Delicious easy holiday baked ham served with festive sides

Easy Holiday Baked Ham

Ever caught a whiff of ham baking in the oven, and instantly felt at home?

This Easy Holiday Baked Ham brings all the warm, fuzzy vibes to your dinner table without fussing over complicated steps. With a sweet, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully, you’ll wonder why you’ve waited until now to try this delicious dish. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or even a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe whips up quickly and makes you look like a culinary superstar!

Why make this recipe

Who doesn’t love a meal that’s equally impressive and simple? Here’s why you need this Easy Holiday Baked Ham in your life:

  • Zero fuss, all taste! Like, seriously—just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time.
  • Family-friendly and satisfying. You’ll have everyone gathered around the table, eagerly waiting for their slice of ham. Plus, it’s a meal that even picky eaters can enjoy!
  • Easy cleanup! Fewer dishes mean more time to sip that holiday drink. 🥂

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

  • 1 pre-cooked ham
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
  3. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface—this helps the glaze soak in deliciously!
  4. Brush the glaze mixture all over the ham until it’s nicely coated; don’t be shy!
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes per pound or until heated through and caramelized.
  6. Let the ham rest before slicing and serving.

Easy Holiday Baked Ham

How to make Easy Holiday Baked Ham (Overview)

Ready to strut into the kitchen? First, you get to preheat the oven (easy-peasy). Next, you whip up that glaze like a pro—mixing the honey and spices brings an aroma that’s downright magical. Scoring the ham is your chance to make it that much more fabulous. Just brush it generously, throw it in the oven, and good luck trying not to hover around the kitchen waiting for that glorious scent to greet you!

Pro tip: Don’t skip the resting step after baking! It allows those flavors to really settle in—trust me, your taste buds will thank you. 😉

How to serve Easy Holiday Baked Ham

Thinking about how to elevate that ham? Try serving it with a side of roasted vegetables for that burst of color and crunch. The golden glaze adds a glossy finish that will have your guests lining up for seconds. Pair it with some mashed potatoes or a tangy coleslaw to balance out the sweetness – that combo sings holiday spirit! And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a plate that looks as good as it tastes?

How to store Easy Holiday Baked Ham

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This ham keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 to 7 days. Just wrap it tightly to keep it juicy. If you’re feeling extra festive, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just slice up portions before you store them for easy reheating! Pop it in the microwave or the oven for a quick heat-up—nothing beats that warm, comforting ham flavor.

Tips to make Easy Holiday Baked Ham

  • Get creative with the glaze! Throw in some orange zest for a citrus kick.
  • Timing is key! Track the cooking time but always check with a meat thermometer—aim for 140°F in the center if you want to be precise.
  • Keep an eye on caramelization. If it starts to darken too quickly, cover with foil for the last bit of cooking.
  • Don’t toss that bone! It can be fabulous for adding flavor to soups or stocks—because you know, waste not, want not!

Variation

Want to spice things up? Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness! Or add a pinch of chili powder to the glaze for a surprising kick. For a completely different twist, experiment with different types of mustard—like spicy brown for a kick of flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just mix it, store it in the fridge, and it’s ready when you are.

2. How do I know when the ham is done?
A meat thermometer is your best friend here! Aim for a temperature of 140°F in the center.

3. Can I use a different type of ham?
Yes, you can! Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of ham you choose.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Delicious easy holiday baked ham served with festive sides

Easy Holiday Baked Ham

This Easy Holiday Baked Ham is a simple yet impressive dish with a sweet, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully, making it perfect for gatherings and cozy dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 pre-cooked ham 1 pre-cooked ham
For the glaze
  • 1 cup 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
  3. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface—this helps the glaze soak in deliciously.
  4. Brush the glaze mixture all over the ham until it’s nicely coated.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes per pound or until heated through and caramelized.
  6. Let the ham rest before slicing and serving.

Notes

Pro tip: Don’t skip the resting step after baking! It allows those flavors to settle in. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a balanced meal. Leftover ham keeps well in the fridge for 5 to 7 days, or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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