Honey Glazed Ham with Cloves

Introduction

When it comes to holiday feasts and celebratory dinners, few dishes make as grand and irresistible a centerpiece as a Honey Glazed Ham with Cloves. The combination of sweet, sticky honey glaze, warm aromatic spices, and juicy, tender ham is a match made in culinary heaven.

This recipe captures the perfect balance between savory and sweet — the saltiness of the ham is complemented by a caramelized glaze made with honey, brown sugar, and a touch of mustard, while the cloves infuse the meat with a subtle, warming aroma. Every slice is a little bite of nostalgia and festivity.

I love this recipe

There’s something truly irresistible about a Honey Glazed Ham with Cloves. The combination of sweet honey, aromatic cloves, and the savory richness of ham creates a perfect harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and festive. What I love most about this recipe is how simple ingredients come together to create a centerpiece-worthy dish that looks as good as it tastes.

The sweet glaze caramelizes beautifully during baking, giving the ham a glossy, golden-brown finish, while the cloves add subtle warmth and depth, making every bite flavorful and aromatic. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma long before the first slice hits the table.

Whether it’s a holiday feast, a family gathering, or a special Sunday dinner, this honey-glazed ham is impressive, easy to make, and loved by everyone at the table. The balance of sweetness, spice, and savory meat makes it a dish I always want to make again and again.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The combination of honey and cloves creates a beautifully balanced glaze that complements the natural richness of the ham. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
2. Aromatic and Inviting: As the ham bakes, the cloves release their warm, fragrant aroma, filling your kitchen with a scent that’s both comforting and festive. It’s a dish that engages the senses even before tasting.
3. Show-Stopping Presentation: The glossy, caramelized exterior of the ham studded with cloves makes it a stunning centerpiece for holiday tables or special occasions. It’s a dish that looks impressive without requiring complicated techniques.
4. Simple Yet Impressive: Despite its gourmet appearance and flavor, this recipe is easy to prepare, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels while still delivering a restaurant-quality result.
5. Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by adults and kids alike, honey-glazed ham works perfectly for holiday feasts, family dinners, or celebratory meals. It pairs beautifully with side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce.
6. Flavorful Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, the sweet, spiced flavor of the ham carries over beautifully in sandwiches, soups, or breakfast dishes, making it even more versatile.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1.5–2 hours (depending on ham size)
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 12–14 servings
• Calories: ~320 kcal per serving (varies by ham size & glaze amount)
• Cuisine: American / Holiday Feast
• Cooking Method: Baking / Roasting
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6–8 lbs)
• Whole cloves (about 30–40, depending on ham size)

For the Honey Glaze:

• ½ cup (120 ml) honey
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice (or apple juice)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

Directions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern (about ¼ inch deep).
3. Insert a whole clove into the center of each diamond.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, butter, and cinnamon (if using).
5. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Bake the Ham

6. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan.
7. Brush the ham generously with the glaze.
8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1.5–2 hours, basting with glaze every 20–30 minutes.

Step 4: Caramelize the Glaze

9. For the last 15–20 minutes, remove the foil and let the glaze caramelize, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

10. Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
11. Serve warm with extra glaze on the side.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or buttery dinner rolls.
• Pair with pineapple slices or cranberry sauce for extra holiday flair.
• Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Tips & Variations

• Pineapple Ham: Arrange pineapple rings on the ham before glazing.
• Spicy Twist: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the glaze for a gentle kick.
• Extra Glaze: Double the glaze recipe if you like it extra saucy.
• Boneless Option: Works just as well; reduce cooking time slightly.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) covered with foil to avoid drying.

Special Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan with rack
• Basting brush
• Sharp carving knife
• Small saucepan

Conclusion

The Honey Glazed Ham with Cloves is a classic holiday main dish that delivers on flavor, aroma, and presentation. With a glistening glaze, a touch of spice from the cloves, and tender meat, it’s the kind of centerpiece that gets everyone gathered around the table and reaching for seconds.