There’s something magical about the aroma of a honey-baked ham with orange glaze wafting through the kitchen on Thanksgiving morning. It’s the kind of scent that pulls everyone to the table, promising something sweet, tangy, and unforgettable. This recipe blends the warmth of honey, the brightness of orange, and a hint of spice for a glaze that turns an ordinary ham into a centerpiece worthy of celebration. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, this honey-baked ham recipe is the perfect mix of easy preparation and stunning results—making it your go-to holiday showstopper.
The Story & The Start of the Honey Baked Ham Tradition A
Family Memory in Every Slice
Every family has that one dish that signals the start of the holidays. For mine, it’s the honey-baked ham with orange glaze. My grandmother used to prepare it every Thanksgiving morning, basting the ham lovingly while humming carols. The sticky-sweet aroma filled our home and had everyone sneaking peeks into the oven. That first bite—tender, juicy, and shimmering with golden glaze—made every year feel special.
This classic honey-baked ham recipe has evolved, but the comforting essence remains. The sweet honey, tangy orange juice, and spiced glaze coat each slice with a glossy, irresistible finish. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive but requires simple steps and common pantry ingredients.
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Honey Baked Ham with Orange Glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A tender, juicy honey-baked ham with orange glaze, featuring honey, brown sugar, orange marmalade, and warm spices for a festive, flavorful centerpiece perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Ingredients
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1 fully cooked bone-in spiral ham (8 lbs)
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1 orange, sliced
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1 cup orange juice
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1 cup dark brown sugar
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1 cup honey
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1/2 cup orange marmalade
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1/4 cup Dijon mustard
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/2 tsp nutmeg
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1/2 tsp Bayou City Lemon Pepper
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1/2 tsp cloves
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1 tsp salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Layer orange slices in a shallow roasting pan and pour in the orange juice.
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Place a roasting rack over the slices and set the ham on top.
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In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, and salt. Stir until smooth.
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Bring mixture to a gentle simmer for 4 minutes to blend the flavors.
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Pour half the glaze over the ham and bake uncovered for 50 minutes.
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Brush with the remaining glaze and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
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Remove ham from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
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Serve with the remaining glaze drizzled on top.
Notes
Use fresh orange juice for the brightest flavor.
For extra caramelization, broil the ham for 2 minutes at the end of baking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
What makes this honey-baked ham with orange glaze foolproof is balance. The sweetness from honey and brown sugar mingles with the bright acidity of orange juice and marmalade. Dijon mustard adds a mild tang, cinnamon brings warmth, and cloves lend that unmistakable holiday note. Together, they create a flavor harmony that coats the ham in a glossy caramelized crust while keeping the meat moist and tender.
Here’s a quick look at what makes this recipe shine:
| Element | Flavor Contribution |
|---|---|
| Honey | Sweet, floral depth |
| Orange juice & marmalade | Citrus brightness |
| Brown sugar | Caramel richness |
| Dijon mustard | Gentle tang |
| Cloves & cinnamon | Warm spice balance |
It’s a timeless centerpiece—an edible tradition.
Preparing the Perfect Honey Baked Ham Glaze (≈300 words)
Crafting the Glaze That Defines Holiday Perfection
The heart of any honey-baked ham lies in its glaze. Our orange honey glaze combines dark brown sugar, golden honey, and orange marmalade for a sweet-tart contrast that clings beautifully to every slice. The key is gentle simmering—just long enough for the sugar to dissolve and the mixture to bubble into a syrupy consistency.
Here’s the secret: resist the urge to rush the glaze. Letting it simmer allows flavors to deepen. Once it coats the back of a spoon, you’ll know it’s ready to paint that ham in glossy perfection.
The Spice Symphony
A touch of Dijon mustard cuts the sweetness, while nutmeg and cloves create a subtle spice undertone. Add Bayou City Lemon Pepper and salt for a savory kick. When brushed on the ham, this combination creates a glistening crust that caramelizes in the oven.
If you’ve ever struggled with dry or unevenly glazed ham, this method fixes it. By layering the glaze twice—once before baking and again near the end—you ensure every inch shines with that signature amber hue.
The Step-by-Step Process for a Juicy, Honey Glazed Ham
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a shallow roasting pan, layer the orange slices and pour in the orange juice.
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Place the roasting rack over the slices, then add the fully cooked spiral ham (8 lbs) on top.
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In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, orange marmalade, and salt over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
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Bring to a gentle simmer for 4 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
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Pour half the glaze over the ham. Bake uncovered for 50 minutes.
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Brush with the remaining glaze and bake for another 20 minutes—until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
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Remove from oven, tent with foil, and rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Best Results
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Always start with a fully cooked bone-in ham—it ensures moistness and flavor.
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Baste occasionally with pan juices for a sticky caramel finish.
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Letting the ham rest ensures every slice stays tender and juicy.
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Use a thermometer for accuracy—it’s the secret to professional results at home.
Serving & Pairing Ideas for the Ultimate Holiday Feast
Perfect Side Dishes for Honey Baked Ham
Honey-baked ham with orange glaze pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides. For a Thanksgiving table, serve it alongside buttery mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic drizzle, or sweet potato casserole. During Christmas, pair it with cranberry relish, green bean almondine, and warm dinner rolls.
If you’re thinking beyond the holidays, this ham is equally perfect for Easter brunch—served cold with deviled eggs, or thinly sliced for sandwiches.
Using Leftovers Creatively
Don’t let a single slice go to waste! Leftover honey-baked ham can be repurposed into savory breakfasts or quick weeknight meals:
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Add diced ham to scrambled eggs or omelets.
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Use slices in a Monte Cristo sandwich with melted Swiss.
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Toss into mac and cheese or split pea soup for added depth.
Every bite retains that sweet-tangy flavor, making it a post-holiday favorite.
Honey Baked Ham with Orange Glaze – FAQ & Pro Tips
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the orange honey glaze up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and warm it before use.
Can I use boneless ham instead of bone-in?0
You can, but a bone-in ham tends to be juicier and more flavorful.
How can I keep the ham moist during baking?
Baste it every 20–30 minutes and tent it loosely with foil if it begins to brown too quickly.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
This honey baked ham with orange glaze is more than a recipe—it’s a holiday memory in the making. Each bite combines honey’s sweetness, orange’s zest, and spice’s warmth in perfect harmony. Whether it’s the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner or the highlight of Christmas brunch, this ham brings everyone together in the best possible way.
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