Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a delicious and easy main dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a special family dinner. This ham is glazed with a sweet and flavorful mix of honey and garlic, giving it a wonderful golden shine and a taste that’s both sweet and a little bit tangy. The spiral cut makes it super simple to serve, with each slice as tender and juice-packed as the last.
I love how the honey and garlic come together to create a glaze that’s both sticky and flavorful without being too overpowering. It’s one of those recipes that’s great for when you want something impressive but not complicated. I usually brush on extra glaze while it bakes for a nice caramelized finish that everyone always remarks on.
My favorite way to serve this ham is alongside some roasted potatoes and steamed green beans, letting the glaze drip over everything for extra yum. It’s also fantastic leftover the next day, sliced thin for sandwiches or a quick breakfast with eggs. For me, Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is one of those dishes that brings people around the table with happy smiles every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Spiral
- cut ham: Using a pre-cooked spiral ham makes serving easy and mess-free. You can swap for a smaller ham if cooking for fewer people, adjusting baking time accordingly.
- Honey
- This adds natural sweetness and a sticky glaze. If you're avoiding honey, maple syrup or agave syrup work well as substitutes with a similar texture.
- Garlic
- Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic depth. If fresh isn’t available, garlic powder can be used but reduce the amount to avoid overpowering the glaze.
- Soy sauce
- It gives a salty, umami kick balancing the sweetness. For a low-sodium option, use a light soy sauce or tamari.
- Dijon mustard
- Adds tang and helps thicken the glaze. Yellow mustard can be used but will change the flavor slightly.
How Can You Get a Perfectly Sticky and Caramelized Glaze?
The secret to a glossy, flavorful ham lies in applying and baking the glaze correctly:
- Brush the glaze generously in between slices to infuse flavor.
- Cover the ham with foil while baking to keep moisture in and prevent burning.
- Baste every 20-30 minutes to build layers of flavor and glaze.
- Remove the foil in the last 20 minutes to let the glaze thicken and caramelize, forming a lovely crust.
Taking your time with basting and not rushing the uncovered finish turns out a ham that’s juicy inside and irresistibly sticky outside, perfect for sharing.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan – big enough to hold the spiral ham flat side down and catch drips during baking.
- Basting brush – makes it easy to spread the honey-garlic glaze smoothly over the ham and in between slices.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep the ham moist while baking by covering it loosely.
- Small saucepan – perfect for heating and thickening the glaze ingredients evenly.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – helps check the ham’s temperature to ensure it’s warmed through.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
- Mix in a splash of orange juice or zest into the glaze for a fresh citrus twist that brightens the flavor.
- Try brushing on a bit of Dijon mustard mixed with brown sugar before glazing for a tangy-sweet crust.
- Top the ham with pineapple rings or slices during the last 30 minutes of baking for a tropical sweet contrast.
How to Make Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total cooking time is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the ham’s size (plan for about 15-18 minutes per pound). Preparation takes 10 minutes to make the glaze and brush the ham before baking. Add 10 minutes at the end to let the ham rest.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Ham:
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Put the spiral-cut ham flat side down into a large roasting pan.
2. Make the Honey-Garlic Glaze:
In a small saucepan, mix honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and ground cloves (if using). Warm it over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves and glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Take it off the heat.
3. Glaze the Ham:
Brush a good amount of the glaze all over the ham, making sure some coats the spots between slices for flavorful bites.
4. Bake Covered and Baste Often:
Cover the ham lightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 20-30 minutes with any leftover glaze. This will keep it juicy and build a sticky, delicious coating.
5. Finish Baking Uncovered:
Take off the foil for the last 20 minutes. Keep basting so the glaze thickens and caramelizes, giving the ham a nice golden crust.
6. Rest and Serve:
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Slice along the spiral cuts and serve warm, drizzling with any glaze left in the pan.
Can I Use a Frozen Spiral Ham for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking to ensure even heating and proper glazing.
How Should I Store Leftover Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham?
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it juicy.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the glaze up to 2 days before. Store it in an airtight jar in the fridge and warm gently before brushing on the ham.
What Can I Serve with This Ham?
Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.