Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors wrapped around tender, juicy slices of ham. The spiral cut makes it super easy to serve, and the honey and garlic glaze gives it a shiny, mouthwatering finish that’s hard to resist. It’s a great dish for any occasion where you want something delicious but simple to put together.
I love making this honey-garlic ham when I want a meal that feels special but doesn’t take forever in the kitchen. The glaze comes together quickly and caramelizes beautifully in the oven, making the whole house smell amazing. Plus, the spiral cuts mean everyone can grab just the right amount they want without fuss.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this ham is with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. The sticky-sweet glaze pairs wonderfully with warm, buttery potatoes and a side of crisp veggies. It’s always a hit at family dinners, and leftovers make fantastic sandwiches the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spiral-cut ham: This is the star of the show—fully cooked ham makes for easy preparation and juicy slices. If you can’t find spiral-cut, a regular pre-cooked ham works but the spiral cut makes it easier to serve.
Honey: This adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize. You can substitute maple syrup or agave for a similar sweetness.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and balances the garlic’s sharpness. Light or dark brown sugar both work well; dark will give a richer flavor.
Dijon mustard: Offers a slight tang that cuts through the sweet glaze. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard or whole grain mustard are good alternatives.
Soy sauce: Brings a salty umami taste to balance the sweetness. For low sodium, use reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers pungent warmth. Garlic powder can be used if needed, but fresh gives the best aroma.
How Do You Get a Perfectly Sticky, Caramelized Glaze on Spiral Ham?
The glaze is key for great flavor and an appealing look. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make the glaze by mixing honey, brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, garlic, and spices well so flavors blend evenly.
- Brush the glaze over the ham, making sure to get some between the slices—this waters every bite with flavor.
- Bake covered at a lower temperature (325°F) to warm and meld flavors without drying the ham.
- Remove foil and turn up the heat near the end to caramelize the glaze and create that shiny, sticky crust. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Letting the ham rest after baking helps the juices settle for tender, moist slices.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan with rack – holds the ham and lets heat circulate for even cooking.
- Basting brush – helps you spread the honey-garlic glaze evenly between the spiral slices.
- Aluminum foil – keeps the ham moist while baking and lets you tent it easily.
- Meat thermometer – ensures your ham reaches the perfect temperature without overcooking.
- Sharp carving knife – makes it easy to separate the spiral slices cleanly for serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a bright citrus twist that complements the sweetness.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ground ginger for a warm, spicy note that pairs well with garlic.
- Try swapping soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce for a deeper, tangy umami flavor.
- Sprinkle cloves into the ham before glazing for a classic, fragrant touch that feels festive.
How to Make Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Ham:
- 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (about 6-8 pounds)
For The Honey-Garlic Glaze:
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time is about 1 to 1½ hours for baking a 6-8 pound ham, plus 10 minutes for resting. You’ll spend a little time mixing the glaze and basting the ham periodically while it cooks. Don’t forget the last 15 minutes when you turn up the heat to caramelize the glaze, which gives it that delicious sticky finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ham:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the spiral-cut ham, flat-side down, on a large roasting pan with a rack or rimmed baking sheet.
2. Make the Honey-Garlic Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth.
3. Glaze the Ham and Start Baking:
Use a basting brush or spoon to coat the ham generously with about half of the glaze, making sure to get it between the spiral slices for full flavor. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and put it in the oven.
4. Bake and Baste Regularly:
Bake the ham for 10-12 minutes per pound (about 1 to 1½ hours for your ham), basting with the remaining glaze every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Finish with Caramelized Glaze:
About 15 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil and increase the heat to 400°F (204°C). This step caramelizes the glaze for a beautifully shiny, sticky crust. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
6. Rest and Serve:
Remove the ham from the oven once it’s heated through and caramelized (internal temperature should be 140°F or 60°C if reheating). Let it rest for 10 minutes so the juices settle. Serve warm, spooning any extra glaze from the pan over the slices.
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Yes! While spiral-cut ham is best for easy serving and glaze penetration, you can use any fully cooked ham. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type.
How Should I Store Leftover Ham?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave, adding a bit of extra glaze or juice to keep them moist.
Can I Prepare The Ham Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can glaze the ham and bake it a few hours before serving. Keep it covered in the fridge and reheat gently, adding fresh glaze if needed to revive the sticky finish.
What Is a Good Substitute for Honey in the Glaze?
Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as honey substitutes. They provide similar sweetness and help create that beautiful caramelized glaze on the ham.