Baked Ham with Honey-Chipotle Glaze

There’s something about a glazed ham that just screams celebration. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a special family gathering, or even a hearty Sunday dinner, baked ham always delivers on flavor and that “wow” factor. But if you’re looking to take this classic dish to the next level, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you: Baked Ham with Honey-Chipotle Glaze.

This ham has everything you want—juicy, tender meat, a rich smoky flavor, and a glaze that’s both sweet and spicy, thanks to the combination of honey and chipotle peppers. It’s the kind of dish that stands out at the center of the table, with every bite offering the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Trust me, this isn’t your average ham—this is a flavor explosion that will have your guests talking long after the meal is over.

Why You’ll Love This Honey-Chipotle Glazed Ham

• Perfect for Special Occasions: This recipe is perfect for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving. It looks impressive, tastes amazing, and feeds a crowd.
• Balanced Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The glaze combines sweet honey with smoky, spicy chipotle peppers to create a bold flavor profile that’s perfect for those who like a bit of heat with their savory meals.
• Minimal Prep: With just a few ingredients and easy preparation, this dish requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
• Great for Leftovers: The best part of making a big ham? Leftovers! This ham is perfect for sandwiches, breakfast skillets, or even tossed into salads.

I first tried a honey-chipotle glaze after wanting something different for our usual holiday ham. My family loved it so much that it has now become a tradition. The combination of the sweet, caramelized glaze with the smoky and slightly spicy kick from the chipotle peppers made it an instant hit. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for a holiday dinner but is simple enough to make any time you’re in the mood for something extra special.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Servings: 12-14 servings
• Calories per serving: 420
• Protein: 36g, Carbs: 18g, Fats: 24g

Ingredients

For the ham:

• 1 bone-in spiral-cut ham (8-10 pounds)
• 1/2 cup water (for the roasting pan)
• Aluminum foil (for covering the ham during baking)

For the honey-chipotle glaze:

• 1 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped finely)
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers can)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Ham with Honey-Chipotle Glaze

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Prepare the ham: Remove the ham from the packaging and place it in a large roasting pan, cut side down. If your ham has any plastic or netting around the bone, be sure to remove that as well.
• Score the ham: If your ham isn’t pre-scored, use a sharp knife to gently score the fat in a crisscross pattern. This will allow the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, making each bite more flavorful.
• Add water to the pan: Pour about 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help create steam during the baking process, keeping the ham juicy and moist.

Step 2: Bake the Ham

• Cover the ham: Tightly cover the ham with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out while it bakes. Place the pan in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours: Bake the ham for about 15 minutes per pound. Since most hams are pre-cooked, you’re essentially heating it through and allowing the glaze to caramelize. You’ll know the ham is ready when an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) is reached.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey-Chipotle Glaze

While the ham is baking, you’ll want to prepare the glaze:

• Combine the glaze ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.
• Simmer and reduce: Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to thicken slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the glaze from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Season to taste: Once the glaze has thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Glaze the Ham

• Remove the foil: After the ham has baked for 1.5 to 2 hours, remove it from the oven and carefully discard the foil.
• Brush with glaze: Generously brush the honey-chipotle glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored crevices. This first layer of glaze will start to caramelize during the final bake.
• Bake uncovered: Place the ham back into the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes. During this time, baste the ham with more glaze every 10 minutes to build up a thick, sticky glaze. This will create a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside of the ham while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

• Rest the ham: Once the ham is fully glazed and caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy.
• Slice and serve: Transfer the ham to a large serving platter. Slice the ham along the spiral cuts and serve with any extra honey-chipotle glaze on the side.

How to Serve

Baked ham with honey-chipotle glaze is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes balance the sweet and spicy glaze with a rich, buttery texture.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to add a fresh, earthy contrast to the bold flavors of the ham.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the extra glaze and juices.
• Crisp Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the ham and provide a refreshing bite.

For a festive holiday meal, serve the ham with classic sides like green bean casserole, cornbread, or cranberry sauce. The smoky, sweet flavors of the ham pair well with a variety of traditional holiday dishes, making it the perfect centerpiece for your table.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Honey-Chipotle Glazed Ham

1. Use a bone-in ham: Bone-in hams not only have better flavor, but the bone also helps keep the meat juicy during the baking process. Plus, you can save the bone to make delicious soups or broths later!
2. Don’t overcook: Since most hams are pre-cooked, it’s important not to overcook them. The goal is to heat the ham through while developing a caramelized glaze on the outside. An internal temperature of 140°F is perfect.
3. Customize the heat: If you’re serving guests who don’t love spicy food, reduce the number of chipotle peppers in the glaze. You can also omit the cayenne pepper for a milder glaze.
4. Baste often: During the final 30-40 minutes of baking, be sure to baste the ham with glaze frequently. This helps build up a sticky, flavorful crust that everyone will love.
5. Leftover glaze: Don’t let any leftover glaze go to waste! Serve it alongside the ham as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over roasted vegetables or potatoes for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

• Maple-Chipotle Glaze: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup to give the glaze a richer, deeper sweetness. The maple flavor pairs beautifully with the smoky chipotle peppers for a fall-inspired twist.
• Pineapple-Chipotle Ham: Add a tropical twist by incorporating pineapple juice into the glaze. Replace half of the honey with pineapple juice for a sweet, tangy flavor that complements the spice of the chipotle peppers.
• Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze: For a more traditional take, skip the chipotle and cayenne, and go for a simple brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar glaze. It’s sweet, tangy, and always a hit with guests who prefer milder flavors.

Freezing and Storage

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Storage: Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to save any extra glaze as well—it makes a great sauce for sandwiches or wraps the next day!

• Freezing: If you have leftover ham and want to save it for later, it freezes beautifully. Slice the ham and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the ham in the fridge overnight and warm it in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through.
• Using leftovers: Leftover baked ham is incredibly versatile. Use it for sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, or diced into soups and casseroles. You can even chop it up and toss it into pasta or salads for a quick and flavorful meal.

Special Equipment

• Roasting pan: You’ll need a large roasting pan to fit the ham comfortably. A rack isn’t necessary, but if you have one, it can help the ham cook more evenly.
• Basting brush: A basting brush will help you apply the glaze evenly over the ham during the final bake, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

FAQ

Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a boneless ham if you prefer. However, keep in mind that bone-in hams tend to have better flavor and moisture. Boneless hams are also easier to slice, making them more convenient for serving.

What if I don’t have chipotle peppers?

If you don’t have chipotle peppers, you can substitute smoked paprika or even chili powder for a similar smoky flavor. The heat won’t be quite the same, but you’ll still get a delicious glaze.

How can I make this ham ahead of time?

You can prepare the glaze a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. On the day you’re serving the ham, simply reheat the glaze and follow the baking instructions. If you’re making the ham ahead of time, bake it as directed, then reheat it in the oven at 325°F, covered, until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Baked Ham with Honey-Chipotle Glaze is the ultimate way to add some bold, exciting flavors to your next holiday or special occasion meal. The combination of sweet honey and spicy chipotle peppers creates a perfect balance that makes this ham both unique and irresistible. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, holiday party, or just a festive dinner, it’s sure to be the centerpiece of your meal.

Don’t forget to snap a picture of your beautiful ham and share it with friends and family—especially once they get a taste of that smoky, sweet glaze. Happy cooking, and enjoy!

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