The Best Honey Glazed Ham Recipe (Juicy, Spiral Cut & Never Dry!)

I used to think I hated ham. At every holiday dinner, it was always the same: salty, tough, and dry as a leather shoe. Then I discovered the secret to the perfect Honey Glazed Ham recipe .

Then I realized I was cooking it wrong.

Most people treat a precooked ham like a raw roast blasting it with high heat. That’s a recipe for disaster.

Here at @viralfoodhacks, we don’t do dry meat. I’m sharing my “Moisture Trap” hack that keeps store-bought spiral ham incredibly juicy, tender, and coated in the stickiest, most delicious honey glaze you’ve ever tasted.

Why This “Spiral Ham Hack” Wins

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a rescue mission for your holiday main course.

• Never Dry (Guaranteed): Our “Low & Slow” method + “Moisture Trap” (Section 4) ensures the meat stays tender and juicy, never tough.
• Store-Bought Shortcut: We use a standard Spiral Cut Ham from the grocery store. It’s already sliced, saving you hours of carving time.
• The Sticky Glaze: Throw away that powder packet that comes with the ham! Our homemade Honey & Brown Sugar Glaze is thick, sticky, and perfectly spiced.

The “Magic” Ingredients (For the Perfect Glaze)

You only need a few pantry staples to turn a cheap ham into a gourmet masterpiece. (Full amounts in the recipe card below!)

Ham (What to Buy)

• Bone-In Spiral Cut Ham: This is the secret. The bone adds moisture and flavor, and the spiral cut means the glaze can seep deep into every single slice. Avoid “boneless” hams if possible; they tend to be rubbery.

Glaze Base (Sweet & Sticky)

• Honey & Brown Sugar: You need both! Honey gives that floral sweetness and shine, while brown sugar caramelizes under the broiler to create that irresistible crust.

Flavor Boosters (The “Secret”)

• Dijon Mustard: This cuts through the sugar and adds a savory depth.
• Pineapple (or Orange) Juice: The acid balances the saltiness of the ham.
• Warm Spices: A mix of Cinnamon, Cloves, and a pinch of Nutmeg gives it that signature holiday aroma.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Honey Glazed Ham (The Juicy Way)

Step 1: The “Moisture Trap” Prep

• Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Yes, that low!
• Remove the ham from the packaging and discard the plastic disk on the bone.
• The Hack: Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. This traps the juices underneath. Cover the ham tightly with foil. I mean tightly—no steam should escape!

Step 2: Low & Slow Heating

• Bake for about 12-15 minutes per pound.
• The Science: Since the ham is already cooked, we are just gently warming it up. High heat squeezes the moisture out. Low heat keeps it in.
• Target Temp: Use a meat thermometer. While the USDA recommends reheating cooked hams to 140°F.we suggest pulling it out at 135°F (57°C) because the temperature will continue to rise as it rests!

Step 3: The Glaze & Broil (The Finish)

• While the ham warms, simmer your glaze ingredients on the stove until thick and syrupy.
• Remove the ham, turn the oven to 425°F (220°C) (or Broil).
• Brush that sticky glaze all over the ham, getting in between the slices. Bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly, caramelized, and dark golden brown.

Pro Tips from J.ZaiB (@viralfoodhacks)

Hack: Throw Away the Packet!

• Serious pro tip: Do not use the glaze packet included with the ham. It’s mostly corn syrup and artificial flavors. Making your own takes 5 minutes and tastes 100x better.

Hack: How to Carve a Spiral Ham

• Since it’s already sliced, you just need to cut it off the bone. Run a sharp knife around the center bone to release all the slices at once. Save the bone for split pea soup!

Hack: How to Reheat Honey Glazed Ham

• Never microwave leftover ham! It will turn into rubber. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, add a splash of water or broth, cover tightly with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions: The Full Holiday Feast

This ham is the star, but it needs the right supporting cast.

The Perfect Sweet & Savory Plate

• Ham is naturally salty and sweet. Pair it with creamy, savory sides to balance the palate.
• Serve it next to a big pile of our Secret Ultra-Creamy Mashed Potatoes. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the chewy, glazed ham.
• Add some green crunch with our Easy Green Bean Casserole.

The “Leftover Station” (Sandwiches)

• Don’t put the leftovers away immediately! Set up a sandwich station with:
• Soft Dinner Rolls (store-bought is fine!).
• Extra Honey Mustard or Mayo.
• Slices of Swiss or Cheddar cheese.
• Nothing beats a warm ham and cheese slider the next day!

Hack: Brush store bought rolls with a little melted garlic butter before warming them up. No one will know they aren’t homemade!

FAQs: Your Ham Questions, Answered!

How long to bake honey glazed ham per pound?

• At our low temperature of 275°F, plan for 12-15 minutes per pound. A 10lb ham will take about 2 to 2.5 hours. Always use a thermometer to be sure!

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

• Yes! Place the ham cut-side down. Pour the glaze over it. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. It stays incredibly moist, though you won’t get the crispy caramelized edges.

Do I put the glaze on before or after baking?

• After! (Well, at the very end). If you put the sugary glaze on at the beginning, it will burn before the ham is warm. Apply it only during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

How do I make honey glazed ham without drying it out?

• Three secrets: 1) Bake at low temp (275°F), 2) Keep it tightly covered with foil, and 3) Don’t overcook it! Pull it out when it hits 135°F internal temp.

Can I use a boneless ham?

• You can, but reduce the cooking time to 10-12 minutes per pound. Also, be extra careful not to overcook it, as boneless hams have less fat and dry out faster.

What if I don’t have a roasting pan?

• No problem! Use a large 9×13 inch baking dish or even a disposable aluminum roasting pan. Just make sure it’s deep enough to catch the juices.

Conclusion

Say goodbye to dry, salty, boring ham. With this “Low & Slow” method and sticky homemade glaze, you’re going to serve a ham that rivals the expensive “honey baked” store versions for a fraction of the price.

It’s juicy, it’s festive, and it’s the easiest main course you’ll ever make.

• Pair this feast with our Easy Christmas Cookies for the perfect dessert finale!
• Instagram CTA: Show us your shiny glazed ham! Tag @viralfoodhacks!