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Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

4 Mins read
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

A brown sugar honey glazed ham is one of those centerpiece dishes that instantly makes any Easter table feel complete. With its glossy caramelized coating, warm spices, and tender slices, this ham delivers both rich flavor and beautiful presentation.

The slow cooking process allows the meat to stay juicy while absorbing the sweet and savory glaze, creating layers of flavor in every bite.

This recipe is especially great for gatherings because it requires minimal hands-on time while still producing impressive results. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices creates a sticky, golden finish that perfectly complements the natural saltiness of the ham.

Whether you’re hosting a large family meal or preparing something special for a holiday dinner, this dish brings comfort, tradition, and flavor together effortlessly.

Why I Keep Making This Ham?

I keep making this ham because it’s one of the easiest ways to prepare a large, satisfying meal without constant attention. Once it goes into the slow cooker, most of the work is done, leaving time to focus on sides or simply enjoy the day.

Another reason this recipe stands out is the flavor balance. The sweetness from the honey and brown sugar pairs perfectly with the savory depth of the ham, while the spices add warmth that makes it feel festive and special.

It’s also incredibly reliable. Whether it’s for Easter or any large gathering, this recipe consistently delivers tender meat and a beautifully caramelized glaze that always impresses.

Variations You Can Try

  1. Add pineapple juice to the glaze for a tropical sweetness
  2. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor
  3. Include Dijon mustard for a tangy contrast
  4. Stud with cloves for a more traditional presentation
  5. Add orange zest for a citrusy brightness

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Spiral Ham

  • Place the glaze between the ham slices for maximum flavor
  • Cook on low heat to keep the ham tender and juicy
  • Use foil when broiling to prevent sticking and easy cleanup
  • Watch closely while broiling to avoid burning the sugar
  • Let the ham rest briefly before slicing to retain juices

How to Make Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham?

Ingredients

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Ingredients

  1. 8 pound bone-in spiral ham
  2. 3 tablespoons melted butter
  3. 1/2 cup honey
  4. 1 cup brown sugar
  5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  6. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  7. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  8. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  9. 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  10. 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  11. 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Small mixing bowls
  • Roasting pan
  • Foil
  • Whisk

Instructions

Step 1:
Place the spiral ham into the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably.

Place the spiral ham into the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably

Step 2:
Whisk together the melted butter and honey, then pour the mixture over the ham, making sure it seeps between the slices.

Whisk together the melted butter and honey, then pour the mixture over the ham, making sure it seeps between the slices

Step 3:
Cover and cook on low heat until the ham is fully warmed through and tender.

Step 4:
Preheat the broiler and prepare a roasting pan lined with foil.

Step 5:
Mix together the brown sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and spices in a bowl.

Step 6:
Transfer the ham to the roasting pan and coat the top with half of the sugar mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.

Step 7:
Place under the broiler until the coating becomes golden and bubbly.

Place under the broiler until the coating becomes golden and bubbly

Step 8:
Combine the remaining sugar mixture with a small amount of water and heat until it forms a glaze.

Combine the remaining sugar mixture with a small amount of water and heat until it forms a glaze

Step 10:
Pour the glaze over the ham, slice, and serve warm.

Pour the glaze over the ham, slice, and serve warm

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

This brown sugar honey glazed ham is a slow-cooked, flavor-packed centerpiece perfect for Easter celebrations.
It combines sweet honey, rich brown sugar, and warm spices to create a caramelized glaze that enhances the natural flavor of the ham.
The slow cooker ensures tender, juicy meat while the broiler adds a golden finish. Simple to prepare and ideal for feeding a crowd, it’s a dependable holiday favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 1049

Ingredients
  

  • 8 pound bone-in spiral ham
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Small mixing bowls
  • Roasting pan
  • Foil
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Place the spiral ham into the slow cooker, ensuring it fits comfortably.
  2. Whisk together the melted butter and honey, then pour the mixture over the ham, making sure it seeps between the slices.
  3. Cover and cook on low heat until the ham is fully warmed through and tender.
  4. Preheat the broiler and prepare a roasting pan lined with foil.
  5. Mix together the brown sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and spices in a bowl.
  6. Transfer the ham to the roasting pan and coat the top with half of the sugar mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.
  7. Place under the broiler until the coating becomes golden and bubbly.
  8. Combine the remaining sugar mixture with a small amount of water and heat until it forms a glaze.
  9. Pour the glaze over the ham, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

This recipe brings together ease, flavor, and tradition in one impressive dish. The sticky glaze, tender texture, and warm spices make it a standout addition to any festive table.
Whether enjoyed fresh or as leftovers, it’s a meal that continues to deliver long after the holiday ends.
 
 

Nutritional Information

NutritionValue
Calories1049 kcal
Carbohydrates36 gm
Fat63 gm
Protein78 gm

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient size, quality, brand, location, and the proportions used. All nutritional information is calculated on a per-serving basis.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overcooking the ham, which can dry it out
  2. Skipping the step of glazing between slices
  3. Using high heat instead of low slow cooking
  4. Leaving the ham unattended under the broiler
  5. Not letting the glaze thicken before pouring

How I Like to Serve These

  • Sliced thick and served as the main Easter centerpiece
  • With roasted vegetables for a balanced plate
  • Alongside mashed potatoes or casseroles
  • In sandwiches using leftover slices
  • With a drizzle of extra glaze on top

Storage / Leftovers and Next-Day Thoughts

  1. Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator
  2. Reheat gently to prevent drying out
  3. Use leftovers in sandwiches, salads, or breakfast dishes
  4. Freeze portions for longer storage
  5. Keep extra glaze to refresh leftovers when reheating

FAQs

Can I make this ham without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake it in the oven at a low temperature instead

Do I need to pre-cook the ham?
Most spiral hams are pre-cooked and only need reheating

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, it can be mixed in advance and stored until needed

How do I keep the ham moist?
Cooking it slowly and adding glaze helps retain moisture

Can I use a boneless ham?
Yes, though bone-in tends to have more flavor

Daniel Harper
188 posts

About author
I’m Daniel Harper, Cooking has always been my way to have fun and experiment, and on Mostly About Food, I share simple recipes, comfort meals, and the stories behind them.
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