Name: Baked Glazed Ham Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 pound bone-in fully cooked spiral cut ham; 1 cup brown sugar; 8 ounces crushed pineapple with juice; 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 17 reviews

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly tender, sticky-sweet ham fresh from the oven, and this Baked Glazed Ham Recipe is exactly that — simple, flavorful, and hands-down fan-freaking-tastic. I love how the glaze seeps into every spiral slice, making each bite just bursting with that nostalgic holiday magic you’re craving. If you’ve been hunting for a fail-proof, crowd-pleaser of a baked ham, keep reading — this hearty centerpiece is going to be your new go-to!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Amazing Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, pineapple, Dijon, and warming spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that’s both sweet and tangy.
Spiral-Cut Ham Magic: Using a pre-sliced spiral ham lets the glaze penetrate beautifully, so every slice is juicy and flavorful.
Easy Layered Glazing: Applying the glaze in stages ensures a perfect sticky crust without burning or drying out your ham.
Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe scales well and offers great leftovers that reheat beautifully.

Baked Glazed Ham, glazed ham recipe, baked ham with glaze, holiday ham ideas, easy baked ham - A large, browned ham sits on a bed of fresh, dark green kale leaves arranged around the edges of a white oval plate with gold and orange floral designs near the rim. The ham has a shiny glaze with visible chunks of light brown, caramelized bits on top. The surface of the ham shows a mix of crispy charred spots and smooth, sticky glaze. To the left of the plate, there is a silver carving fork and a knife with dark wooden handles placed on a white marbled surface. A soft cream and beige checkered cloth is partially visible in the top right corner photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Baked Glazed Ham Recipe plays a starring role in balancing sweet, tangy, and warm spicy notes. When you grab these essentials, consider the quality of your ham and the juice-packed pineapple—it really elevates the glaze.

Baked Glazed Ham, glazed ham recipe, baked ham with glaze, holiday ham ideas, easy baked ham - Flat lay of a large bone-in spiral cut ham with natural pinkish glaze, a small mound of coarse brown sugar, a few fresh pineapple chunks with natural juice pooled in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of bright yellow lemon juice, a small white bowl of smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a small white bowl containing cinnamon powder, and a small white bowl with ground cloves, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bone-in fully cooked spiral cut ham: Opt for a good-quality spiral ham; it’s already cooked and pre-sliced to absorb glaze better and cut down your prep time.
Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze into a gorgeous crust.
Crushed pineapple with juice: Provides natural sweetness and acidity that tenderizes the meat slightly and brightens the flavor.
Lemon juice: Adds that fresh citrus zing which balances the sweetness beautifully.
Dijon mustard: Brings subtle heat and complexity, cutting through the sugar-rich glaze.
Ground cinnamon: Warms the glaze, invoking cozy, holiday vibes.
Ground cloves: Just a pinch adds aromatic depth and a slight earthiness that makes the glaze sing.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Baked Glazed Ham Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often tweak the glaze to match the season or my guests’ tastes—don’t hesitate to play around with it yourself!

Variation: For a spicy twist, I sometimes add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to the glaze, which wakes up the flavor without overpowering the ham’s natural sweetness.
Dietary tweak: If you’re avoiding refined sugar, try substituting brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup—you might need to adjust the bake time slightly, but the glaze will still shine.
Seasonal touch: During the holidays, I mix in some fresh grated ginger or top the ham with star anise for a festive flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Bake Your Ham Base

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a deep baking dish with heavy-duty nonstick foil—double-layer it if your foil is thinner to avoid tears. I peel back the packaging from my spiral cut ham, toss out any accompanying glaze packet (I prefer making my own), and place the ham flat side down in the pan. Bake it for one hour to gently warm through and start prepping it for the glaze. This first bake locks in juices and helps the ham stay moist during the glazing.

Step 2: Whip Up the Glaze

While the ham is baking, combine your brown sugar, crushed pineapple with juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and cloves in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until everything’s well blended. This glaze mixture smells fantastic, and you’ll want to use it ASAP, but be patient—it’s worth it!

Step 3: Apply the First Layer of Glaze and Bake

Carefully take the ham out of the oven and use a spoon to drizzle half of your glaze all over the surface, making sure to get some of it between the spiral layers with the back of the spoon or a pastry brush. This step is crucial—the glaze needs time to soak in and caramelize. Once glazed, pop it back into the oven for 30 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it so the sugars don’t burn.

Step 4: Finish With the Last Glaze & Bake Until Perfect

Remove the ham again and slather on the remaining glaze, covering every nook and cranny. Return it to bake for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reads between 140-145°F (60-63°C). This final bake develops that gorgeous, sticky glaze that’s sticky-juicy heaven.

Step 5: Rest, Plate, and Enjoy!

Take your masterpiece out of the oven and transfer it to a rimmed serving platter, placing it flat side out for easy slicing. I like to scatter some fresh kale leaves around the edges—it adds a nice color pop and makes the presentation festive, but it’s totally optional. Don’t forget to drizzle some of the pan juices over the slices or save them for making a delicious ham gravy later. Serve warm or at room temperature and prepare for your guests to rave.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Heavy-Duty Foil: I learned early on that thin foil tears easily, so doubling up saves cleanup and prevents drips in the oven.
Watch Your Bake Time: Spiral hams can dry out if overbaked, so I check internal temps rather than just relying on time.
Don’t Skip the Pineapple Juice: Its acidity tenderizes the meat and cuts through sweetness—making a huge flavor difference you’ll notice!
Let It Rest Before Carving: After baking, I always give the ham a solid 10 minutes to rest—this locks in juices and keeps slices moist.

How to Serve Baked Glazed Ham Recipe

Baked Glazed Ham, glazed ham recipe, baked ham with glaze, holiday ham ideas, easy baked ham - A white round plate shows a simple meal with three parts: green beans on the top left, fluffy mashed potatoes with some black pepper on the bottom left, and two thick slices of pink ham on the right, with a light brown edge. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a white and beige striped cloth on the top left and two silver forks below the plate. On the right top corner, there is a partial view of another white round plate with a slice of ham and green beans. In the bottom right, a white dish filled with sliced glazed ham resting on green leafy kale is partially shown. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love garnishing with fresh kale or curly parsley because the green contrast against the rich glaze looks stunning and adds a slight freshness. Sometimes I tuck in some orange slices or pineapple chunks to echo the glaze flavors and give the platter a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This ham pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, and a tangy apple slaw. On occasion, I’ll also serve it alongside a warm macaroni and cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the slices fanned out on a wooden cutting board, drizzled with a little extra glaze and garnished with rosemary sprigs. It turns your dinner table into a festive feast and makes guests feel like they’re at a fancy gathering—even if it’s a casual family dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your ham feast, I like to slice any leftovers, place them in an airtight container, and refrigerate them. They usually stay juicy and delicious for up to 3-5 days—perfect for quick sandwiches or warming up the next day.

Freezing

If you want to save ham for longer, freezing is your friend. I wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil before popping them in freezer bags. Frozen ham keeps well for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I usually warm slices in the microwave for quick meals. For larger batches, I cover the ham with foil and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through without drying out. Don’t forget to add a splash of water or saved pan juices during reheating to keep it moist!

FAQs

Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in for this Baked Glazed Ham Recipe?

Absolutely! A boneless ham will work fine and usually has fewer bones to contend with when slicing. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature since boneless hams may cook slightly faster, and you might want to reduce baking time by 10-15 minutes.
Is it necessary to discard the glaze packet that comes with some hams?

While not mandatory, I recommend discarding it. Making your own glaze lets you control the sweetness and flavors, and this recipe’s homemade glaze has way more complex, fresh flavor compared to the overly sweet packet glazes.
How do I avoid drying out my ham when baking?

Keep your baking temperature moderate at 325°F and avoid overbaking by monitoring internal temperatures. Also, covering the ham loosely with foil during baking can help retain moisture. Applying the glaze in layers as outlined helps create a protective, flavorful crust that locks in juices.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the glaze ingredients a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before applying to make sure the sugar hasn’t settled or hardened.
What sides pair best with baked glazed ham?

Traditional sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans almondine, or even baked macaroni and cheese complement this ham perfectly. You want something that balances rich and sweet flavors while keeping the meal comforting.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Glazed Ham Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s approachable, stunning on the table, and genuinely delicious. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weekend gathering, this recipe gives you that restaurant-worthy flavor with none of the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it—and hear how your family falls in love with that sticky, caramelized glaze just like mine did!

Baked Glazed Ham Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 17 reviews

Author: Lily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 20 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Baked Glazed Ham recipe features a fully cooked spiral cut bone-in ham baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy homemade glaze made from brown sugar, crushed pineapple, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. Perfect for holiday dinners or special gatherings, this ham is tender, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

Ingredients

Ham

10 pound bone-in fully cooked spiral cut ham

Glaze

1 cup brown sugar
8 ounces crushed pineapple with juice
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Line a deep baking dish with heavy duty nonstick foil, or double layer regular foil for extra protection.
Prepare ham: Remove ham from packaging, discarding any glaze packet if included. Place the ham flat side down in the prepared baking dish.
Bake ham: Bake the ham uncovered for 1 hour to gently heat through.
Make glaze: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, crushed pineapple with juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves to create the glaze.
Apply first glaze: Carefully remove ham from oven and spoon half of the glaze all over the surface of the ham, spreading some between the spiral layers using the back of a spoon or a pastry brush.
Continue baking: Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Apply second glaze and finish baking: Remove ham again, drizzle the remaining glaze evenly over the ham, then bake for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140-145 degrees F.
Rest and serve: Remove ham from oven and transfer to a rimmed serving platter, placing it flat side out for easy slicing. Reserve pan juices for serving or making gravy if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Discard the glaze packet that comes with the ham as this recipe uses its own glaze.
Nutritional values are calculated based on ½ pound of ham per person, considering bone weight.
A 10-pound ham serves 15-20 people; for buffet style with other dishes expect 25-30 servings.
For leftovers, store ham in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or bake covered with foil for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
For a decorative touch, add kale leaves around the serving platter, though this is optional.