Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic ham with a sweet and punchy twist. The ham is sliced into perfect spirals that make it…
Tip: save now, cook later.Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic ham with a sweet and punchy twist. The ham is sliced into perfect spirals that make it super simple to serve, while the glaze combines honey’s natural sweetness with the bold flavor of garlic. Every bite is juicy and flavorful, making this a great dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
I love how the honey and garlic come together to create a shiny, sticky glaze that clings to the ham just right. It’s the kind of glaze that caramelizes slightly in the oven, giving the ham a nice mix of sweet and savory that’s hard not to love. When I make this, I like to baste it a few times to really soak in all those flavors—makes the whole house smell amazing too!
This ham is perfect served warm alongside mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a fresh salad to balance out the richness. Spiral-cut ham also means less fuss when it’s time to eat, since everyone can slice exactly the amount they want. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is actually pretty simple to prepare, which makes me want to make it anytime I’m having friends over or just want something comforting and tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spiral-Sliced Ham: This is the star of the dish, already cooked and sliced for easy serving. If spiral ham isn’t available, a regular cooked ham can work but you may need to slice it yourself.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and gloss to the glaze. Maple syrup or agave can be good substitutes if you want a slightly different flavor.
Brown Sugar: Enhances the caramelization and sweetness. You can swap it for coconut sugar or white sugar if needed, though brown sugar adds the best richness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a strong, sharp bite. Garlic powder can replace it but fresh garlic makes the glaze more flavorful.
Mustard: Dijon or yellow mustard helps balance the sweetness with a little tang. If you don’t have mustard, a small splash of vinegar can add acidity.
How Can I Get a Sticky, Caramelized Glaze on My Spiral Ham?
Making the glaze sticky and caramelized involves layering and gentle heat:
- Slow bake the ham at 325°F, allowing the glaze to soak in without burning.
- Brush the glaze generously at the start and baste every 20-30 minutes to build up sticky layers.
- Uncover the ham for the last 20-30 minutes so the sugars caramelize and create a shiny crust.
- Watch carefully toward the end to prevent burning but allow that deep amber color to develop.
These steps ensure a flavorful, glossy finish that sticks well to the ham and tastes great in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan – perfect for holding the ham and catching drips while baking.
- Basting brush – makes it easy to spread the honey-garlic glaze evenly over the ham.
- Aluminum foil – helps cover the ham to keep it moist during cooking.
- Meat thermometer – ensures your ham is heated perfectly without drying out.
- Sharp carving knife – needed to slice through the spiral-cut ham smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a splash of bourbon or orange juice to the glaze for extra depth and a citrus twist.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the glaze if you like a little heat alongside the sweet.
- Mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to boost tanginess and balance sweetness.
- Top the ham with pineapple rings or cherries before baking for a classic holiday touch.
How to Make Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup Dijon or yellow mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice (optional)
- ¼ cup water (for the roasting pan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 1.5 to 2 hours for baking depending on the size of your ham. You’ll also want to let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Ham
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the spiral-sliced ham in a large roasting pan cut side down. Pour about ¼ cup of water into the bottom of the pan to help keep your ham moist during baking.
2. Make the Honey-Garlic Glaze
In a bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (if using), ground black pepper, and cloves or allspice if you’d like. Stir until it’s smooth and well mixed.
3. Glaze the Ham
Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the ham’s surface. Try to gently separate some of the spiral slices with a spoon or brush to get glaze between the slices for extra flavor.
4. Bake and Baste
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours (roughly 10-12 minutes per pound). Every 20-30 minutes, baste the ham with more glaze to build up a sticky, tasty coating.
5. Let the Glaze Caramelize
For the last 20-30 minutes, remove the foil so the glaze can caramelize and develop a shiny, slightly charred crust. Keep basting during this time to deepen the flavor and get that beautiful glaze.
6. Rest and Serve
Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the meat tender and juicy. Serve warm with some of the pan juices drizzled on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Absolutely! While spiral-sliced ham is easiest for serving, you can use a whole cooked ham or a smaller cut. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and slice the ham yourself if it’s not pre-sliced.
How Should I Store Leftover Ham?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little extra glaze or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Prepare the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes! The honey-garlic glaze can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature and whisk before brushing onto the ham.
What Should I Serve with Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham?
This ham pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. The sweet glaze complements savory sides and balances well with fresh, bright flavors.
