If you want a show-stopping centerpiece that's surprisingly simple to pull off, then this Easy AF Honey Baked Ham Recipe is your new best friend. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any time you want to impress without sweating the details, this ham glistens with a sweet, sticky glaze that's both juicy and comforting-exactly what you want on your plate when gathering around the table.

A large piece of roasted ham sits in the center of a white plate, showing a shiny dark brown glazed outside layer with thin slices cut off the right side to reveal a light pink and smooth textured inside layer; small golden browned cubed potatoes surround the ham on the left and bottom edges of the plate, adding a contrasting chunky texture; sprigs of dark green leafy herbs are placed near the bottom right side of the plate, providing a fresh accent; in the blurred background, side dishes including red radish pieces in a white bowl and yellow potato chips in another white bowl appear on a white marbled surface, with warm twinkling lights adding a cozy atmosphere; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Easy AF Honey Baked Ham, honey glazed ham recipe, holiday ham ideas, simple baked ham, juicy honey ham

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What Sets This Apart
Ingredient Snapshot
How to Make Easy AF Honey Baked Ham Recipe
Cook's Notes & Tricks
Serve & Enjoy
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Recipe

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What Sets This Apart

I've tried a bunch of ham recipes over the years, and this one nails a perfect balance of ease and flavor that keeps me coming back. The glaze combines honey's floral sweetness with the bold tang of Dijon mustard and a hint of warm cloves, making it unexpectedly addictive without being fussy.

Consistent Results: The scoring technique ensures every glaze-soaked nook crisps just right.
Rich, Balanced Flavor: A simple four-ingredient glaze gives a complex taste without a dozen sauces.
Pantry-First Ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, so no extra shopping trips necessary.
Weeknight Friendly: Minimal prep, plus hands-off baking leaves you free to prep sides or relax.

Ingredient Snapshot

A large roasted ham with a shiny, dark brown caramelized glaze sits in a white rectangular dish with visible caramelized edges. The ham is topped with vibrant yellow pineapple rings, some slightly browned from roasting, and small red cherries with stems. The cut side of the ham shows a smooth, soft texture in a light pink color. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, and the background features the green leafy crown of a pineapple. The image has a warm, inviting light that highlights the juicy, glossy texture of the ham photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Easy AF Honey Baked Ham, honey glazed ham recipe, holiday ham ideas, simple baked ham, juicy honey ham

Choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference for the Easy AF Honey Baked Ham Recipe. A bone-in ham with some marbling will stay juicy and tender, while real honey and fresh Dijon really elevate the glaze's flavor.

Bone-in ham: Look for a fully cooked, spiral-sliced or whole ham between 5-7 pounds for even cooking and ease of slicing.
Pure honey: Raw or filtered, just avoid artificial syrups to keep the glaze glossy and naturally sweet.
Brown sugar: Either light or dark works, but dark adds a deeper molasses note.
Dijon mustard: Sharp and smooth, it balances the sweetness with a subtle tang.
Ground cloves: Use sparingly-this warm spice kicks up complexity without overpowering.

Quick Note: Exact measurements and timing are in the printable recipe card at the bottom. This guide walks you through every step so your ham turns out perfect.

How to Make Easy AF Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Step 1 - Prep & Season

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lay the bone-in ham flat side down in a roasting pan - this keeps it steady while cooking. Using a sharp knife, score the ham's surface in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate and caramelize beautifully. Make sure your cuts are about ¼ to ½ inch deep but not too deep to slice through the meat. Take your time here; neat scoring is key to getting that classic glossy look.

Step 2 - Build Flavor

Whisk together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves in a small bowl until smooth and shiny. You'll notice the glaze has a thick, syrupy texture that's perfect for clinging to the ham. Brush half of this sweet, tangy mixture all over the scored ham, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. This first layer starts building that sticky, caramelized crust you'll love.

Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture

Loosely cover the ham with foil to lock in moisture, then bake for one hour. After that, remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze on top. Return it to the oven uncovered for 30-45 minutes, watching closely as the sugars bubble and caramelize into a glossy, golden crust. The uncovered finish encourages that toasty, slightly crisp texture without drying out the meat-just don't walk away during this part or it might burn. Once done, transfer the ham to a platter and drizzle with any extra glaze left in the pan for the juiciest final touch.

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Cook's Notes & Tricks

Over time, I've found a few little tricks that make this Easy AF Honey Baked Ham Recipe come out perfectly every time-without the stress. You'll want to pay close attention to how the glaze thickens and the ham's internal temperature for ideal juiciness and flavor.

Doneness Cue: The ham should be warmed through and the glaze bubbling and caramelized, about 145°F internally for a pre-cooked ham.
Temperature Trick: Using an oven thermometer helps keep steady heat, so the glaze doesn't scorch.
Make-Ahead Move: You can prep the glaze and score the ham the day before, keeping it covered in the fridge for less stress on cooking day.
Avoid This Pitfall: Don't skip the foil-covered bake or the ham can dry out before the glaze even forms.

Serve & Enjoy

Easy AF Honey Baked Ham Recipe - Recipe Image — Easy AF Honey Baked Ham, honey glazed ham recipe, holiday ham ideas, simple baked ham, juicy honey ham

Finishing Touches

I love finishing this ham with a few extra spoonfuls of warm glaze for that liquid gold gloss. It adds a fresh pop of sweetness and keeps each slice juicy when plated. A sprinkling of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary looks lovely on the platter and adds mild fragrant notes that complement the spices perfectly.

Pairs Beautifully With

This Easy AF Honey Baked Ham Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet carrots, and a crisp, bright green salad. The mix of savory, sweet, and fresh really balances the richness of the ham. Don't hesitate to add a mustardy or citrus glaze side sauce for extra zing.

Simple Plating Wins

Keep plating easy but thoughtful by fanning thin slices across a warm serving tray and drizzling with glaze. Add roasted veggies or fresh herbs around the edges for color contrast. A rustic wooden board also adds a cozy, homey vibe perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat

Storing Leftovers

After the feast, store leftover ham in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap to keep it glossy and moist. It will keep fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. I recommend reheating gently to avoid drying it out-more on that below.

Freezing Tips

This honey baked ham freezes well, especially when sliced. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe foil or plastic wrap, and store in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. To thaw, move the ham to your fridge overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to keep texture and flavor intact.

Reheating Easy AF Honey Baked Ham Recipe Without Drying Out

When it's time to reheat, the oven is your best friend to keep the ham juicy. Wrap slices or the whole portion in foil and warm at 275°F until heated through-usually 20-30 minutes. For speed, a microwave on medium power with a damp paper towel covering helps hold moisture without turning the glaze chewy. Air fryer fans can use low heat with occasional checks to crisp edges without drying. Whichever way you go, slow and steady wins the texture game here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a boneless ham for this Easy AF Honey Baked Ham Recipe?

Yes, boneless hams work fine, but bone-in tends to stay juicier and offers more flavor during baking. If using boneless, adjust cooking time slightly as it may cook faster.

Do I need to soak or boil the ham before baking?

No need. Since this recipe calls for a fully cooked ham, you're just reheating and glazing it to perfection. Soaking or boiling is more common for fresh or smoked uncooked hams.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Keep the oven at 325°F and cover the ham loosely with foil for the first hour. When glazing uncovered at the end, watch it carefully-the sugars can burn quickly if left unattended.

Can I add other spices to the glaze?

Absolutely! I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice for a twist. Just keep the balance so it stays sweet and not too overpowering.

Final Thoughts

This Easy AF Honey Baked Ham Recipe is exactly the kind of approachable, delicious dish I love to keep in my back pocket for celebrations or casual dinners. It looks impressive, tastes incredible, and leaves you plenty of time to enjoy the company instead of sweating the details. Once you get the hang of scoring and glazing, it becomes a total no-brainer. Give it a try-you'll wonder how you ever celebrated without it.

Full Recipe