Name: Baked Glazed Ham Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 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·5 from 10 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table or Sunday dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make, you’re going to love this Baked Glazed Ham Recipe. It’s got just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and warm spice that makes every slice melt in your mouth—trust me, I’ve made this ham so many times I can almost do it blindfolded, and each time it turns out perfectly. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through the whole process so you nail it, too.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Brown sugar, pineapple, and warm spices create a glaze that’s sweet with just the right zing.
Easy Spiral Cut Ham: Using a fully cooked spiral ham takes the guesswork out of slicing and serving.
Layered Glazing Technique: Applying the glaze in stages means every bite is juicy and perfectly coated without burning.
Flexible Serving Options: Serve it warm or at room temperature with sides or carve thin slices for sandwiches later.

Baked Glazed Ham, glazed ham recipe, holiday ham, easy ham dinner, sweet and tangy 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 its part to bring out that classic holiday flavor. The sweetness of brown sugar and pineapple pairs beautifully with the tang of lemon and sharpness from Dijon mustard, while cinnamon and cloves provide cozy depth. Make sure to pick a good-quality spiral-cut ham—it’ll save you tons of effort and deliver great slices every time.

Baked Glazed Ham, glazed ham recipe, holiday ham, easy ham dinner, sweet and tangy 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: The spiral cut means the ham is already sliced for easy serving, and the bone keeps it juicy.
Brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Crushed pineapple with juice: Brings natural sweetness and moisture; the juice helps thin the glaze.
Lemon juice: Balances the glaze with a bright, acidic kick that keeps it from getting too sweet.
Dijon mustard: Offers a little tang and depth, cutting through the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Warms up the flavor profile with a subtle spice note.
Ground cloves: Adds a hint of aromatic earthiness, perfect for holiday vibes.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how adaptable this Baked Glazed Ham Recipe is—once you’ve made the base glaze, it’s so easy to add your own twist to fit any occasion or mood. You’ll have fun finding your perfect balance of sweetness and spice!

Spicy Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the glaze for a subtle heat that really wakes up the flavor.
Fruit Swap: Instead of pineapple, try apricot preserves or orange marmalade for a different fruity sweetness.
Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just double-check the mustard and any packaged ham ingredients to be sure.
Keto-Friendly: Swap brown sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol for a low-carb version.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Ham and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. I always line my baking dish with heavy-duty nonstick aluminum foil—if you only have regular foil, double layer it. Removing the packaging and that sometimes-included glaze packet from your ham is key because our homemade glaze is where the magic happens. Just lay the ham flat side down in the pan and pop it in the oven to bake uncovered for 1 hour. This gentle heat warms the ham without drying it out.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

While the ham is baking, whisk together the brown sugar, crushed pineapple with its juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves in a small bowl. This mixture comes together quickly and smells like the holidays in a bowl—feel free to taste it and adjust the sweetness or tang to your liking.

Step 3: Apply the First Glaze Layer and Bake

Carefully pull your ham out of the oven after an hour and drizzle about half of the glaze over the surface. Use the back of a spoon or a pastry brush to gently work the glaze between the spiral slices—it’s what makes every bite flavorful. Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes. This step lets the glaze settle in and get those beautiful caramelized edges.

Step 4: Final Glaze and Finish Baking

Remove the ham one last time and pour the remaining glaze over the top. Slide it back into the oven for a final 30-minute bake until the internal temperature hits around 140-145°F. This ensures your ham is heated through and the glaze has set into a sticky, delicious coating.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let your glorious ham rest for a few minutes outside the oven. I like to transfer it to a rimmed serving platter, placing it flat side out so slicing is a breeze. Sometimes, I tuck in a handful of kale around the edges to add a pop of color and freshness, but that’s totally optional. Serve it warm or at room temperature—you really can’t go wrong.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Glazed Ham Recipe

Use Heavy-Duty Foil: Prevents leaks and makes cleanup easier—plus it keeps your ham nice and moist.
Layer Your Glaze: Applying the glaze in two steps keeps it juicy and stops the sugars from burning.
Check Internal Temp: Don’t skip the thermometer—145°F confirms it’s warm and safe without drying out.
Save the Pan Juices: They’re perfect for gravy or drizzling over your slices to add moisture and flavor.

How to Serve Baked Glazed Ham Recipe

Baked Glazed Ham, glazed ham recipe, holiday ham, easy ham dinner, sweet and tangy 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

My go-to garnish is simple kale leaves or fresh parsley tucked around the platter—they add a beautiful green contrast to that golden ham and keep the presentation fresh and inviting. If it’s a holiday feast, some thinly sliced oranges on the side really brighten things up and complement the citrus notes in the glaze.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with this baked glazed ham than classic sides like creamy scalloped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, and a fresh green bean almondine. I also love a tangy cranberry sauce or a sharp mustard sauce to set off all that sweetness in the glaze. Trust me, those combos will have your guests asking for seconds.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I baked the ham on a festive serving board lined with rosemary sprigs and little clusters of fresh cranberries for a burst of color—plus, it made the whole room smell incredible! For casual meals, I slice the ham thicker and pile it on crusty rolls with Swiss cheese and mustard for easy sandwich platters. It’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. I usually have mine eat up within 3-5 days because it’s just too good to resist! Keeping it well-wrapped prevents it from drying out and absorbing other fridge smells.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the ham first and store pieces in freezer bags with layers of parchment paper between slices. I’ve found ham stays tasty for up to two months frozen without losing its moisture or flavor. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

For reheating, the microwave works well for single servings—just cover to keep moisture in. If you have more ham to warm up, try baking it covered with foil at 250°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This gentle approach keeps it juicy and lets the glaze soften back up nicely.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless ham for this Baked Glazed Ham Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use boneless ham; just keep in mind cooking times may be a bit shorter since there’s no bone to retain heat. Keep a close eye on internal temperature to avoid drying out the meat.
Do I need to score the ham before glazing?

Since this recipe uses a spiral-cut ham, it’s already sliced for you, so no scoring necessary. That makes it super easy to get the glaze in between the slices and ensures every bite is flavorful.
What if I don’t have crushed pineapple?

You can substitute crushed pineapple with pineapple juice (reduce the other liquids slightly) and finely chopped fresh or canned pineapple pieces to keep the texture. Just make sure to adjust sweetness accordingly.
Can I prepare this ham the day before?

Yes! You can bake and glaze the ham a day ahead, then gently reheat before serving. Just wrap it well and warm it in the oven at a low temperature to keep it moist.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Glazed Ham Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is genuinely easy to pull off — no stress, just flavors that impress. I love making it for family get-togethers because it leaves me more time to enjoy with everyone and less time fussing in the kitchen. Give it a try next time you want a hassle-free, crowd-pleasing centerpiece; I’m confident it’ll become your go-to ham recipe, just like it is for me.

Baked Glazed Ham Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 10 reviews

Author: Amanda
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 20 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Baked Glazed Ham recipe features a tender, fully cooked spiral cut ham baked with a delicious homemade brown sugar and pineapple glaze infused with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, this ham is moist, flavorful, and simple to prepare.

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 and Prepare Ham: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a deep baking dish with heavy duty nonstick foil. If using regular strength foil, line it twice to prevent leaks. Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any glaze packet it may come with. Place the ham flat side down in the prepared baking dish.
Bake Ham First Hour: Bake the ham uncovered for 1 hour to begin warming it through.
Prepare Glaze: While the ham is baking, combine the brown sugar, crushed pineapple with juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves in a small bowl. Stir well to create a smooth glaze.
Apply First Layer of Glaze: Carefully remove the ham from the oven after the first hour. Using a spoon, drizzle half of the prepared glaze evenly over the surface of the ham. Use the back of the spoon or a pastry brush to spread some glaze between the spiral layers to enhance flavor.
Bake with Glaze: Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and soak into the meat.
Apply Second Layer of Glaze and Final Bake: Remove the ham again and drizzle the remaining glaze over the ham’s surface. Bake for a final 30 minutes until the ham is heated completely through and reaches an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and transfer to a rimmed serving platter with the flat side facing out for easy slicing. Optionally, arrange kale leaves around the ham for garnish. Reserve any pan juices for serving or to make ham gravy if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

If your ham comes with a glaze packet, discard it before baking as this recipe uses its own glaze.
Nutritional information is based on a ½ pound serving of ham, noting that the bone is included in the ham weight.
A 10-pound ham serves approximately 20 people; however, on a buffet with other proteins and sides, it can serve 25-30 people. For leftovers, plan ¾ pound per person.
Store leftover ham refrigerated 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.