Hot Honey Ham Recipe Easy and Delicious Dinner Idea

Looking to elevate your next ham dinner with a perfect balance of sweet heat? This Hot Honey Ham Recipe is exactly what you need.

The marriage of smoky, savory ham with a luscious glaze combining honey’s natural sweetness and a spicy kick creates an unforgettable flavor profile that will impress family and friends alike. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, this recipe brings a fresh twist to a traditional favorite.

With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you can prepare a succulent ham that boasts a beautiful caramelized crust infused with the warmth of chili-infused honey. Plus, this glaze is versatile enough to be used on other meats or even roasted vegetables, making it a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire.

Ready to try something bold and delicious? Let’s dive into why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hot Honey Ham is an irresistible combination of flavors that balances sweetness with just the right amount of heat. The glaze seeps into the ham, keeping it moist and tender while creating a mouthwatering crust.

It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into a classic dish.

The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples – no need for fancy or hard-to-find items.

Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want a flavorful weeknight meal, this dish is sure to please a crowd. It’s also highly customizable to suit your heat tolerance and taste preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as sriracha or your favorite chili sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Roasting pan with a rack
• Basting brush
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl for glaze
• Sharp knife for scoring and carving
• Aluminum foil
• Instant-read thermometer (optional but recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the ham from the packaging and place it on a cutting board.
2. Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, carefully score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate and creates a beautiful presentation.
3. Optional: Stud the intersections of the diamond pattern with whole cloves for added flavor and aroma.
4. Prepare the glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
5. Place the ham on a rack in your roasting pan. Brush a generous layer of the hot honey glaze all over the surface of the ham.
6. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the glaze from burning while allowing the ham to heat through evenly.
7. Roast the ham in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with additional glaze every 20-30 minutes for a sticky, flavorful crust.
8. During the last 20-30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a gorgeous golden color.
9. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This helps retain the juices and makes slicing easier.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

Tip: If you prefer a milder heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and choose a milder hot sauce. For more intense spice, add extra hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the glaze.

For a smoky depth, substitute smoked honey if available, or add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the glaze mixture. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness with acidity.

Try using different mustards such as whole grain or spicy brown mustard to change the flavor dynamics. Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or can be diced into salads and soups.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Hot Honey Ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, and honey-glazed carrots. The glaze’s sweetness complements savory and earthy flavors beautifully.

For a festive touch, serve alongside a fresh apple and walnut salad to add brightness and crunch. If you want a lighter option, steamed asparagus and a citrus vinaigrette work well to cut through the richness of the ham.

Don’t forget to offer warm dinner rolls or cornbread to soak up any extra glaze and juices on the plate!

Conclusion

This Hot Honey Ham Recipe is a delightful way to bring excitement to your holiday or special occasion meals. The harmonious blend of sweet and spicy glaze adds depth and character to a traditionally savory dish, making every bite truly memorable.

Not only does it look impressive with its caramelized crust and beautiful scoring, but the flavor profile is both approachable and sophisticated. This recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels and can easily be adapted to suit your heat preference.

Give it a try for your next gathering, and don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like Classic Roast Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Honey-Glazed Carrots to complete your meal. Happy cooking and enjoy every spicy-sweet bite!

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