Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a sweet and flavorful twist on the classic holiday favorite. The spiral cut makes it easy to serve, with each slice coated in a sticky glaze made from honey and garlic that gives it a perfect balance of sweetness and a little kick. It’s tender, juicy, and has that irresistible caramelized finish you’ll want to savor.
I love making this ham when I want something that feels special but isn’t hard to prepare. The honey and garlic mix creates a glaze that caramelizes during baking, making the whole house smell amazing. One tip I’ve found helpful is to baste the ham a few times while it cooks to keep it extra moist and flavorful.
Serving this ham with simple sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes is my favorite way to turn it into a warm and comforting meal. It also makes for great leftovers that you can enjoy in sandwiches or salads the next day. Whenever I bring this to a gathering, people always ask for the recipe because it’s just that good and easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spiral Ham: Pre-cooked spiral hams are the easiest choice because they cook evenly and slice beautifully. If you can’t find spiral-cut, a regular fully cooked ham works, but you’ll need to slice it yourself.
Honey: It adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize. If you’re avoiding honey, maple syrup or agave nectar are good alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives great flavor and a slight punch. Garlic powder can work in a pinch but won’t deliver the same fresh taste.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a bit of tang and balances the sweetness. You can use yellow mustard, but the flavor will be milder.
Brown Sugar: Helps thicken the glaze and deepen flavor. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a less sweet, more caramel-like note.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: The acid brightens the glaze and prevents it from being too sweet. Choose lemon for a citrusy lift or vinegar for a subtle tang.
Soy Sauce (Optional): Adds umami and depth. Use tamari or coconut aminos if you want gluten-free or soy-free options.
How Can I Get the Perfect Sticky, Caramelized Glaze on My Ham?
To achieve that sticky, flavorful glaze, it’s important to baste multiple times during baking.
- First, brush the ham well before baking to let the flavors soak in.
- Baste every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze. This builds up layers and creates that gorgeous sticky coating.
- Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes to allow the sugars to caramelize and create a slightly charred, crispy edge.
- Avoid high heat for too long as it can burn the glaze. Gentle, slow baking ensures even cooking and a moist ham.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Roasting pan with a rack – it keeps the ham elevated for even heat and collects drippings for glazing.
- Pastry brush – perfect for spreading the honey-garlic glaze between the spiral slices without making a mess.
- Small saucepan – use it to warm and thicken the glaze before applying to the ham.
- Aluminum foil – to tent the ham while baking and keep it moist.
- Sharp carving knife – makes slicing the spiral ham neat and easy once it’s cooked.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a splash of bourbon or apple cider to the glaze for a warmer, fruitier flavor that pairs well with the honey.
- Mix in a pinch of ground ginger or five-spice powder to the glaze for a subtle Asian twist.
- Use brown mustard instead of Dijon for a stronger, tangier flavor.
- Stir in chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze to add an herbal note that brightens the sweetness.
How to Make Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ham and Glaze:
- 1 fully cooked spiral ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, you’ll bake the ham for around 1 ½ to 2 hours, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for resting. In total, expect about 2 to 2 ½ hours until it’s ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ham and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the spiral ham flat in a roasting pan with a rack or baking dish. This setup ensures even cooking and keeps the ham elevated to catch the drippings.
2. Make the Honey-Garlic Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, soy sauce (if using), and black pepper. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
3. Glaze the Ham:
Brush half of the warm honey-garlic sauce generously over the ham, making sure to let it get between the spiral slices. This helps the flavor soak in deeply.
4. Bake with Basting:
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze. This repeated glazing builds a sticky, tasty coating.
5. Finish Caramelizing:
During the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil so the glaze can caramelize and the ham can develop a beautiful golden-brown, slightly charred finish.
6. Rest and Serve:
Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to keep it juicy. Place the ham on a serving platter and spoon any drippings from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely presentation.
Now your Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is ready to enjoy! It’s juicy, tender, and perfectly glazed with a sweet and savory finish that’s sure to impress.
Can I Use a Frozen Ham for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure the ham is fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours depending on size, then follow the recipe as usual for best results.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the honey-garlic glaze a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Warm it gently before brushing onto the ham.
How Should I Store Leftover Ham?
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 4-5 days and are delicious reheated or cold.
What Side Dishes Pair Well with Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham?
This ham goes great with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The sweet and savory flavor also complements cranberry sauce or a light slaw nicely.
