Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham is a sweet and flavorful twist on the classic holiday main dish. This ham is beautifully spiral-cut, making it easy to serve, and it’s glazed with a sticky mix of honey and garlic that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and a little bite. The glaze caramelizes just right, giving the outside a lovely golden crust while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
I love making this ham when family or friends come over for a special meal because it feels festive without a lot of fuss. One thing I always do is baste it a couple of times while it’s baking to keep that glaze nice and shiny. The garlic isn’t overwhelming, so even those who don’t usually like strong flavors end up loving it. It’s become a favorite in my house because it’s both comforting and a little bit special.
The best way to serve this ham, in my opinion, is alongside some simple roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. I find that the sweet and garlicky glaze pairs perfectly with savory sides and gives the whole meal a warm, inviting vibe. If you have leftovers, a slice of this ham makes an amazing sandwich for the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spiral-Sliced Ham: Using a fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham makes serving a breeze because it’s already sliced. If you can’t find spiral-cut, a regular cooked ham works well too.
Honey: Honey brings natural sweetness and helps the glaze stick. If you’re avoiding honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be good alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a bold flavor that balances the sweetness. Garlic powder can work in a pinch but fresh is best for that punch.
Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds a slight tang and depth to the glaze. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can substitute nicely.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a little brightness to cut the sweetness. Lemon juice or white wine vinegar are good swaps if that’s what you have.
How Can You Get a Perfectly Caramelized and Juicy Ham?
Caramelizing the glaze without drying the ham is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Brush the glaze between slices to keep every bite flavorful.
- Cover ham with foil while baking to retain moisture.
- Baste every 30 minutes to build layers of glaze and keep it shiny.
- For the last 15 minutes, remove foil and crank up the heat to caramelize the glaze.
- Let the ham rest after baking to let the juices settle for juicy slices.
Following these steps gives you a ham that’s tender inside with a sticky, flavorful crust on the outside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan – big enough to hold the spiral ham comfortably and catch drips from the glaze.
- Basting brush – helps you spread the honey-garlic glaze evenly between the slices.
- Aluminum foil – covers the ham to keep it moist while baking.
- Meat thermometer – lets you check the ham’s temperature to avoid overcooking.
- Sharp carving knife – makes it easy to cut clean slices for serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer, earthier sweet flavor.
- Add a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a fresh citrus twist that cuts through the sweetness.
- Mix in ground mustard or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky spice in the glaze.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or thyme over the ham before baking to add a fragrant herbal note.
How to Make Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This whole process takes about 2 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes, including prep and baking time. The prep of the glaze is quick — just a few minutes — and the ham bakes slowly to warm through and develop that sticky, sweet honey-garlic caramelized crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Ham:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Set the spiral-sliced ham flat side down in a large roasting pan to keep it stable while cooking.
2. Make the Honey-Garlic Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and ground cloves if you like. Stir the mixture and heat it until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes smooth — about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Glaze the Ham and Bake:
Brush half of the glaze generously over the ham. Make sure you spread it between the spiral slices for full flavor. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or roughly 10 minutes per pound, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
4. Caramelize the Glaze:
About 15 minutes before the ham is done, take off the foil and brush on the last of the glaze. Turn the oven temperature up to 400°F (204°C) to caramelize the glaze and achieve that beautiful golden crust.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Yes! While spiral-sliced ham is easiest for this recipe, you can use a regular fully cooked ham. Just adjust cooking time as needed and be sure to slice it before serving.
Can I Prepare This Ham Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the glaze and refrigerate it separately. Reheat the ham and glaze just before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the oven or microwave, and leftover slices make great sandwiches!
What Side Dishes Pair Well with Honey-Garlic Spiral Ham?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad complement the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
