Honey Roast Ham

Old fashioned honey roast ham is one of those recipes that instantly feels like a holiday, even on an ordinary Sunday. I remember this exact kind of ham sitting proudly in the middle of the table, shiny with glaze and sliced thick for everyone to grab seconds.

The flavor is simple and familiar: tender ham warmed gently in the oven, then finished with a buttery honey glaze that turns golden and slightly sticky as it bakes. It’s sweet, savory, and comforting in the way only classic recipes can be.

This is the kind of ham my family expected at Easter and Christmas, with leftovers tucked away for sandwiches the next day.

What You Need to Know

• This ham is already cooked, so the goal is warming and glazing, not drying it out
• Wrapping the ham first keeps it juicy before adding the glaze
• The glaze can be made ahead and reheated gently
• Dijon mustard adds balance but keeps the flavor classic

Ingredients Overview

• Cooked ham joint: Pre-cooked ham keeps this recipe simple and reliable
• Honey: Adds classic sweetness and shine to the glaze
• Brown sugar: Deepens the flavor and helps caramelize the glaze
• Dijon mustard: Cuts the sweetness with gentle tang
• Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory warmth without overpowering
• Unsalted butter: Smooths the glaze and helps it coat evenly

How to Make Old Fashioned Honey Glazed Ham

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 170°C (325°F) so it’s ready for gentle, even heating.

Step 2: Place the ham in a large roasting tray and wrap it tightly with foil to keep moisture locked in.

Step 3: Bake the wrapped ham for 20-30 minutes, until heated through but not dried out.

Step 4: While the ham warms, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

Step 5: Stir in the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until smooth and fully combined.

Step 6: Remove the ham from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil.

Step 7: Brush the glaze generously over the surface of the ham, coating it well.

Step 8: Return the ham to the oven uncovered so the glaze can caramelize.

Step 9: Bake for another 25-30 minutes, brushing once more with glaze if desired.

Step 10: Remove from the oven and let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Grandma’s Tips

• Warm the ham gently before glazing so it stays juicy
• Let the ham rest before slicing to keep the juices inside

Modern Updates

• Swap Dijon for honey mustard if you prefer extra sweetness
• Reduce the brown sugar slightly for a less sweet glaze

More Old Fashioned Main Dishes

• Grandmas Roast Turkey Recipe
• Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy
• Old Fashioned Pizza Casserole

FAQs

How long do you cook a fully cooked honey roast ham?

A fully cooked ham only needs to be warmed through, about 45–60 minutes total, depending on size. The glaze is added near the end to prevent burning.

Should you cover a ham while baking?

Yes. Covering the ham for the first portion of baking helps keep it moist before uncovering it to glaze.

Can I make honey glazed ham ahead of time?

Yes. You can warm and glaze the ham earlier in the day, then reheat gently before serving.

How do you keep ham from drying out in the oven?

Wrapping the ham tightly with foil while warming and avoiding high oven temperatures keeps it tender and juicy.