If you’re on the hunt for that perfect centerpiece to wow your guests at the next gathering, look no further than this Honey Orange Glazed Ham Recipe. It brings together the luscious sweetness of honey and brown sugar, the bright citrus punch of orange marmalade, and the tender, savory goodness of a spiral ham into one unforgettable dish. This recipe is as simple as it is spectacular, transforming a fully cooked ham into a caramelized, sticky-sweet masterpiece that’s juicy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, this Honey Orange Glazed Ham Recipe will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a starring role in delivering that perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and savory depth that makes this dish sing. From the rich molasses notes of brown sugar to the citrus sparkle of marmalade, every element adds a layer of flavor and a touch of glossy color.
- Fully cooked bone-in spiral ham (6 to 8 pounds): Choose a quality ham with spiral cuts that help the glaze soak in beautifully.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the glaze’s richness.
- Honey (1 cup): Adds natural sweetness and a lovely sticky texture for that glossy finish.
- Sweet orange marmalade (1/2 cup): Delivers a citrusy brightness and subtle fruity bits that elevate the glaze.
How to Make Honey Orange Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This moderate heat allows the ham to warm through without drying out. Meanwhile, place your fully cooked spiral ham in a shallow roasting pan or baking dish to catch all those delicious drippings as it bakes.
Step 2: Create the Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, and sweet orange marmalade. Stir these ingredients together until they’re fully blended and the sugar begins to dissolve, setting the stage for that luscious glaze.
Step 3: Simmer the Mixture
Keep stirring over medium heat as the glaze mixture reaches a gentle bubble. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, which helps to meld the flavors into a thick, syrupy texture that will coat the ham perfectly.
Step 4: Apply the First Layer of Glaze
Spoon half of the warm glaze over the ham, making sure it seeps into the spiral cuts. This first layer locks in moisture while foreshadowing the sticky sweetness to come.
Step 5: Bake the Ham
Bake the ham uncovered for 1 hour at 350 degrees. During this time, the glaze caramelizes, forming a beautiful crust, while the ham gently warms through.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish Baking
Spoon the remaining glaze over the ham, giving it another generous coat. Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should read 140° for perfect doneness. Keep in mind that larger hams might need more time.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Once out of the oven, let the ham rest briefly before slicing to lock in juices. Your Honey Orange Glazed Ham is now ready to impress!
How to Serve Honey Orange Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can make your presentation pop and add subtle, festive flavors. Consider fresh orange slices arranged around the ham along with sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a fragrant green contrast. A light dusting of finely chopped parsley can also brighten up the plate visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs beautifully with classic sides that complement its sweet and citrus profile. Try serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with a bit of bacon, or a fresh green bean almondine. For a touch of crunch and color, a crisp winter salad with pomegranate seeds and walnuts will be a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving slices of the honey orange glazed ham on a wooden cutting board layered with citrus wedges and fresh herbs. Alternatively, create a carving station where guests can slice their portions and top them with a drizzle of leftover glaze or a citrus mustard. If you’re hosting a buffet, small toothpick skewers with warm ham chunks and pineapple or mango chunks can make a fun appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the feast, wrap any leftover ham tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Properly stored, your Honey Orange Glazed Ham will stay juicy and flavorful for up to 4 days, making easy lunches or quick dinners whenever you need them.
Freezing
If you want to keep ham for longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the ham into serving portions, wrap each piece securely, and store them in airtight freezer bags. Frozen ham is best used within 2 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm slices of ham in a covered dish at 250 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, basting occasionally with reserved glaze or a bit of orange juice to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ham for this Honey Orange Glazed Ham Recipe?
Absolutely! While a bone-in spiral ham is ideal for this recipe because of its even slices and flavor absorption, you can also use a boneless ham. Just adjust baking time accordingly, and be sure it’s fully cooked before glazing.
Is this glaze too sweet for savory palates?
Not at all. The sweetness is perfectly balanced by the citrus notes from the orange marmalade and the savory depth of the ham. It creates a harmonious blend that complements rather than overpowers.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat gently before applying it to the ham to ensure a smooth, pourable consistency.
What do I do if my glaze starts to harden?
If your glaze thickens too much, warm it slowly while stirring and add a splash of orange juice or a tiny bit of water to loosen it back up without diluting the flavor.
How long should I let the ham rest before slicing?
Let the ham rest for about 10 to 15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each slice tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Orange Glazed Ham Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug plated beautifully. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a standout for any occasion, and once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without it. Give it a go and prepare to receive endless compliments — your friends and family will thank you for bringing such a bright, sweet, and savory star to the table!
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Honey Orange Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Orange Glazed Ham recipe offers a deliciously sweet and tangy twist to a classic spiral ham. The glaze, made from brown sugar, honey, and orange marmalade, caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding a shiny finish and rich flavor that will impress your guests. Perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-make ham ensures a juicy and flavorful centerpiece.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 fully cooked bone-in spiral ham (6 to 8 pounds)
Glaze
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup sweet orange marmalade
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the ham.
- Prepare Ham: Place the fully cooked bone-in spiral ham in a shallow roasting pan or baking dish to catch any drippings and make glazing easier.
- Make Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, and orange marmalade, stirring until fully blended.
- Simmer Glaze: Continue stirring the mixture over medium heat until it starts to bubble. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the glaze to thicken slightly.
- Glaze Ham First Layer: Spoon half of the prepared glaze evenly over the surface of the ham, covering all visible sides for maximum flavor.
- Bake Ham: Place the ham uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, allowing the glaze to caramelize and the ham to warm through.
- Glaze Ham Second Layer: Remove the ham and spoon the remaining glaze over it, ensuring an even coating.
- Final Bake: Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 140°F, indicating it is fully heated and ready to serve.
- Serve: Take the ham out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve to your guests, enjoying the sweet and tangy flavors of the honey orange glaze.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the mixture slightly longer before applying.
- Leftover ham with glaze can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 3-4 days.
- Adjust cooking time if your ham size is different, using internal temperature as your guide.
- For extra zest, you can add a small amount of grated orange peel to the glaze while simmering.
