Irresistible Glazed Easter Ham Recipe That Feeds 15

Name: Irresistible Glazed Easter Ham Recipe That Feeds 15
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492731H39M35S
Total time: PT-5H46M35S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup pineapple juice; 1 tsp ground cloves

Author: Carry

Published: March 18, 2026

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Easter just isn’t Easter without the scent of glazed ham wafting through the house. I can still remember waking up to that sweet, smoky aroma as my grandmother prepared her famous glazed Easter ham – the centerpiece of our holiday table for as long as I can remember. This isn’t just any ham recipe. It’s the one that makes everyone gather around the kitchen, stealing little pieces of the crispy glaze before dinner even starts.

What makes this glazed Easter ham so special? It’s that perfect balance – the salty richness of the ham paired with a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes into something magical. My version keeps things simple but packs incredible flavor with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have. After years of perfecting this recipe between family gatherings and last-minute Easter feasts, I can promise you this: one bite of this ham, and it’ll become your new tradition too.

Glazed Easter Ham Recipe - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Glazed Easter Ham Recipe

This isn’t just another holiday ham – it’s the one your family will beg you to make every year. Here’s why:

Effortless elegance: With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a showstopping centerpiece that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen
Sweet meets savory: The glaze caramelizes into this magical crust that balances the ham’s natural saltiness perfectly
Crowd-pleaser: One ham feeds 12-15 people easily, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests
Leftover goldmine: Those delicious slices make the best sandwiches, omelets, and casseroles all week

Trust me, once you see how easy it is to make a ham this good, you’ll understand why it’s been my go-to Easter recipe for years.

Ingredients for Glazed Easter Ham

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this unforgettable Easter ham – and yes, every single ingredient matters! I’ve learned through trial and error that these exact measurements create that perfect sticky-sweet crust we all love:

1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham – The bone adds so much flavor, don’t skip it!
1 cup packed brown sugar – Dark brown gives the deepest flavor
1/2 cup honey – The glue that makes that gorgeous glaze stick
1/4 cup Dijon mustard – My secret for balancing the sweetness
1/4 cup pineapple juice – Adds brightness and helps everything meld
1 tsp ground cloves – Just enough to give that warm holiday spice

Pro tip: Measure everything before you start – once that ham goes in the oven, you’ll want to move quickly!

Equipment You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools makes this glazed Easter ham recipe a breeze. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:

Roasting pan with rack – Lets heat circulate evenly
Silicone basting brush – For easy glazing (no bristles to lose!)
Instant-read thermometer – Takes the guesswork out of doneness
Sharp paring knife – Makes scoring that diamond pattern simple

Don’t worry if your roasting pan isn’t fancy – mine’s been going strong for 15 Easters and counting!

How to Make Glazed Easter Ham

Now for the fun part! Making this glazed Easter ham is easier than you think, but these steps are what turn a good ham into something truly spectacular. Just follow along – I’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to!

Preparing the Ham

First things first – that gorgeous diamond pattern isn’t just for looks! Use your sharpest knife to score the ham about 1/4-inch deep in crisscross lines. This lets the glaze seep into every nook and cranny. Place it fat-side up on the rack in your roasting pan – trust me, this position helps all those delicious juices baste the ham as it cooks.

Making the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, mustard, pineapple juice and cloves until it forms a thick, glossy syrup. You’ll know it’s ready when it ribbons off the whisk – if it’s too thick, add a teaspoon more juice. This is your edible gold, so take your time!

Baking and Basting

After the initial glaze coating, pop it in the oven at 325°F. Now comes the magic – baste every 30 minutes with those incredible pan juices. The glaze will darken to a beautiful mahogany color. When your thermometer hits 140°F in the thickest part (not touching bone), it’s done! Let it rest 15 minutes – this keeps all those juices right where you want them.

Tips for Perfect Glazed Easter Ham

After making this glazed Easter ham for more years than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that make all the difference:

Leftover magic: Save the bone for split pea soup and use slices for the best grilled ham and cheese sandwiches you’ll ever taste
Sweetness control: If you prefer less sugar, cut the brown sugar to 3/4 cup – the honey and pineapple juice still give plenty of flavor
Browning watch: If the glaze starts getting too dark, just tent loosely with foil – no one wants a burnt crust!
Glaze booster: For extra shine, brush on one last coat of glaze right before serving – it makes the ham absolutely glisten

Remember, cooking should be fun – don’t stress if things aren’t perfect. Some of my best hams came from “happy accidents”!

Serving Suggestions for Glazed Easter Ham

Oh, the sides you’ll serve with this glorious ham! After years of Easter feasts, I’ve found these pairings make everyone’s plates shine:

Scalloped potatoes – That creamy texture is heaven with the sweet glaze
Honey-glazed carrots – Double down on the sweet-savory theme
Warm dinner rolls – Perfect for sopping up every last bit of glaze
Spring salad – Something fresh to balance the rich flavors

Pro tip: Arrange your platter with the ham slightly off-center – it gives you the perfect spot to tuck those golden rolls right next to the glazed edges everyone fights over!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Let’s be real – the leftovers might be the best part! Here’s how I keep my glazed Easter ham tasting fresh for days:

Cool completely before storing – I usually let mine sit about 30 minutes after slicing
Airtight is right – Use containers or heavy-duty foil to lock in moisture
Reheat gently – 300°F oven with a splash of pineapple juice keeps it from drying out
Glaze refresh – Brush on a little extra glaze when reheating for that just-baked taste

Pro tip: Label your containers with the date – this ham stays delicious for up to 5 days in the fridge!

Glazed Easter Ham Recipe FAQs

After years of making this glazed Easter ham for friends and family, I’ve heard all the questions! Here are the ones that come up most often:

Can I use spiral ham instead? Absolutely! Spiral hams work beautifully – just reduce the baking time slightly since they’re already sliced. The glaze will seep between all those pretty layers for extra flavor.

How long will leftovers keep? Properly stored in the fridge, your glazed ham stays delicious for 4-5 days. I actually think it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have melded!

Can I make the glaze ahead? Yes! Mix it up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using – it might thicken up a bit while chilling.

What if my glaze isn’t sticking? No worries! Just score the ham a bit deeper next time, and make sure to pat the surface dry before applying that first coat. A slightly warmer glaze helps too.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates per 4-ounce slice – your actual nutrition may vary depending on your specific ingredients. But hey, it’s Easter – enjoy every delicious bite without stressing!