Sweet & Savory Glazed Baked Ham Thanksgiving Recipe

7

Glazed Baked Ham Thanksgiving. Okay, tell me if this sounds like your holiday story: you’ve got a big crowd coming over, way too many opinions about side dishes, and somehow no clue how to pull off a ham that’s not bone-dry or boring. Been there! The game-changer? That shiny, sticky honey glaze—people go nuts for it. And honestly, you don’t need a culinary degree for it. Just a little kitchen jazz, some patience, and my kitchen mess-ups as history.

Why You’ll Love It

The thing about sweet & savory glazed baked ham is, it feels way fancy without wrecking your brain or budget. I swear, the aroma alone has folks drifting into the kitchen like cartoon characters sniffing fresh pie. That crazy-delicious honey glaze? It’s a total crowd-pleaser. My aunt (she brings Tupperware, every year) claims it’s better than a five-star restaurant. Is she exaggerating? Maybe. Am I bragging? You bet.

What really sets this off for me is the combo of rich, salty ham and the sticky, sweet glaze with a hint of tang. It looks super festive too. Makes for one heck of a Thanksgiving centerpiece—once, my cousin took pictures for Instagram instead of eating right away. If your Thanksgiving used to skip ham for turkey, just try this. Trust me, you’ll start a new tradition.

“Honestly, I made this ham last Thanksgiving, and my family barely touched the turkey. That glaze was like candy. Never doing plain ham again!”
— Angela M., loyal reader

What Ingredients Are in Honey Glaze for Ham?

Let me break it down—these are pantry realists, nothing fancy. Basic stuff, but together? Magic, for real.

• Honey: This is your sweetness and shine. Use any brand, no need to splurge.
• Brown Sugar: Gives you a deep, caramel vibe. Light or dark both work.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a little sharpness—don’t skip it! Yellow works in a pinch.
• Butter: Richness, melts into the sauce like a dream.
• Cloves or Cinnamon (optional): Gives it a warm holiday feel. Totally up to your tastes.
• Orange or Pineapple Juice: A splash for a bit of tang and not-too-heavy sweetness.
• Salt, Pepper

That’s honestly it. No hard-to-find stuff, just good basics paired together.

How to Make Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze?

Here’s my not-so-fancy secret: don’t fuss too much. The glaze comes together in a saucepan, over medium heat. Mix honey and brown sugar, then toss in melted butter. Stir gently while it heats up—keep an eye on it or you’ll get a sticky mess (been there, regretted deeply).

Once the sugar looks all melted and friendly, whisk in the mustard, your splash of juice, and season it up. Keep stirring for 3-4 minutes until it’s thick but pourable.

Baking time? Slap most of the glaze on the ham, roast uncovered. Baste it every so often (melty goodness rolling down the sides is what you want). Add more glaze towards the end for that classic shiny-crispy look. That’s it, truly. No complicated steps.

One last tip: snag a good basting brush. Improves the whole experience, less mess.

What to Serve with Honey-Glazed Ham

Oh man, honestly? This is the fun part—picking what to pile up on your plate with that sweet & savory glazed baked ham.

Serving Suggestions

• Creamy mashed potatoes, because you need something to soak up the glaze.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for crunch (if you want to at least act healthy).
• Mac and cheese—extra points for the super creamy, baked kind.
• Fluffy dinner rolls, for making tiny leftover ham sandwiches later.

It’s a choose-your-own-adventure situation. I usually set everything out buffet-style. Let folks go wild. That’s what makes Thanksgiving fun.

How to Store Honey-Glazed Ham

Keeping your sweet & savory glazed baked ham fresh isn’t rocket science, but a lot better than letting good leftovers go to waste. I’ve learned this the hard way after tossing some seriously sad ham a few Novembers ago.

Wrap leftover slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Better yet, stick them in an airtight container. Into the fridge they go! They’ll hold up for 3-5 days, easy. If you’re thinking longer (or like me, enjoy sneaky ham sandwiches in February), you can freeze portions for up to two months.

Just make sure to zap in the microwave with a few drops of water or heat gently in the oven. You want it juicy again, not dried out like shoe leather.

Frequently Asked Questions about Honey-Glazed Ham

Q: Should I score or cut the top of the ham first?
A: Yep, scoring lets the glaze really sink in. Just don’t slice too deep, or you’ll dry it out.

Q: Can I make the honey glaze ahead?
A: Totally. Mix it up, keep it in a jar in the fridge, and nuke it before using.

Q: What if my glaze gets too thick?
A: No panic! Just add a tiny splash of juice or water, stir, and you’re back in business.

Q: What’s the best ham to use?
A: I go boneless for easy slicing, but bone-in looks extra fancy (plus, you can use that bone for soup later).

Q: Can leftovers go in sandwiches?
A: Please do! Amazing with cheddar on a toasted roll.

Your Family Will Flip for This Glazed Ham

Okay, you’ve read all the practical stuff. Here’s the honest truth: making sweet & savory glazed baked ham for Thanksgiving is so worth it. That honey glaze is a straight-up winner—sticky, shiny, and steals the show at any table. Don’t overthink it—use a honey brown sugar glaze for ham, and you’ll wow your guests. If you want even more ideas, check out this Honey Brown Sugar Glaze for Ham (Easy Holiday Recipe) | The Kitchn and a fun one with fruit from Baked Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar Glaze. Give it a try. Your kitchen will smell like the holidays, and your guests…well, good luck getting them to leave.