Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with tender slices that are juicy and full of that delicious garlic kick. The honey caramelizes on the…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
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Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with tender slices that are juicy and full of that delicious garlic kick. The honey caramelizes on the outside, giving the ham a nice sticky glaze that makes every bite super tasty. Spiral-cut means it’s easy to serve and everyone can grab exactly how much they want.
I love how simple it is to prepare this ham but still feels special enough for holidays or Sunday dinners. The honey and garlic combo is the star here, and it’s amazing how just a few ingredients can create such a great glaze that makes the ham shine. I usually start with a pre-cooked spiral ham, brush it with the honey-garlic sauce, and let it bake until it’s warm and bubbly — couldn’t be easier!
When I serve this honey-garlic spiral ham, it usually gets everyone smiling around the table. I like pairing it with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans, but it also tastes great with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. This ham is the kind of dish that always gets me excited for family meals and special occasions because it feels like a little celebration with every slice.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Spiral-sliced ham: This pre-cooked ham is easy to serve as it’s already thinly sliced. If you can’t find spiral-cut, use a boneless ham and slice it yourself after baking. Bone-in hams add more flavor but take longer to cook.
Honey: Honey gives a natural sweetness and shiny glaze. Maple syrup or agave syrup can work as substitutes if you want a different flavor or need to avoid honey.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best for that strong, aromatic punch. Garlic powder can be used if fresh isn’t available, but use less—about 1 teaspoon.
Brown sugar: This adds richness and balances garlic’s sharpness. You can swap with coconut sugar or white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses.
Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth to the glaze. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard both work well.
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice: The acid brightens and cuts the sweetness. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand. White vinegar is stronger, so use a bit less if substituting.
How Do You Get the Ham Glaze Sticky and Perfectly Caramelized?
Getting a sticky, glossy glaze that clings to the ham is all about timing and temperature:
- Brush the glaze on during the last 20-30 minutes of baking after the ham is mostly heated through.
- Leave the foil off so the glaze can bake down and thicken without steaming.
- Baste multiple times (every 10 minutes) to build layers of flavor and shine.
- Watch the heat so the sugars don’t burn—325°F is a safe temperature that lets the glaze caramelize slowly.
Resting the ham after baking lets juices redistribute, so when you slice, the meat stays juicy and the glaze stays sticky on top.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan – perfect for holding the ham and catching drips while baking.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep the ham moist by covering it during most of the baking time.
- Small saucepan – where you’ll mix and warm the honey-garlic glaze evenly.
- Basting brush – makes it easy to spread the glaze over the ham and build that sticky coating.
- Meat thermometer – handy to check the ham is heated through without overcooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a fresh citrus twist that pairs well with honey.
- Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic for a spicy kick if you like heat.
- Use Dijon mustard and a bit of maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, slightly smoky sweetness.
- Sprinkle cloves or rosemary sprigs over the ham before baking for extra warm, festive flavors.
How to Make Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- ½ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and about 1.5 to 2 hours of baking time, depending on the size of your ham. Plus, plan about 10 minutes of resting time before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Ham:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the spiral-sliced ham with the flat side down into a large roasting pan. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep the ham moist while it bakes.
2. Bake the Ham:
Bake the ham for about 10-12 minutes per pound, usually around 1.5 to 2 hours. This warms the ham gently without drying it out.
3. Make the Honey-Garlic Glaze:
While the ham is in the oven, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), ground black pepper, and ground cloves if you’re using them. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring often until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth. Then, remove the pan from heat.
4. Glaze and Caramelize:
During the last 20-30 minutes of baking, remove the foil from the ham. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, then place it back in the oven uncovered. Baste the ham with more glaze every 10 minutes. This helps build up that delicious sticky, shiny coating on the outside.
5. Rest and Serve:
When done, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle so the ham stays juicy when you slice it. Serve slices with any extra glaze drizzled on top for added flavor and shine. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Spiral Ham for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before baking. The safest way is to thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours depending on size. This ensures even heating and the best texture.
Can I Prepare the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the honey-garlic glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before brushing onto the ham to help it spread smoothly.
How Should I Store Leftover Ham?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the ham moist, and add a little extra glaze or broth if it feels dry.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve with Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham?
This ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or a crisp fresh salad to balance the rich glaze.