Baked Glazed Ham Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet show-stopping ham that’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly glazed, you’ve come to the right place. This Baked Glazed Ham Recipe is one of my absolute favorites for holiday dinners or any special occasion, and I promise, once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to boring ham again. The balance of sweet pineapple, warm spices, and tangy mustard creates a glaze that clings to every spiral slice, making it irresistible—plus, the slow baking keeps the ham tender and moist. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every detail so you totally nail this recipe the first time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this baked glazed ham recipe really comes from a handful of quality ingredients that play nicely together. You probably already have most of these on hand, and the ham itself does the heavy lifting, giving you a showy centerpiece with minimal fuss.

• Bone-in fully cooked spiral ham: Spiral cut makes serving a breeze, and bone-in helps the meat stay juicy and flavorful while baking.
• Brown sugar: Adds that deep, caramel-like sweetness that forms the sticky, delicious glaze crust.
• Crushed pineapple with juice: Brings natural sweetness and acidity, which helps tenderize the ham and balance richness.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the glaze and cuts through the sweeter elements to keep it from feeling too heavy.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a little tang and depth, pairing perfectly with the pineapple and sugar.
• Ground cinnamon: A warm spice note that complements the sweetness beautifully without being over bearable.
• Ground cloves: A little goes a long way by adding a subtle aromatic hint that feels festive and special.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to keep the base glaze just as it is because it hits the perfect sweet-tangy-spicy notes, but you can absolutely personalize this baked glazed ham recipe. Making it your own is part of the fun!

• Variation: Once, I swapped pineapple for orange juice and zest – it added a bright citrus flair that my family loved for a spring gathering.
• Dietary tweak: If you prefer a less sugary glaze, reducing the brown sugar to half and supplementing with a little maple syrup works beautifully.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of ground ginger or a splash of hot sauce gives the glaze a slight kick that pairs well with savory side dishes.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ham and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 325°F — this low and slow heat is key to warming the ham through without drying it out. Then, line a deep baking dish with heavy-duty nonstick foil. I usually double up the foil if mine isn’t sturdy enough to catch all the juices. Remove the ham from its packaging, and if it comes with a glaze packet, just toss that. Place the ham flat side down in the pan; this helps it sit stable and allows the glaze to penetrate all the layers better during baking. Pop it in the oven and bake it uncovered for one hour.

Step 2: Whip Up the Glaze

While that hour is ticking away, mix your glaze ingredients in a small bowl: brown sugar, crushed pineapple with juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. I like to stir these well to make sure the sugar dissolves a bit, but a few lumps don’t hurt since it caramelizes in the oven. This glaze is where all the magic happens, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Glaze and Bake in Two Halves

Take the ham out of the oven carefully — it will be hot! Spoon about half of your glaze over the ham, making sure to drizzle over the top and between the spiral slices. Using the back of a spoon or a pastry brush helps get the glaze evenly distributed. Return the ham to the oven for 30 minutes, letting that glaze caramelize and soak in nicely.

Step 4: Final Glaze and Finish Baking

After the 30 minutes, pull your ham out again and brush on the remaining glaze. Pop it back in the oven for another 30 minutes. You want the internal temperature to hit 140-145°F to make sure it’s warmed through but still juicy. This step gives you a gorgeous, sticky, lacquered finish.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, move the ham to a rimmed serving platter, laying it flat side out for easy slicing. I like to gather some kale leaves or fresh herbs around the edges — it adds a nice pop of color and makes the presentation feel extra special. Don’t forget to reserve those pan juices! They’re perfect for drizzling on the ham or turning into gravy.

How to Serve Baked Glazed Ham Recipe

Garnishes

I like garnishing my ham platter with fresh kale or parsley for a splash of color, it’s such an easy, no-fuss way to dress it up. Sometimes, I add pineapple slices or even thin apple slices for a subtle fruity contrast that guests always ask about. But honestly, the glazed ham shines all on its own, so keep it simple if you want to highlight that golden, sticky crust.

Side Dishes

This baked glazed ham pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a buttery sweet potato casserole. For something super fresh, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a bright cranberry relish or tangy coleslaw offers a fun contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve taken this ham out in style by arranging the slices in a large circle on a festive platter with edible flowers or cranberries dotted around. Another time, I set up a “ham carving station” where guests can pick their own slices and add homemade mustard or fruit preserves. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and turns serving into a fun activity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When you’ve got leftovers (and trust me, you will), wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. I keep mine in the fridge for up to 3-5 days, and it stays moist and ready to reheat without losing that glazed flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save some ham for later, freezing works great! Slice it first, then freeze in single-layer trays or freezer bags. Just remember to let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so it warms evenly and stays juicy.

Reheating

I usually reheat individual portions in the microwave wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. For larger amounts, covering the ham slices with foil and warming in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes works perfectly. Either way, you’ll get tender, flavorful ham that tastes almost as good as fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This baked glazed ham recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want to impress with minimal stress. It’s warm, comforting, and endlessly versatile, plus it brings people straight to the table with smiles. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that feels both celebratory and cozy. So go ahead, give it a try for your next special meal and watch it become a favorite in your home too!

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