Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Orange and Spices Recipe

If you’re looking for that perfect centerpiece to wow your family or guests, this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Orange and Spices Recipe is a must-try. I make this ham whenever we’re gathering for holidays or special dinners because it brings a beautiful balance of sweet, tangy, and warm spice flavors that simply can’t be beat. The glaze creates this irresistibly sticky, caramelized coating that keeps the meat juicy and flavorful from the first slice to the last.

One thing I love about this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Orange and Spices Recipe is how fuss-free it is to prepare despite feeling fancy. You don’t have to be a seasoned chef to nail it—you just combine a few simple ingredients and let the oven do most of the work. Plus, the hint of orange brightens the whole dish, making it perfect year-round but especially inviting during the colder months when you crave something cozy and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a special role in creating a glaze that’s bursting with flavor without overpowering the ham itself. When you shop, try to find a spiral ham that’s fully cooked and bone-in for the best balance of ease and taste.

• Fully cooked bone-in spiral ham: This is your star ingredient—choosing a good-quality ham ensures it stays moist and tender.
• Orange slices: They add a fresh citrus note and make a lovely garnish if you’re feeling fancy.
• Orange juice: Using fresh if possible makes the glaze vibrant and natural-tasting.
• Dark brown sugar: This adds a deep caramel sweetness that’s key for that amazing caramelized crust.
• Honey: I prefer raw or local honey for its floral undertones, but any kind works well.
• Orange marmalade: Gives the glaze texture and an extra layer of sweet-tart flavor.
• Dijon mustard: The tang cuts through the sweetness and adds complexity.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a touch to warm up the glaze with coziness.
• Nutmeg: Adds subtle earthiness—don’t skip it, trust me!
• Bayou City Lemon Pepper: If you can’t find this specific seasoning, a mix of lemon zest and cracked pepper works wonderfully here.
• Cloves: Very aromatic and adds a festive note—pinch it carefully.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness perfectly.

Variations

I love how flexible this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Orange and Spices Recipe is—you can tweak the glaze to make it your own. Sometimes I swap the orange marmalade for apricot preserves if I want a bit more tartness. Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit!

• Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper gives the glaze a surprising heat. I tried this once and was pleasantly surprised how it balanced with the honey’s sweetness.
• Maple twist: Swapping half the honey for maple syrup offers a deeper, woodsy sweetness perfect for fall flavors.
• Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check your mustard and seasonings to be sure.
• Smoky finish: For a BBQ flair, brush on some smoked paprika into the glaze. It adds a layer of complexity I adore for casual get-togethers.

How to Make Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Orange and Spices Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ham and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the spiral ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan with a rack if you have one. I always like to line the pan with foil underneath for easier cleanup. Then, loosely cover the whole thing with foil to trap in moisture while it gradually heats through—this helps keep that ham juicy and tender.

Step 2: Make the Orange Honey Glaze

While the ham starts warming, combine the dark brown sugar, honey, orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon pepper, cloves, and salt in a small saucepan. Pour in the orange juice and stir everything together over medium heat. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy. The aroma at this point is heavenly—I always take a moment to savor it!

Step 3: Glaze and Bake

After your ham has warmed for about 30 minutes covered, carefully remove the foil and brush a generous layer of the glaze all over the exposed surface. Pop it back in the oven uncovered. Every 15 minutes, baste the ham again with glaze to build up that shiny, sticky coating. Depending on your ham size, this usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours total. Be sure to keep an eye on it so the sugars don’t burn—if the glaze starts darkening too fast, lower the temperature slightly.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

When the glaze is beautifully caramelized and the ham is heated through, remove it from your oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This step helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. I usually garnish with orange slices around the edges for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Orange and Spices Recipe

Garnishes

I love using fresh orange slices and a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a rustic look that brings out the aroma of the glaze. Sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for crunch and visual interest—plus it adds a lovely nutty flavor that pairs surprisingly well.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Orange and Spices Recipe are classic mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts with a hint of balsamic glaze. Sweet potato casserole is another favorite that complements the orange and spices beautifully. The mix of savory and sweet on the plate makes every bite a delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the ham right at the table so everyone can admire that beautiful spiral and enjoy the fresh aroma. Serving the ham on a wooden board surrounded by edible flowers and citrus wedges creates a festive, inviting atmosphere that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve devoured what you can fresh, wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I find ham stays moist this way for up to 5 days. Labeling with the date helps me keep track—leftover ham is great for sandwiches or adding to salads during the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Orange and Spices Recipe leftovers, slice them first and place them between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents pieces from sticking together. I’ve had success freezing for up to 3 months without losing any flavor or texture.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover ham is in a low oven (about 275°F) covered loosely with foil to lock in moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwaves work in a pinch but can dry the edges out, so I always add a splash of water and cover with a damp paper towel to keep it tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Orange and Spices Recipe is one of those dishes I always go back to whenever I want something both effortless and impressive. It’s warm, comforting, and smells like a holiday kitchen at its finest. I promise, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you need a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t stress you out. So grab that ham, mix up your glaze, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure deliciousness—you’re going to love it!

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