Introduction

There’s something timeless and festive about a perfectly roasted Honey Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Cloves. The caramelized glaze, shiny and sticky on the outside, and the juicy, tender slices on the inside — it’s a true showstopper.

This recipe combines sweet honey, dark brown sugar, and warm aromatic cloves to create a beautifully balanced glaze. The cloves infuse the ham with fragrance while the sugars bake into a golden crust that elevates every bite.

It’s a centerpiece-worthy dish for holidays, celebrations, and large family meals — and leftovers are just as amazing!

💛 Why I Love This Recipe

I’m obsessed with this recipe because:
It’s incredibly easy, yet looks stunning on the table
The glaze is sweet, sticky, and perfectly spiced
It feeds a crowd and creates effortless leftovers
The ham remains tender and juicy, never dry
The aroma alone makes the home feel festive

This is the kind of food that brings everyone running to the dinner table!

Why You Must Try It

It’s restaurant-worthy but 100% foolproof
The sweet-and-savory contrast is unbeatable
Works with spiral-cut or bone-in ham
Great for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or Sunday dinners
The glaze caramelizes into something magical ✨

Once you serve this, it becomes a tradition.

Time + Nutrition + Servings

Feature	Detail
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cooking Time	1.5 – 2 hours
Total Time	1 hour 40 minutes – 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings	12–15 servings
Calories	~350 calories per serving (varies by cut & toppings)

Course & Cuisine

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American (Holiday / Classic Home Cooking)

Ingredients

For the Ham:

1 (8–10 lb) fully cooked bone-in smoked ham (spiral-cut preferred)
Whole cloves (about 20–30)

For the Honey-Brown Sugar Glaze:

1 cup honey
1 cup dark brown sugar (light brown works too)
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or orange juice)
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground cloves (optional boost for flavor)

Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Score the ham in a diamond pattern and insert whole cloves into the intersections.
Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil.
Bake for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, make glaze: whisk honey, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and spices in a saucepan until melted and smooth.
Remove ham from oven and generously brush with glaze.
Bake uncovered for another 30–45 minutes, basting every 10–15 minutes until golden and caramelized.
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Ham
Score gently and stud with cloves for aroma.

Step 2 — Heat and Start Cooking
Bake covered to keep moisture in.

Step 3 — Make Glaze
Simmer ingredients until thick and glossy.

Step 4 — Glaze and Caramelize
Brush multiple times to build that irresistible sticky crust.

Step 5 — Rest and Slice
Ensures the juices settle in the meat.

How to Serve

Serve warm slices with extra glaze drizzled over the top. Pairs wonderfully with:

Scalloped potatoes or mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables
Dinner rolls
Green beans almondine
Cranberry sauce or pineapple rings

Create a festive platter with garnishes like oranges, rosemary, or maraschino cherries!

Recipe Tips

✨ Use spiral-cut ham for easier slicing and glaze coverage
✨ Don’t skip resting — keeps every slice juicy
✨ To prevent burning, cover with foil if glaze darkens too quickly
✨ Reserve pan drippings for making ham gravy
✨ Add pineapple or orange slices under the ham for flavor moisture boost

Variations

Variation	How to Do It
Maple Glazed Ham	Replace honey with pure maple syrup
Spicy Kick	Add ½–1 tsp crushed red chili flakes to glaze
Pineapple-Glazed Ham	Use pineapple juice instead of vinegar + add pineapple slices
Savory Herb Ham	Skip sugar & glaze; use butter, garlic, thyme, rosemary instead
Brown Butter Glaze	Brown butter first before whisking glaze ingredients

Freezing & Storage

Method	How Long	Notes
Refrigerator	4–5 days	Store in airtight container
Freezer — sliced ham	2–3 months	Wrap portions tightly + freezer bags
Freezer — ham bone	3 months	Perfect for soups or beans

Special Equipment Needed

Roasting pan
Aluminum foil
Sharp carving knife
Pastry/basting brush
Small saucepan (for glaze)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a boneless ham?
Yes! Reduce baking time by ~15 minutes.

Q2: My ham is not spiral cut. How do I score it?
Use a knife to make shallow diagonal cuts in a diamond pattern.

Q3: Should the ham be cooked covered or uncovered?
Both: covered first for moisture → uncovered later to caramelize.

Q4: Can I make the glaze ahead?
Absolutely! Store in the fridge 3–4 days; warm before using.

Q5: How do I know when it’s done?
Internal temp should reach 140°F (60°C) for a pre-cooked ham.

Conclusion

This Honey Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Cloves is more than a recipe — it’s a celebration. It delivers big flavor with little effort and instantly turns any meal into a special occasion. One slice and you’ll understand why this dish is beloved across generations.