If you’re looking to impress your family and friends with a show-stopping centerpiece, you have to try this Smoked Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe. This dish brings together the smoky, tender goodness of slow-smoked ham with a luscious honey glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spice. Every bite melts in your mouth, making it perfect for special occasions or a memorable Sunday dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple yet impactful its ingredients are. Each component plays a key role to build layers of flavor and create that irresistible sticky glaze and tender texture.
- Bone-in spiral ham (9-12 pounds): A pre-cooked ham makes this recipe approachable and ensures perfectly even slices.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds deep molasses sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- Honey (½ cup): Brings a floral sweetness that balances the smoky notes beautifully.
- Dijon mustard (â…“ cup): Offers a mild tang and depth that cuts through the richness.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup or ½ stick): Enriches the glaze and adds a glossy finish.
- Apple cider vinegar (¼ cup): Provides a bright acidity that lifts all the flavors.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives a subtle savory kick to balance sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Adds warmth and earthiness to the glaze.
- Ground ginger (¼ teaspoon): Introduces a gentle spice that complements the honey beautifully.
How to Make Smoked Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Smoker Ready
Start by preheating your smoker or BBQ to 325°F. Whether you’re using wood chips or a smoker box on your grill, this temperature allows your ham to slowly absorb smoky flavor while gently heating through without drying out.
Step 2: Smoke the Ham
Place the spiral ham in a disposable foil pan to catch drippings and make cleanup easy. Pop it onto the smoker and let it smoke for 2 to 3 hours until the internal temperature reaches about 140°F. This low and slow approach melts the fat and infuses the ham with amazing smokiness.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
While your ham is working its magic in the smoker, whisk together brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard, butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic, cinnamon, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it just to a simmer to blend all the flavors before removing from heat. The resulting glaze is the star of the show.
Step 4: Baste and Caramelize
Brush your ham generously with half of the glaze, coating every nook and cranny. Return it to the grill and cook for another 30 minutes to let the glaze caramelize and form a beautiful, sticky crust packed with flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Glaze Again
Carefully take your ham off the smoker and let it rest for 20 minutes. This resting period keeps the juices locked in. Just before serving, brush with the remaining glaze to amplify the sweetness and give it an irresistible glossy finish.
How to Serve Smoked Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can turn your ham from delightful to dazzling. Try sprinkling chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for an herbal lift and a pop of green color. Thin slices of orange or pineapple can add a zesty brightness that pairs wonderfully with the glaze.
Side Dishes
This Smoked Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. For a festive touch, serve alongside a sweet potato casserole or tangy cranberry sauce to complement the smoky sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the spiral slices on a large platter with sprigs of fresh herbs tucked in between. For a wow factor, drizzle some extra warm glaze over the slices tableside. You can also place the ham centerpiece on a bed of sautéed greens or roasted root vegetables to create an eye-catching vibrant display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay delicious for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for next-day sandwiches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep your leftovers longer, slice the ham and freeze it in meal-sized portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers to avoid freezer burn. Properly wrapped, it can last up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating
To preserve moisture, reheat ham gently in a low oven (about 275°F) wrapped in foil, or steam it on the stovetop. Brush with a little extra glaze or broth to keep it tender and flavorful without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a pre-cooked ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, a fully cooked bone-in spiral ham is perfect because it only needs to be heated through and glazed, making this recipe easy and efficient.
What type of wood chips work best for smoking ham?
Fruit woods such as apple or cherry complement the sweetness of the glaze wonderfully, giving a mild, fragrant smoke flavor that pairs delightfully with ham.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up gently before applying to ensure it spreads evenly and caramelizes well.
Is it necessary to baste the ham during smoking?
Basting helps build a sticky, flavorful crust and adds moisture, so it’s highly recommended for that perfect glaze finish, especially during the last 30 minutes of smoking.
How do I know when the ham is done?
The internal temperature should reach 140°F to ensure it’s heated through safely without drying out, which usually takes 2-3 hours at 325°F with the smoking method outlined.
Final Thoughts
This Smoked Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns any meal into a celebration. Its combination of smoky depth, honeyed sweetness, and aromatic spices makes for an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the love around your table!
Print
Smoked Honey Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This smoked ham recipe delivers a tender, flavorful bone-in spiral ham infused with smoky goodness and a sweet, tangy glaze made from brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and warm spices. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe guides you through smoking and glazing to achieve an irresistible caramelized crust and juicy interior.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 (9-12 pound) bone-in spiral ham (fully cooked)
Glaze
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- â…“ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat the Smoker: Preheat your smoker or BBQ to 325°F. Add wood chips to the coals or fit your BBQ with a smoking box to ensure consistent smoke throughout cooking.
- Smoke the Ham: Place the ham in a disposable foil pan and put it in the smoker. Smoke the ham for 2-3 hours, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches 140°F for perfect heating and smoke infusion.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the ham smokes, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, butter, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat to let the flavors meld.
- Apply the First Glaze and Caramelize: Baste the smoked ham liberally all over with half of the prepared glaze. Return the ham to the grill or smoker and cook for another 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize, creating a sticky, flavorful crust.
- Rest and Final Glaze: Remove the ham from heat and let it rest for 20 minutes to redistribute juices. Before serving, brush the remaining glaze over the ham for an extra layer of flavor and shine.
Notes
- Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F since it is fully cooked and needs reheating only.
- Using bone-in spiral ham helps the smoke penetrate better and keeps the meat moist.
- Adjust wood chips type based on your flavor preference – apple or cherry wood pairs well with ham.
- Resting the ham after cooking allows juices to redistribute for a juicier bite.
- Glaze can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before brushing.
