I Tried Our 5 Most Popular Ham Recipes—This Is the One I’ll Make Forever

I tried our 5 most popular ham recipes, and after tasting each one, there's one that stands out as the absolute winner. Here's the recipe I'll make forever:

The Perfect Honey-Glazed Ham

This recipe combines the best elements of sweetness and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. The honey glaze adds a perfect balance of caramelized sweetness, while the mustard and spices enhance the savory richness of the ham.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)

• 1 cup honey

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

• 1/4 cup orange juice (optional for extra citrus flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up, and cover loosely with foil.

2. Bake the ham for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C). Baste the ham with its own juices every 30 minutes.

3. While the ham is baking, make the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens, about 10-15 minutes.

4. Once the ham reaches 130°F, remove the foil and brush the ham with the prepared glaze. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with the glaze.

5. Optional: During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can broil the ham to get a slightly crispy glaze.

6. Rest the ham for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

7. Serve the ham with the remaining glaze on the side.

Why This Ham Recipe Stands Out

• Balanced Flavors: The combination of honey and mustard creates a perfect balance between sweet and savory, and the warm spices like cinnamon and cloves give it depth.

• Crispy Glaze: The glaze caramelizes beautifully during the baking process, creating a slightly crispy, sticky coating that enhances every bite.

• Simple & Elegant: Despite its elegant flavor profile, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow and makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday or family dinner.

If you're looking for a ham recipe that combines rich flavor, tender meat, and a deliciously sweet glaze, this is the one you should keep in your recipe box forever!