25 Irresistible Honey Baked Ham Recipes for Holidays
The holiday season is here. It’s time to gather around the table for a tasty meal. A perfectly glazed honey baked ham is often the star of these meals. It’s both familiar and festive.
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Did you know honey baked ham is a holiday favorite in the United States? It’s perfect for any gathering, big or small. A honey baked ham will wow your guests.
There are many ways to make a festive ham dish for the holidays. We’ll share 25 tasty honey baked ham recipes. They’re sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Key Takeaways
- Discover 25 delicious honey baked ham recipes for the holiday season.
- Learn how to create a memorable centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Explore traditional and innovative flavor combinations for your honey baked ham.
- Get expert tips for selecting, preparing, and serving the perfect honey baked ham.
- Find inspiration for creating a cherished holiday tradition.
The Magic of Honey Baked Ham During the Holidays
Honey baked ham is a big part of holiday fun. It brings families together with its tasty flavors. In old times, ham was seen as lucky and prosperous.
Why Honey Baked Ham is a Holiday Tradition
The mix of honey and smoky ham is loved by all ages. It’s a key part of holiday meals. Different places have their own special ham recipes.
Honey baked ham’s fame comes from its great taste and memories. Families keep their own secret ham recipes alive. This makes it a special holiday tradition.
Essential Ingredients and Tools for Perfect Honey Baked Ham
To make the best honey baked ham, you need some key things. The honey you pick can change the taste. You can choose from clover, wildflower, or orange blossom honey.
Other important things are spices like cloves, mustard, and brown sugar. They add to the flavor.
- A high-quality ham
- Various types of honey (clover, wildflower, orange blossom)
- Complementary spices (cloves, mustard, brown sugar)
- Roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
- Carving equipment
Having the right tools is also key. A roasting pan is needed for cooking. A meat thermometer helps get the ham just right. A basting brush is for the honey glaze. And you’ll need carving tools to serve it.
Classic Honey Baked Ham Recipes
Honey baked ham is loved by many. It’s perfect for the holiday season. Here are five classic recipes to impress your guests.
1. Traditional Southern-Style Honey Glazed Holiday Ham
This ham is a true holiday classic. It’s sweet and savory, just like the South. The glaze is made with honey, brown sugar, and spices.
Perfect Glaze Consistency Tips
Getting the glaze right is key. Keep an eye on its temperature. It should coat the spoon but still flow.
2. Brown Sugar and Honey Spiral-Cut Ham
This recipe is great for pre-cut hams. Brown sugar makes the glaze rich and sweet. It’s perfect for those who love caramel flavors.
For the best taste, baste the ham often. This keeps it moist and the glaze even.
3. Bourbon-Infused Honey Baked Ham with Crispy Edges
This ham has a fancy twist. Bourbon adds a deep flavor. It’s great for adult parties.
For crispy edges, broil the ham at the end. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
4. Orange Zest and Honey Glazed Country Ham
This recipe is bright and citrusy. Orange zest and honey balance the saltiness of country ham.
Country ham is cured differently. Soaking and rinsing are key to reduce salt and enhance flavor.
5. Vermont Maple-Honey Baked Ham
This ham is a taste of New England. Maple syrup and honey create a unique flavor. It’s sweet but not too sweet.
Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Don’t add too much sweetness. Let the ham’s natural taste shine.
| Recipe | Main Ingredients | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Southern-Style | Honey, Brown Sugar, Ham | 2.5 hours |
| Brown Sugar and Honey Spiral-Cut | Brown Sugar, Honey, Spiral-Cut Ham | 2 hours |
| Bourbon-Infused | Bourbon, Honey, Ham | 2.5 hours |
| Orange Zest and Honey | Orange Zest, Honey, Country Ham | 3 hours |
| Vermont Maple-Honey | Maple Syrup, Honey, Ham | 2.5 hours |
Fruit-Infused Honey Baked Ham Recipes
Make your holiday table special with our fruit-infused honey baked ham recipes. Each recipe adds a unique flavor to your celebrations. Fruits in honey glazes make hams taste better and add a fresh twist.
6. Hawaiian Pineapple Honey Baked Ham
The Hawaiian Pineapple Honey Baked Ham is a tropical treat. It brings island flavors to your holiday meal. The pineapple and honey glaze is sweet and tasty.
Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple Comparison
Choosing between fresh and canned pineapple for your ham glaze matters. Fresh pineapple tastes brighter and fresher. Canned pineapple is sweeter and softer.
For a strong pineapple taste, use fresh. But canned pineapple adds a sweet, consistent flavor that goes well with honey.
7. Autumn Apple Cider and Honey Glazed Ham
The Autumn Apple Cider and Honey Glazed Ham is great for Thanksgiving. Reducing apple cider makes the flavor richer. This creates a smooth glaze that pairs well with honey.
8. Black Cherry and Honey Baked Ham
The Black Cherry and Honey Baked Ham is a tasty mix. Black cherries add a deep flavor that balances with honey’s sweetness. Use fresh or frozen cherries, but watch the tartness.
9. Apricot-Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
The Apricot-Honey Glazed Spiral Ham is sweet and tangy. Apricots add a special flavor. To get a nice color, mix apricot and honey glaze carefully.
10. Festive Cranberry Honey Baked Ham for Christmas Dinner
The Cranberry Honey Baked Ham is perfect for Christmas. It’s festive and tastes great. Cranberry’s tartness and honey’s sweetness make it a hit with Christmas sides.
Spiced and Savory Honey Baked Ham Variations
Exploring honey baked ham, we find spices and savory elements make it better. Home cooks can mix spices and ingredients for unique flavors. These flavors impress guests during the holidays.
11. Spicy Honey Mustard Glazed Ham with Cloves
Spicy mustard and sweet honey make a tasty glaze. Adding whole cloves makes it look and taste great. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper for the glaze. Brush it on the ham and add cloves for a flavorful finish.
12. Roasted Garlic and Honey Baked Ham
Roasting garlic softens it and brings out a sweet flavor. To roast, cut the top off a garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes, until soft.
Squeeze the garlic into a glaze with honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Brush it on the ham for the last 30 minutes.
Garlic Roasting Method
To roast garlic well, follow these steps. Choose a fresh garlic head and cut off the top. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes, until tender.
Let it cool before squeezing the garlic into your glaze.
13. Fresh Rosemary and Thyme Honey Glazed Ham
Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme add a fragrant flavor. Mix them with honey, olive oil, and lemon juice for a glaze. Brush it on the ham for the last 20 minutes, so the herbs don’t burn.
14. Sweet and Spicy Honey Sriracha Glazed Ham
For a spicy flavor, add Sriracha to your glaze. Mix Sriracha with honey, soy sauce, and garlic for a bold glaze. Adjust the Sriracha to your taste and brush it on for the last 30 minutes.
15. Caramelized Honey Balsamic Glazed Ham
Balsamic vinegar and honey make a rich glaze. Reduce balsamic vinegar until thick, then mix with honey and Dijon mustard. Brush it on for the last 20 minutes to caramelize and make it glossy.
Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Honey Baked Ham Recipes
Modern kitchen tools like slow cookers and Instant Pots make cooking honey baked ham easy. They save oven space and cook the ham perfectly with little effort.
Set-and-Forget Slow Cooker Honey Baked Ham
A slow cooker is great for cooking honey baked ham. Just put the ham in, add glaze, and forget it. It cooks the ham tender and tasty.
Timing Guide for Different Ham Sizes
The time to cook a honey baked ham in a slow cooker changes with ham size. Here’s a guide:
- Small ham (2-3 pounds): 4-5 hours on low
- Medium ham (4-5 pounds): 6-7 hours on low
- Large ham (6-7 pounds): 8-10 hours on low
Always check the ham’s internal temperature. It should be at least 140°F.
Quick Instant Pot Honey Glazed Ham for Busy Holidays
The Instant Pot is quick for a honey glazed ham. It cooks fast but keeps the ham moist and flavorful.
Benefits of using an Instant Pot: It cooks fast, the ham is tender, and cleaning is easy.
Crockpot Honey Dijon Ham with White Wine
White wine in the crockpot makes the honey baked ham taste better. It adds flavor and a bit of tanginess.
Tips for selecting the right wine: Pick a dry white wine that goes well with your dish.
Tropical Slow Cooker Honey Pineapple Ham
This ham is sweet and tangy, perfect for a Hawaiian-style taste. The slow cooker makes the pineapple flavor the ham.
Tips for preventing fruit breakdown: Add pineapple late to avoid it getting mushy.
Pressure Cooker Honey Brown Sugar Ham with Crispy Finish
Getting a crispy ham finish is easy with a pressure cooker. Use a broiler or a special accessory for a caramelized crust.
Techniques for a crispy finish: Broil the ham or use a pressure cooker with a browning function.
25 Irresistible Honey Baked Ham Recipes for Holiday Entertaining
Make your holiday fun with these tasty honey baked ham recipes. The holiday season is great for family and friends to come together. A delicious honey baked ham is the perfect way to do it.
21. One-Pan Honey Glazed Ham with Roasted Root Vegetables
This recipe is a complete meal in one pan. It mixes the sweet honey glazed ham with roasted root veggies. Choose carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts for this.
Cut them into the same size for even cooking. Mix with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them around the ham on a baking sheet. Roast until the ham is golden and veggies are soft.
22. Mini Honey Baked Ham Sliders for Holiday Parties
Mini honey baked ham sliders are perfect for parties. They’re a small version of the classic ham sandwich. Slice leftover ham thinly and layer it on small buns.
Add cheese, pickles, or mustard as you like. Assemble the sliders without buns and refrigerate overnight for convenience.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Prepare the ham and toppings a day before. Store the ham in an airtight container. Assemble the sliders just before serving to keep buns fresh.
23. Weeknight Honey Glazed Ham Steaks
Honey glazed ham steaks are quick and easy for dinner. Brush ham steaks with honey, Dijon mustard, and spices. Pan-fry until caramelized and cooked through.
Serve with your favorite sides for a tasty weeknight meal.
24. Individual Honey Baked Ham Portions for Intimate Gatherings
For small gatherings, try individual honey baked ham portions. Slice a honey baked ham into servings. Serve with sides and condiments for a customized meal.
25. Day-After Holiday Honey Baked Ham Breakfast Casserole
Turn leftover honey baked ham into a breakfast casserole. Mix diced ham with eggs, cheese, and veggies or bread. Bake until set and golden.
This recipe is a great way to use leftovers and start the day with a hearty meal.
Tips for Perfecting Your Holiday Honey Baked Ham
Make your holiday dinner special with these tips for a perfect honey baked ham. You can get great at making honey baked ham, even if you’re new to cooking. Just follow the right steps and practice a bit.
Selecting the Right Ham for Your Recipe
Choosing the right ham is key for a tasty honey baked ham. There are many types of hams, like spiral-cut, bone-in, and boneless. Spiral-cut hams are easy to serve, and bone-in hams taste better. Pick a ham that fits your glaze and cooking style for the best taste.
Proper Cooking Techniques and Temperature Guidelines
Cooking your ham to the right temperature is very important. Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s at least 145°F. Let the ham rest for a few minutes before you serve it. This helps keep the ham juicy and flavorful.
Holiday Serving and Presentation Ideas
How you present your honey baked ham is very important during the holidays. Add some color with fresh herbs or edible flowers. Use a sharp knife to carve the ham and arrange the slices nicely. This will make your ham the star of your holiday meal.
Wine and Side Dish Pairing Suggestions
Choosing the right wine and side dishes can make your holiday meal even better. Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines go well with ham’s sweet and savory taste. For sides, try classic roasted veggies or something new like quinoa salad. These choices will make your holiday dinner unforgettable.
Conclusion
Honey baked ham is a classic holiday tradition. It brings people together. The recipes in this article show how versatile it is.
Try different glazes like brown sugar, bourbon, or pineapple. Find your new favorite ham dish. The best recipes become family traditions passed down.
With the tips from this article, you can make a delicious honey baked ham. Try something new this holiday. Make unforgettable ham dishes that will be part of your family’s traditions for years.
