Easy Orange Honey Ham Recipe | Sweet, Savory, and Perfect for Holiday Feasts

Easy Orange Honey Ham is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory. The orange juice adds brightness and acidity, while the honey creates a rich, golden glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the ham. The glaze is quick to prepare, and the slow roasting method ensures a moist and tender ham every time.

This recipe is ideal for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can make a delicious main dish that’s sure to wow your guests.

What Is Easy Orange Honey Ham?

Easy Orange Honey Ham is a roasted ham glazed with a mixture of orange juice and honey, creating a sweet, sticky coating that caramelizes while the ham bakes. The flavors of orange and honey complement the rich, savory taste of the ham, enhancing its natural sweetness. The result is a beautifully glazed ham that’s juicy, tender, and full of flavor.

This dish can be made with a whole ham or a smaller ham roast, and it’s a fantastic choice for holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, as well as any special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful glaze for your ham.

For the ham

• 1 bone-in ham (5-7 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the glaze

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra warmth)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the glaze)

These ingredients come together in just a few steps to create a flavorful glaze and a beautifully roasted ham.

How to Make Easy Orange Honey Ham

Making Easy Orange Honey Ham is simple and involves just a few steps. Here’s how to prepare it:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the ham
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
   • If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the fat in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This will help the glaze penetrate the ham and create a beautiful caramelized crust.
2. Sear the ham
   • In a large oven-safe pan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ham to the pan, fat side down. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the fat is golden brown. This step helps lock in the flavors and creates a crispy exterior.
3. Make the glaze
   • While the ham is searing, whisk together the honey, fresh orange juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and ground cloves (if using) in a bowl. If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the glaze mixture.
4. Apply the glaze
   • Once the ham is seared, pour half of the glaze over the ham, making sure it’s evenly coated. Reserve the other half of the glaze to use later.
5. Roast the ham
   • Transfer the ham to the preheated oven. Roast the ham for about 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes to build up a rich, sticky coating.
6. Rest and serve
   • Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the ham stays moist.

Serve the ham with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the delicious orange-honey flavor!

Tips for the Best Easy Orange Honey Ham

To make sure your Easy Orange Honey Ham turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:

• Choose a high-quality ham: A bone-in ham offers the most flavor and moisture. If using a pre-cooked ham, the goal is to reheat it and glaze it, rather than cook it fully.
• Don’t skip the basting: Basting the ham every 30 minutes with the glaze helps create a beautifully caramelized crust and infuses the ham with flavor.
• Use fresh orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice will give the glaze a brighter, more vibrant flavor than store-bought juice.
• Let the ham rest: Resting the ham before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring it stays tender and juicy.

These tips will help you make the best Easy Orange Honey Ham every time!

What to Serve with Easy Orange Honey Ham

This ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile main dish for any occasion.

Perfect pairings

• Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes add color and balance out the richness of the ham.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, especially with a bit of garlic or cheese, make a perfect side for soaking up the sweet glaze.
• Rice: A simple lemon or herb rice is a great accompaniment to the sweet, savory ham.
• Green beans: Sautéed or steamed green beans with a touch of garlic and olive oil add freshness to the meal.

For drinks

• White wine: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the sweetness and richness of the ham.
• Sparkling water: For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon is a great choice.

Health Benefits of Easy Orange Honey Ham

While this dish is indulgent, it does offer some nutritional benefits:

• Ham is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Orange juice provides vitamin C, which supports immune function and promotes healthy skin.
• Honey contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which can support overall health.

When enjoyed in moderation, this dish can be part of a well-balanced meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

Easy Orange Honey Ham is a fantastic make-ahead meal, especially for holidays and special occasions.

• Prep the glaze ahead: You can make the glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove before basting the ham.
• Cook the ham ahead: If you’re serving the ham at a large gathering, you can roast it the day before and reheat it. Just cover it loosely with foil and heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
• Store leftovers: Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

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FAQs

1. Can I use a spiral ham for this recipe?

Yes! A spiral ham works great for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the size of the ham, as spiral hams are often pre-cooked and need less time in the oven.

2. Can I make this recipe with a boneless ham?

Absolutely! You can use a boneless ham, but bone-in ham tends to be more flavorful and juicier. If using a boneless ham, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

3. Can I use a different fruit for the glaze?

Yes, you can substitute the orange juice with other fruit juices, like pineapple or apple cider, for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly.

4. How do I store leftover ham?

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

5. Can I make the glaze without honey?

If you prefer not to use honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar for a similar sweetness and flavor.

6. How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?

The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. For fully cooked hams, the goal is to reheat them and melt the glaze.

7. Can I make this ham without Dijon mustard?

Yes! If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can omit it or use regular mustard or mustard powder as a substitute. It adds a slight tanginess to balance the sweetness of the honey.

8. Can I cook the ham in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the ham in a slow cooker. Place the ham in the slow cooker with the glaze and cook on low for about 4-6 hours, basting with the glaze as needed.

9. Can I make the glaze spicier?

Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.

10. Can I make the ham ahead and freeze it?

Yes! You can freeze leftover ham after cooking. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it in the oven to restore the texture.