This honey baked beef ham is a simple, show-stopping main dish. A sweet honey-brown-sugar glaze with warm spices caramelizes into a glossy crust while the meat stays juicy and tender. It smells of toasted honey and cinnamon as it bakes, and the slices are richly savory with a sweet finish. This recipe is great for holidays, family dinners, or any time you want an easy roasted centerpiece. For a sweet, bite-sized starter that pairs well with ham, try these baked cranberry brie bites.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving; based on 12 servings)
- Calories per serving: 365 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 1,100 mg
Why Make This Honey Baked Beef Ham
This honey baked beef ham is easy to prepare and delivers big flavor with little fuss. The sweet glaze balances the salty richness of the ham and creates an attractive, caramelized crust. You’ll enjoy tender, juicy slices and the warm aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes. It works well for formal dinners and casual gatherings alike.
How to Make Honey Baked Beef Ham
This recipe warms a fully cooked ham through while building a sticky, aromatic glaze. You’ll brush and baste the ham for an even coating and remove foil toward the end to caramelize the surface. Use a meat thermometer for best results and rest the ham before slicing so juices settle.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked beef ham (about 5–7 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the fully cooked beef ham in a roasting pan, flat side down. If the ham has a rind, trim excess rind to expose some fat for the glaze to adhere.
Step 2: Mixing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper until smooth. The mixture should be glossy and pourable.
Step 3: Cooking
Brush the glaze generously over the ham, coating the exposed surface. Cover the ham loosely with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours total, basting every 30 minutes with more glaze. In the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil so the glaze can caramelize and form a golden crust. If the surface browns too quickly, tent foil back lightly.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the ham from the oven when it’s heated through (an internal temperature of about 140°F / 60°C for precooked ham is recommended). Let the ham rest, tented, for 10–15 minutes. Slice against the grain into even pieces and serve warm, spooning any pan juices or extra glaze over the slices.
How to Serve Honey Baked Beef Ham
Slice the ham into thick or thin slices depending on preference. Serve with mustard, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a bright salad. The sweet glaze pairs well with tangy sides like pickled beets or a fresh coleslaw. For holiday plates, add roasted root vegetables and warm dinner rolls.
How to Store Honey Baked Beef Ham
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then tightly wrap or store in an airtight container. Keeps 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Slice or freeze whole. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil or use a vacuum bag. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
- Reheat: Warm slices in a covered baking dish at 275–300°F (135–150°C) with a splash of water or stock, or microwave single portions gently to keep them moist.
Expert Tips for Perfect Honey Baked Beef Ham
- Score the fat lightly in a diamond pattern so the glaze settles into the cuts and flavors the meat.
- Use a brush and baste frequently for an even, shiny glaze.
- If your ham is very salty, soak it in cold water for a few hours and pat dry before glazing to reduce sodium.
- Monitor the oven in the last 30 minutes to avoid burning the sugars in the glaze.
- For even heating, place the ham fat-side up so juices baste the meat while it warms.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm a safe, warmed-through temperature (about 140°F / 60°C for precooked ham).
Delicious Variations
- Maple-Bourbon Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for half the honey and add 2 tablespoons bourbon for depth.
- Mustard-Herb Glaze: Add 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme; reduce sugar by 2 tablespoons.
- Spicy Honey Glaze: Stir in 1 teaspoon chili flakes or 1 tablespoon sriracha for a sweet-heat finish.
- Citrus Twist: Replace apple cider vinegar with orange juice and add 1 teaspoon orange zest for a bright flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to cook the ham for a long time if it’s already fully cooked?
A: No. Fully cooked ham only needs to be warmed through and glazed. The purpose of the baking time is to heat the meat and caramelize the glaze. Aim for about 1.5–2 hours at 325°F depending on size.
Q: How do I know when the ham is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer. For a precooked ham, heat it to about 140°F (60°C). If you reheat a previously frozen ham, ensure it reaches this temperature all the way through.
Q: Can I use a pork ham instead of beef ham?
A: Yes. The same glaze and method work well with pork ham. Adjust the sodium expectations—pork ham is often saltier—so you may want to rinse and soak briefly.
Q: Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Warm it slightly before brushing so it’s easy to spread.
Q: How can I prevent the glaze from burning?
A: Remove the foil only for the final 20–30 minutes and watch closely. If the surface browns too fast, tent foil loosely to slow caramelization.
Q: Can I use less sugar or a sugar substitute?
A: Yes. You can reduce the brown sugar or use maple syrup, agave, or a low-calorie sweetener that tolerates heat. Reduce oven time if you notice less browning.
Q: Is glazing mandatory?
A: The glaze adds flavor and a caramelized finish, but you can skip it if you prefer a simple warmed ham. The glaze makes the dish special.
Conclusion
This honey baked beef ham brings sweet, warm flavors and a glossy caramelized crust to your table with minimal hands-on work. It’s perfect for holidays, family meals, or special occasions when you want something impressive yet simple. For store-bought fully cooked options and more convenient choices, consider exploring Prepared Meals | The Honey Baked Ham Company®. Give this recipe a try—slice it thick, savor the honeyed aroma, and enjoy the comfort of a classic roast.
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Honey Baked Beef Ham
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A simple, show-stopping main dish with a sweet honey-brown-sugar glaze and warm spices that caramelizes into a glossy crust.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked beef ham (about 5–7 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the fully cooked beef ham in a roasting pan, flat side down, and trim excess rind if necessary.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper until smooth and glossy.
- Brush the glaze generously over the ham and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours total, basting every 30 minutes with more glaze. Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to caramelize the surface.
- Remove the ham from the oven when heated through (internal temperature of about 140°F / 60°C), and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving with pan juices or extra glaze.
Notes
Score the fat lightly for better glaze absorption. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 105 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
