe is good for diabetics and those on low-carb diets. It uses natural sweeteners for a sweet glaze without sugar spikes.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) ham
• 1/2 cup sugar-free maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons erythritol
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix sugar-free maple syrup, Dijon mustard, erythritol, and ground cloves to make the glaze.
3. Glaze the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking, basting every 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with cauliflower mash or a green salad for a sugar-conscious meal.

Keto-Friendly Baked Ham

This ham is for those on a ketogenic diet. It uses high-fat, low-carb glazing.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) ham
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons grated cheddar cheese (full-fat)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix melted butter, parsley, cheddar cheese, and chives. Brush this mixture over the ham during the last 20 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with keto-friendly sides like creamed spinach or a salad with avocado.

Paleo Ham Recipe with Natural Sweeteners

This recipe follows paleo rules. It uses honey or maple syrup and other paleo ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-7 pound) ham
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and rosemary for the glaze. Apply during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with roasted sweet potatoes or steamed broccoli for a paleo-friendly meal.

Leftover Ham Recipe Ideas

Leftover ham is full of tasty possibilities. You can make soups, breakfast dishes, and more. Get creative and turn last night’s dinner into tomorrow’s lunch or next week’s meal.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham

One easy idea is a ham and bean soup. It’s warm and filling. You can also chop the ham for a breakfast casserole with eggs, cheese, and veggies.

For a fast dinner, try a ham and pasta dish with creamy sauce. Or, make a quiche for a meal that’s good any time.

Other ideas include ham fried rice with veggies. Or, add diced ham to a salad with greens, fruits, and nuts. Think beyond ham sandwiches and explore new cuisines.

Storage and Freezing Tips for Baked Ham

Keep leftover ham safe and tasty by cooling it fast. Slice or chop it and store in airtight containers or freezer bags. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing is great for longer storage. Label bags with date and contents. Store at 0°F (-18°C) or below for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or cold water.

Reheating Baked Ham Without Drying It Out

Reheating ham can be tricky, but there are ways to keep it moist. Try reheating with a glaze or sauce in the oven. This adds moisture and flavor.

Another method is using steam by wrapping in foil and heating in a steamer. For quick reheating, microwave slices covered with a damp paper towel. Always reheat to 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Conclusion

Baking the perfect ham is a skill that makes any meal special. This article has 25 delicious baked ham recipes. You can impress your guests and meet different tastes and diets.

Learning to bake ham well is important. It involves knowing about temperature, resting, and glazing. These recipes show how versatile ham can be for any occasion.

Try out different glazes and flavors to make your own special ham. Baked ham is great for parties because you can make it ahead of time. Share your ham-baking stories and find new ways to enjoy baked ham.