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Looking for an easy glazed ham recipe that’s full of flavor but totally effortless? This honey and orange glazed ham is just what you need. I love making this small carver ham for the holidays when I’m cooking for just a few people. It’s pre-cooked, so all you have to do is warm it up in the oven, glaze it, and let the sweet citrusy flavors shine! Plus, there’s no need to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe is ready in about 30 minutes!
The sweet and citrusy glaze made from fresh orange juice and honey adds just the right balance of flavor and a gorgeous golden finish. This is one of my favorite ways to dress up a cooked ham for the holidays or anytime you want something that feels a little more festive without a lot of work.
Why You Will Love This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
- It’s perfect for small gatherings or weeknight meals!
- There’s no need to make a full ham, this small carver ham is the perfect size for a couple of people with leftovers.
- We used pre-cooked ham, which means all you have to do is heat and glaze!
- Orange juice adds the ultimate sweet and tangy flavor that complements the honey.
- It’s oven-baked for easy prep and cleanup.
Ingredients Needed
- Carver Ham: You will need one fully cooked carver ham (boneless ham), that weighs about 2.5 pounds.
- Oranges: Slice two oranges to go under the ham before baking. Also, zest one orange and then freshly squeeze two oranges for the glaze.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and a delicious flavor that perfectly complements the orange.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of apple cider vinegar balances out the flavors.
- Mustard: Stone-ground mustard adds an incredible savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey and orange. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with Dijon mustard.
- Garlic Powder: A hint of garlic powder for added flavor.
- Cinnamon: An optional pinch of cinnamon for warmth and depth of flavor.
- Salt: Add a pinch of salt to balance the flavor of the glaze.
How To Score The Ham
Scoring allows the glaze to soak into the ham, for maximum flavor. To score the ham, use a sharp knife to make shallow diagonal cuts about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep across the surface of the ham. Then, repeat the cuts in the opposite direction to form a diamond pattern.
How To Make Honey and Orange Glazed Ham
Step 1: Wash and dry the four small oranges. Slice two of them. Then, zest one of the remaining whole oranges and juice them both.
Step 2: Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper and arrange the orange slices in a single layer.
Step 3: If your ham has a layer of fat on top, you can trim it off before scoring.
Step 4: Lightly score the top of the ham in a crisscross diamond pattern, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
Step 5: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, stone-ground mustard, orange zest, garlic powder, optional cinnamon, and salt.
Step 6: Let the glaze simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 7: Place the scored ham with the flat side down on top of the orange slices. Then spoon half of the glaze over the ham.
Step 8: Thoroughly cover with foil and bake the ham at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, until heated through or until a meat thermometer reads 140°F.
Step 9: Remove the foil and spoon the rest of the glaze over the ham. Then, bake the ham for 5-10 more minutes. If desired, broil the ham for 2-3 minutes for a beautiful caramelized finish, just keep a close eye on it!
Step 10: Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
This honey and orange glazed ham is perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, and weeknight meals.
- Easter: Serve this ham alongside carrot cake, carrot salad, and air fryer carrots for a classic Easter meal.
- Christmas: Pair this ham with cozy favorites like cottage cheese mashed potatoes, small batch stuffing, and air fryer green beans for a comforting holiday spread.
- Leftovers: Use leftover ham to make our delicious ham and cheese quiche for a satisfying next-day brunch! Or, you can make sandwiches or wraps with leftover ham.
Expert Tips
- Score The Ham: Scoring the ham allows the glaze to seep into the meat for maximum flavor and helps create that classic, caramelized glazed ham appearance.
- Don’t Over-Cook: Since the ham is already fully cooked, you don’t need to roast it for too long. Bake it until just heated through, until a meat thermometer reads 140°F.
- Cover With Foil: Cover the ham with foil while it bakes to lock in moisture. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes for a caramelized finish, but don’t leave it uncovered too long or it may dry out.
- Rest The Ham: After removing from the oven, let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute inside, keeping it moist when sliced.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Or, you can freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for 1-2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use A Different Sweetener Instead Of Honey?
Yes, maple syrup or brown sugar are great alternatives that still pair beautifully with the orange flavor.
How Do I Keep The Ham From Drying Out?
To keep the ham from drying out, cover it with foil while baking to retain moisture. Placing the ham on orange slices also helps prevent it from drying out. Once done, let it rest before slicing to help retain moisture.
More Recipes To Try Next!
- Oven Roasted Brined Turkey Breast
- Juicy Brined Chicken Breast Recipe
- Honey Soy Ginger Sauce For Vegetables
- Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Beets In Foil
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
HONEY AND ORANGE GLAZED HAM
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked carver ham (boneless ham), about 2.5 pounds
- 2 small oranges, sliced, to go under the ham
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, from about 2 small oranges
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, zest before juicing and avoid the pith
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon stone-ground mustard or Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch cinnamon, optional
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Wash and dry the four small oranges. Slice two of them. Then, zest one of the remaining whole oranges and juice them both.
- Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper and arrange the orange slices in a single layer.
- If your ham has a layer of fat on top, you can trim it off before scoring. This helps the glaze stick better and more evenly infuses the ham with flavor.
- Using a sharp knife, lightly score the top of the ham in a crisscross diamond pattern, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. It will help the glaze penetrate and give the ham a classic glazed look.
- In a small saucepan, combine the fresh orange juice, honey, apple cider vinegar, stone-ground mustard, orange zest, garlic powder, optional cinnamon, and salt.
- Let the glaze simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Place the scored ham with the flat side down on top of the orange slices. Then spoon half of the glaze over the ham.
- Thoroughly cover with foil and bake the ham at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, until heated through or until a meat thermometer reads 140°F.
- Remove the foil and spoon the rest of the glaze over the ham. Then, bake the ham for 5-10 more minutes. If desired, broil the ham for 2-3 minutes for a beautiful caramelized finish, just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Video
Notes
- Fresh Herbs: A few sprigs of rosemary or thyme tucked under or around the orange slices will infuse subtle earthy notes that pair beautifully with honey and citrus.
- Don’t Over-Cook: Since the ham is already fully cooked, you don’t need to roast it for too long. Bake it until just heated through, until the thermometer reads 140°F.
- Cover With Foil: Cover the ham with foil while it bakes to lock in moisture. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes for a caramelized finish, but don’t leave it uncovered too long or it may dry out.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Or, you can freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This honey orange glazed ham is so good! The glaze is sweet, citrusy, and absolutely delicious. It’s perfect if you’re cooking for a small group, feels fancy, but it’s super easy to make. Perfect for Easter, the holidays, or even a cozy dinner at home.