Elevate your holiday table with a show-stopping main course that promises rich flavor and incredible aroma: our Garlic Honey Mustard Ham. Following the immense popularity of our World’s Best Brown Sugar Ham, we knew we had to deliver another exceptional Easter ham recipe. This Garlic Honey Mustard Ham is not just easy to prepare, but it bursts with a savory-sweet tang that will captivate your taste buds and earn you rave reviews from family and friends. It’s truly a simple yet profoundly flavorful centerpiece perfect for any festive gathering or special Sunday dinner.
The journey to perfecting a new ham recipe is always an adventure in our kitchen. You might be surprised at the dedication it takes to develop and test a recipe until it’s absolutely flawless for home cooks. Our approach is unique; we insist on testing recipes exactly as you would make them in your own kitchen. This often means buying a full-sized, pre-cooked spiral ham, as smaller options are simply not available. Picture this: cooking a massive ham multiple times over several weeks to ensure every detail of the glaze and cooking process is just right. It’s a labor of love, and let’s just say our Food Saver has been working overtime, allowing us to perfectly freeze portions of delicious ham for future meals!
And when we say we had a lot of ham, we mean it! We’ve transformed those testing hams into an array of delightful dishes, ensuring no delicious bite went to waste. From the comforting layers of our Cheesy Ham and Potato Bacon Casserole to the savory depth of Ham Hock Soup, and the irresistible simplicity of Ham and Cheese Sliders, we’ve explored every possibility. Recently, our Easy Ham and Cheese Scones have become a particular favorite, perfect for a quick breakfast or a light snack. While our tastebuds were certainly grateful for the variety, even our kids, who are usually enthusiastic taste-testers, admitted they needed a little break from ham for a while. As food bloggers, we still navigate the world of picky eaters, and I totally respect their request for a momentary reprieve!
Despite the slight “ham fatigue” among the older children, our youngest, who is now two, has enthusiastically embraced the cooking process. He’s at that wonderful age where he mimics everything we do, making kitchen sessions both adorable and a little challenging! I can barely sneak a chocolate chip under my tongue without him knowing, which adds an interesting, albeit sweet, dynamic to our food photography.
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of finding creative ways to involve my children in the kitchen, or at least make them feel involved, to keep my recipe development on track. Gently explaining that we needed him to “softly paint” the glaze onto the ham was a brilliant strategy that worked for most of the photoshoots. While not every shot turned out perfectly – he was often in my light or blocking the frame – it allowed me to get the crucial stages documented. More importantly, those moments of shared activity are priceless. Who knows, perhaps that time spent together was exactly what he needed, and for that, I couldn’t be anything but happy.
Mastering the Holiday Ham: Essential Tips
Why Garlic Honey Mustard Ham? The Flavor Profile
The beauty of a garlic honey mustard glaze lies in its perfect balance. Sweetness from the honey and brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, irresistible crust. The Dijon and stone-ground mustards introduce a delightful tang and a subtle, peppery kick, while fresh minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish. This combination isn’t just delicious; it’s a sophisticated blend that complements the rich, salty flavor of ham without overpowering it, making it a standout choice for any holiday feast.
Choosing the Right Ham for Your Recipe
For this recipe, we highly recommend using a pre-cooked, spiral-cut ham. These hams are already fully cooked and expertly sliced in a continuous spiral around the bone, which makes serving incredibly easy and allows the glaze to penetrate every layer, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite. Look for a bone-in ham for the best flavor and juiciness, though boneless spiral hams can also work if convenience is your top priority. Ensure your ham is fully thawed if it was frozen, and always check the label for any included glaze packets – you won’t need them for this homemade recipe!
Crafting the Perfect Glaze Consistency
The key to a spectacular glazed ham is a perfectly prepared glaze. Our recipe ensures a smooth, luscious texture that adheres beautifully to the ham. When melting the butter and combining the ingredients, make sure to whisk vigorously until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. If the glaze feels too thick, a tablespoon or two of warm water or orange juice can thin it slightly. Conversely, if it seems too runny, a bit more brown sugar can help thicken it. The ideal consistency is one that coats the back of a spoon without being excessively thick or thin, allowing it to seep into those wonderful spiral cuts.
Serving Your Easter Ham with Grace
While a whole ham displayed on the table might look impressive, much like a Thanksgiving turkey, it’s truly best to carve your Easter ham in the kitchen. This ensures that each slice is perfectly uniform and easy for your guests to enjoy. Carving off the center bone before presentation also makes the serving process much smoother and more elegant, allowing you to arrange beautiful slices directly onto your serving platter. This approach minimizes fuss and maximizes enjoyment, ensuring everyone gets to savor the tender, glazed goodness without any effort.
Delicious Accompaniments: What to Serve with Ham
Seeking the perfect pairings to complement your magnificent ham? We understand! It’s easy to fall into a rut with side dishes, but we’ve got some fantastic ideas to keep your holiday menu fresh and exciting.
- Ham Dipping Sauces: First and foremost, you absolutely must try our ham dipping sauces! We feature a unique Pina Colada Ham Dipping Sauce and the absolute BEST homemade Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce that elevates every bite.
- Fresh Salads: We adore serving a fresh side alongside ham. It truly lightens the meal and offers a beautiful contrast to the rich meat. This Broccoli Salad, with its crisp texture and creamy dressing, is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Hearty Potatoes: No holiday meal is complete without a stellar potato dish. Our take on the Texas Roadhouse Loaded Sweet Potato offers a delightful sweet and savory experience. And, of course, no Utah holiday table is truly set without the creamy, cheesy comfort of Funeral Potatoes – a true classic!
- Classic Rolls: To soak up all that delicious glaze and ham juices, serve up some warm, FLUFFY Homemade Rolls. They are an absolute must for any ham dinner.
Expert Slicing: Presenting a Beautiful Spiral Ham
Properly slicing a spiral ham is key to a beautiful presentation and ensuring every piece is tender and moist. While we’ve dedicated an entire comprehensive post to how to slice a spiral ham, a crucial tip worth repeating here is that sliced ham tends to cool quickly and can dry out. To maintain its succulence, the best practice is to carve the ham off the bone in the kitchen and immediately return the slices to the pan, allowing them to rest in any accumulated juices. Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in a warm oven (or a warming drawer) while you bring the other side dishes to the table. This keeps the ham wonderfully warm and moist until the very moment it’s ready to be served, guaranteeing a delightful experience for your guests.
More HAM RECIPES You Will Love:
- World’s Best Brown Sugar Ham
- Honey Baked Ham
- Ham Dipping Sauces
- Secret to the Best Ham Fried Rice
- Spring Ham and Asparagus Lemon Cream Sauce
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Bacon Casserole
- Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas
- Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Casserole
- Ham and Cheese Breakfast Stromboli
- Hash Browns Ham Frittata
- Ham Hock Soup
- Easy Ham and Cheese Scones
- Ham and Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese
- How to Make Ham in a Slow Cooker
- How to Carve a Spiral Ham
- All our BEST PORK RECIPES here!
Garlic Honey Mustard Ham Recipe
Rated 3.93 out of 5 stars by 57 users.
Garlic Honey Mustard Ham
Sweet Basil
5 mins
1 hr
30 mins
1 hr
35 mins
12 servings
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons Butter, unsalted
- 4 Tablespoons Honey
- 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 5 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 Tablespoon Stone Ground Mustard
- 10 Pound Spiral Ham
- Ham Dipping Sauces
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
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In a glass measuring cup or small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, Dijon mustard, and stone ground mustard. Whisk all ingredients until completely smooth and well combined.4 Tablespoons Butter,
4 Tablespoons Honey,
3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar,
5 Cloves Garlic,
1/2 teaspoon Salt,
2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard,
2 Tablespoon Stone Ground Mustard -
Place the 10-pound spiral ham in a roasting pan. Pour approximately three-quarters of the prepared glaze over the ham. Using a basting brush, ensure the glaze is thoroughly spread, pushing it gently in between the ham layers to infuse maximum flavor.10 Pound Spiral Ham
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Bake for 90 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius), allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
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Remove the ham from the oven. Spread the remaining glaze evenly over the meat, letting it melt and add a final layer of glistening flavor before serving.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 601kcal,
Carbohydrates: 14g,
Protein: 84g,
Fat: 24g,
Saturated Fat: 6g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g,
Cholesterol: 252mg,
Sodium: 3853mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 13g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Storage and Reheating Leftover Ham
Having leftover ham from a grand meal is truly a gift, opening up a world of possibilities for delicious new creations. To properly store your Garlic Honey Mustard Ham, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerated, the ham will remain fresh and flavorful for 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, slices can be individually wrapped in plastic film and then aluminum foil, or placed in freezer-safe bags. Frozen ham will maintain its quality for up to 1 to 2 months.
When reheating, it’s best to do so gently to prevent drying out. For individual slices, a quick warm-up in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water, covered, works wonders. Alternatively, you can reheat larger portions loosely covered with foil in a 275°F (135°C) oven until just heated through, ensuring it doesn’t overcook. Remember, leftover ham is incredibly versatile and can be used in sandwiches, salads, omelets, casseroles, and more, offering a delightful second life to your holiday centerpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Glazed Ham
Do I need to pre-cook my ham?
Most hams sold in stores, especially spiral-cut hams, are already fully cooked and ready to eat. For this Garlic Honey Mustard Ham recipe, we assume you are starting with a pre-cooked ham. The baking time is primarily for heating it through, allowing it to absorb the glaze’s flavors, and creating that beautiful caramelized crust. Always check the label on your ham to confirm if it’s pre-cooked or if it requires initial cooking.
How do I prevent my ham from drying out?
Preventing a ham from drying out is crucial for a tender, juicy result. Since most hams are pre-cooked, overcooking is the main culprit for dryness. Our recipe calls for a relatively low oven temperature (325°F or 160°C) and a moderate baking time. Additionally, basting the ham multiple times with the glaze helps keep it moist, and covering it with foil for the initial part of the baking process can trap moisture. Once sliced, returning the ham to its pan juices and keeping it covered also helps maintain its succulence until serving.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The garlic honey mustard glaze can be prepared several days in advance. Simply whisk all the ingredients together as instructed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake your ham, gently warm the glaze in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until it’s pourable and easy to spread. This can significantly reduce your prep time on the day of your event, making your holiday cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
We hope this Garlic Honey Mustard Ham becomes a cherished recipe in your family’s culinary traditions. Its effortless preparation and explosion of flavor make it a true crowd-pleaser for any celebration. We encourage you to try it and share your experiences and variations in the comments below! Happy cooking!
