Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a deliciously sweet and flavorful twist on the classic holiday ham. The spiral-cut slices make it easy to serve, and each bite is glazed with a…
Tip: save now, cook later.Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a deliciously sweet and flavorful twist on the classic holiday ham. The spiral-cut slices make it easy to serve, and each bite is glazed with a sticky, golden honey and garlicky sauce that really brings it all together. This dish is perfect when you want something simple to prepare but impressive enough to make any meal feel special.
I love how the honey glaze caramelizes on the edges of the ham, giving it a nice balance of sweet and savory with a little hint of garlic that keeps things interesting. When I make this, I like to brush the glaze on a few times while it bakes to get that perfect sticky coating. It’s one of those dishes that fills the kitchen with such a wonderful aroma that everyone starts asking if dinner’s ready way before it actually is!
Serving this ham with some fresh rolls and a side of roasted vegetables always gets me compliments. It’s great for holiday gatherings or even a cozy family dinner. Plus, the spiral-cut makes it so easy for everyone to help themselves to just the right amount without any fuss. If you ask me, this honey-garlic ham is a winner every time it’s on the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spiral-Cut Ham: This is the star! Using a fully cooked, spiral-cut ham saves time and makes serving easy. If you can’t find spiral-cut, a regular cooked ham works—just slice as usual.
Honey: Honey gives a lovely sweetness and helps the glaze stick. Maple syrup or agave nectar can substitute if you prefer a different sweetener.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs the best flavor here. If you’re short on time, garlic powder works but use less to avoid overpowering.
Brown Sugar & Dijon Mustard: Brown sugar adds caramel notes, while Dijon mustard balances with tang and depth. You can swap Dijon with yellow mustard in a pinch, though flavor changes slightly.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Orange Juice: Both add acidity and brightness. Orange juice gives a fruitier touch, which I personally enjoy for a fresh twist.
How Can I Get a Sticky, Caramelized Glaze Without Burning?
Getting that perfect golden glaze on your ham is all about timing and attention.
- Brush Frequently: Apply glaze every 20 minutes while baking. This builds layers of sticky goodness.
- Cover with Foil: Keeps ham moist and prevents glaze from burning early on.
- Remove Foil Near End: Last 10-15 minutes without foil lets glaze thicken and caramelize. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Use Medium Oven Temperature: Around 325°F (165°C) balances cooking ham through and allowing glaze to set.
With warm patience and regular glazing, your ham will shine with a gorgeous, sticky surface without any burnt spots.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan – big enough to hold the ham and catch drips for easy cleanup.
- Basting brush – helps you spread the honey-garlic glaze evenly for a sticky, tasty finish.
- Aluminum foil – covers the ham to keep it moist while baking.
- Sharp carving knife – makes slicing between spiral cuts neat and easy.
- Medium saucepan – perfect for heating and mixing the glaze ingredients smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add pineapple slices or pineapple juice to the glaze for a sweet, tropical twist that pairs well with honey.
- Mix in a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the glaze for extra depth and a bit of warmth.
- Try using fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs on the ham for a subtle herbal aroma and flavor.
- Swap garlic for ginger in the glaze to introduce a bright and slightly spicy note that pairs nicely with ham.
Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (about 8 to 10 pounds)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: whole cloves for studding the ham
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and glaze the ham, plus baking time of approximately 10 to 12 minutes per pound. For a 9-pound ham, plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours in the oven. Add an extra 10 minutes for resting before serving. So, total time is around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Ham:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the spiral-cut ham flat side down in a large roasting pan. If you’d like, press whole cloves into the thicker spots between the slices for extra flavor and decoration.
2. Making the Honey-Garlic Glaze:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), minced garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and everything is smooth and warm. Remove from the heat and set aside, reserving about ¼ cup of the glaze for serving later.
3. Baking and Glazing the Ham:
Brush most of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham. Cover loosely with foil and bake it for about 10–12 minutes per pound, basting with the glaze every 20 minutes to build up a sticky, delicious coating. During the last 10–15 minutes, remove the foil to let the glaze thicken and caramelize, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
4. Resting and Serving:
Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Drizzle the reserved glaze over the slices or serve it on the side. Use a sharp knife to slice between the spiral cuts, and enjoy your tender, flavorful honey-garlic spiral ham!
Can I Use Frozen Ham for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure the ham is fully thawed before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours depending on size, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
How Can I Store Leftover Ham?
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little reserved glaze or water to keep it moist.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the honey-garlic glaze a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Warm it gently before brushing onto the ham to ensure it spreads easily.
What Side Dishes Go Well with Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham?
This ham pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. Bread rolls or cheesy potatoes also make great complements to soak up the glaze.