Lunch & Dinner

Glazed Easter Ham – Delicious Meal Ideas

Name: Glazed Easter Ham – Delicious Meal Ideas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 8 lb bone-in spiral-sliced ham; Cooking spray; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup wildflower honey; 1 tablespoon whole-grain Dijon mustard; 1/3 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; Fresh rosemary and orange slices

Irene Adkins September 21, 2025

Servings: 10 Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

When planning your Easter feast, the star of the show often shines bright: the glazed ham. Yet, it’s important to consider the supporting cast. As someone who has hosted numerous holiday meals, I can tell you that the right sides elevate the entire experience.

Think about classic choices like creamy mashed potatoes or a vibrant spring vegetable medley that brings both color and freshness to the table.

Then there’s always the marvelous potential of a sweet and tangy fruit salad. A refreshing accompaniment balances the savory richness of the ham beautifully. And let’s not forget about a loaf of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that delicious glaze. These pairings not only complement the ham but add layers of flavor and texture—the kind that makes each bite memorable.

My Journey with the Ingredients

As I’ve grown into my cooking journey, I’ve realized that quality ingredients make all the difference. For this ham, I select a bone-in spiral-sliced ham, about 8 pounds. The reason? The spiral cut is a time-saver. You get beautifully uniform slices and all the flavor from that bone!

Now, let’s talk about the glaze. It starts with unsalted butter, which I melt to create a rich base. Dark brown sugar brings that deep sweetness. Wildflower honey adds a floral note that is simply heavenly. Whole-grain Dijon mustard gives a slight kick and richness. Fresh-squeezed orange juice? Oh, that’s a game changer. Its brightness complements the ham perfectly.

And let’s not skip over the spices. Ground cinnamon brings warmth and nostalgia, while a hint of freshly grated nutmeg makes you feel extra cozy. A splash of apple cider vinegar? Just a dash of that adds a delightful balance to the sweetness.

This recipe has become a staple in my home, and I want to share it with you. Let’s dive into how to make this unforgettable glazed Easter ham.

Ingredients List

8 lb bone-in spiral-sliced ham
Cooking spray (to prevent sticking)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (for a rich base)
1 cup packed dark brown sugar (for sweetness)
1/4 cup wildflower honey (for floral notes)
1 tablespoon whole-grain Dijon mustard (for a tangy kick)
1/3 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice (for brightness)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for warmth)
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (for coziness)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional; adds a subtle tang)
Fresh rosemary and orange slices (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Glazed Easter Ham

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature allows the ham to warm evenly while the glaze begins to caramelize.

Step 2: Prepare the Ham

Take your 8 lb ham out of its packaging. The spiral cuts offer easy serving later, but I still recommend giving the surface a light spray with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps the glaze adhere beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a small pot, combine the unsalted butter with the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider vinegar. Cook over low heat, stirring until everything is melted and combined into a smooth mixture. Just a few minutes, and you have a glaze that smells heavenly.

Step 4: Glaze the Ham

Carefully lift the ham, place it on a large roasting pan, and pour a generous amount of the glaze over the sliced areas. Use a brush or spoon to ensure the glaze seeps into every little crevice.

Step 5: Bake the Ham

Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture during cooking. Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake. For an 8 lb ham, the cooking time is around two hours. About halfway through, carefully baste the ham with the remaining glaze. This extra step ensures maximum flavor and that glossy finish we all admire.

Step 6: Caramelize the Glaze

When the ham is heated through—an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) is ideal—remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will create that coveted caramelized exterior. The sugar from the brown sugar and honey will deepen into a beautiful glaze.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once the ham reaches a beautiful golden color, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute. Garnish with fresh rosemary and orange slices for a stunning presentation.

Recipe Notes: Understanding Each Ingredient

Bone-In Spiral-Sliced Ham: This cut combines convenience with flavor. The bone naturally infuses moisture, and the spiral cuts allow for easy serving.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted means you get to control the overall saltiness of the dish. It provides richness without overpowering flavors.
Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar contains more molasses than light, resulting in a more complex sweetness. It caramelizes beautifully, giving depth.
Wildflower Honey: Each honey has unique characteristics based on the flowers it comes from. Wildflower honey adds delightful notes that complement the ham.
Dijon Mustard: This ingredient balances sweetness with its sharpness, while the whole-grain texture adds a bit of crunch.
Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice: The flavor of fresh juice is incomparable. It wakes up the palate and adds brightness to the dish.
Spices: Ground cinnamon brings warmth, while freshly grated nutmeg adds a cozy feel. They make the dish comforting and familiar.

Recipe Variations

Feeling creative? Here are some variations to mix things up:

Pineapple Glaze: Instead of a honey and brown sugar glaze, try using crushed pineapple. It offers sweetness with a tropical twist.
Maple Glaze: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Maple’s unique sweetness works wonderfully with ham.
Spicy Glaze: Add a tablespoon of chipotle in adobo to your glaze for a smoky kick. This adds an unexpected depth.
Herb-Infused Glaze: Toss in a teaspoon of chopped fresh herbs like thyme or sage. These herbs play well with the flavors of the glaze.
Cranberry Glaze: For a tart variation, mix in cranberry sauce to the glaze. It complements the sweetness and adds a tangy bite.

Conclusion

Cooking a glazed Easter ham isn’t just about the food—it’s about creating memories. This recipe has served as a centerpiece at many of my family gatherings, consistently bringing smiles and satisfaction. The simplicity of preparation aligns with the joy of gathering loved ones around the table.

With each bite, you’ll taste the care that goes into selecting the ingredients and the art of balancing flavors. I hope this dish becomes a cherished part of your celebrations. It’s more than a meal; it’s a tradition waiting to be made. Enjoy your culinary journey this Easter!

You’ll also like the following Recipes!

Print Recipe

Glazed Easter Ham – Delicious Meal Ideas

Author: Irene Adkins Cuisine: American Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 3 hrs Total Time 3 hrs 10 mins

Servings: 10 Calories: 540 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Picture this: it's bustling around Easter Sunday. Family laughter fills the air as children dash around. The aroma of a beautifully glazed ham wafts through your kitchen, binding everyone together.

This isn’t just food. It’s a tradition and a celebration. My glazed Easter ham recipe has a way of making gatherings feel special. It’s effortless yet impressive, and let’s face it, everyone loves a stunning centerpiece.

Now, you're likely wondering, what makes this recipe stand out? It’s not only about the delicious taste, but it’s also about being easy to prepare. Even someone with minimal cooking skills can nail this dish.

Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve juggled several dishes while trying to keep an eye on the dog and manage family members asking questions—yet this ham always turns out superb!