Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce: The Ultimate Centerpiece Recipe

The Joy of a Perfectly Glazed Ham: Why This Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce is Your New Go-To

There are certain dishes that instantly transform a dinner from a simple meal into an event. A beautifully roasted, glistening ham is undeniably one of them. Whether you’re planning a lavish holiday feast for Easter or Christmas, a celebratory Sunday dinner, or simply want to impress guests, a Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce delivers on all fronts: flavor, aroma, and show-stopping presentation.

This isn’t just any glazed ham recipe; it’s a symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that dance perfectly on your palate. The rich sweetness of the honey and brown sugar creates a gorgeous, caramelized crust, while the apricot preserves introduce a bright, fruity tanginess. This acidity is perfectly balanced by the sharp, earthy complexity of the Dijon and whole-grain mustards. The result is a sticky, golden finish that is truly irresistible.

Forget dry, uninspired roasts. Our comprehensive guide ensures that every slice of this Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce is succulent, flavorful, and memorable. We’ll walk you through the history, the ingredients, the precise steps, and even offer variations to make this classic dish uniquely yours.

Tracing the Roots: The Origin of Apricot Mustard Glazed Ham

While the concept of cooking ham is ancient—dating back to Roman times as a method of preservation and feasting—the modern tradition of a sweet-and-savory glazed ham is rooted in European holiday customs, particularly those of the medieval and early modern periods.

A History of Holiday Hams

In many European cultures, cured pork, or ham, became a staple for large gatherings and celebrations. In Scandinavian and Germanic traditions, ham was often served during winter festivals. As sugar, honey, and exotic spices became more widely available (though still considered luxuries), cooks began experimenting with sweet coatings to complement the saltiness of the preserved meat. The earliest glaze recipes were simple, often just a mix of honey or molasses, spices like cloves and cinnamon, and perhaps a touch of vinegar.

The practice of studding a ham with whole cloves in a decorative diamond pattern isn’t just for looks—it also serves to infuse the meat with a pungent, aromatic flavor. This technique was popular centuries ago and remains a cherished part of the traditional presentation today.

The Evolution to Apricot and Mustard

The specific combination of fruit (like apricot) and mustard is a relatively modern refinement, popularized in the 20th century. The idea of using preserves or jams stemmed from a desire to achieve a thicker, more vibrant glaze that adheres beautifully to the ham’s surface.

Mustard has always been a natural pairing for pork. The French, known for their culinary innovation, have a long history of using mustard as a condiment and cooking ingredient for meat. Combining the bright, acidic fruit preserves with the sharp kick of Dijon and the textural pop of whole-grain mustard elevated the traditional sweet glaze into the sophisticated Apricot Mustard Sauce we use today. This balance of flavors is what makes this specific Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce recipe stand out from simpler honey or brown sugar preparations.

Essential Ingredients and Precise Quantities

Achieving the perfect glaze requires balancing a few key flavor profiles: sweet, tart, savory, and spicy. Below is the detailed list of ingredients for this magnificent Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce.

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method: Apricot Mustard Glazed Ham

Follow these instructions closely to ensure your ham is perfectly cooked, moist, and adorned with a flawless, sticky glaze.

1. Preparation and Scoring (15 Minutes)

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to a moderate 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature is ideal for reheating a fully cooked ham slowly, ensuring it stays juicy and doesn’t dry out.
• Ready the Ham: Place the ham, flat-side down, on a rack inside a sturdy roasting pan. Using a sharp knife, score the entire surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Make the cuts about ¼-inch deep and roughly 1 inch apart. This crucial step allows the glaze to penetrate the ham’s surface and prevents the fat cap from pulling away while baking.
• Stud (Optional): If you’re going for the traditional look and aroma, insert a whole clove into the center of each diamond intersection.

2. Crafting the Apricot Mustard Glaze (5 Minutes)

• In a small saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients: the honey, apricot preserves, both types of mustard, brown sugar, vinegar (or orange juice), and your optional spices (cinnamon and ground cloves).
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously with a whisk. You want the glaze to come to a gentle simmer. This process dissolves the sugar and combines the flavors into a thick, syrupy, homogenous Apricot Mustard Sauce.
• Once smooth and slightly bubbly (about 5 minutes), remove the glaze from the heat.

3. Initial Roast and Glazing (1 Hour)

• First Glaze: Using a pastry brush, generously apply about ⅓ of your prepared glaze over the entire surface of the scored ham.
• Cover and Bake: Cover the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil. This seals in moisture and prevents the ham from browning too quickly before it’s warmed through.
• Bake for 1 hour. During this time, the ham will begin to release savory juices into the pan.

4. Basting and Caramelization (30–45 Minutes)

• Remove Foil: After the first hour, remove the foil completely.
• Second Glaze: Brush the ham with another ⅓ of the glaze. Ensure you get the glaze into all the scored grooves.
• Continue Roasting and Basting: Continue roasting for another 30–45 minutes. This is the critical caramelization phase. You must baste the ham with the remaining glaze and any pan juices every 10–15 minutes. This constant reapplication creates the beautiful, sticky, deep golden-brown crust.
• Check Temperature: The ham is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding the bone) reaches 140°F (60°C).

5. Rest and Serve (15 Minutes)

• Rest: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before attempting to slice it. Resting allows the internal juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and tender result.
• Finish with Sauce: While the ham rests, you can warm any leftover Apricot Mustard Sauce slightly on the stovetop.
• Slice and Serve: Slice the ham thinly and drizzle with the warm, remaining glaze when serving.

Honey-Glazed Ham Variations to Suit Any Occasion

While the classic Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce is perfection, sometimes you might want to adapt the recipe for a different flavor profile or size. These variations prove how versatile this essential recipe truly is.

Spicier and Bolder Glazes

• The Hot Honey-Glaze: For those who crave heat, incorporate 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or a spoonful of your favorite hot honey into the glaze mixture before simmering. The spice adds a wonderful, surprising kick that complements the sweetness and mustard beautifully.
• Bourbon or Whiskey Glaze: Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite bourbon or whiskey to the glaze mixture. As the mixture simmers, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind deep, smoky, oak-barrel notes that pair perfectly with the pork.

Different Fruit Combinations

• Cherry or Fig Glaze: If apricots aren’t your favorite, easily substitute the apricot preserves with cherry preserves or fig jam. Cherry offers a deeper, more robust sweetness, while fig provides a sophisticated, earthy sweetness that works wonders with the mustard.
• Tropical Pineapple Glaze: Instead of vinegar, use ¼ cup of crushed pineapple (with its juice) in the glaze. The bromelain in the pineapple helps tenderize the ham slightly while delivering a bright, tropical flavor.

Sizing Down

• Mini Ham for Small Gatherings: Hosting a smaller crowd? Use a 3–4 lb “half” ham instead of the 8–10 lb cut. Simply halve all the glaze ingredients and reduce the initial cooking time to about 45–60 minutes before removing the foil and caramelizing. The goal is always to reach that internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This is a fantastic option for a weeknight family dinner where you still want that show-stopping Honey-Glazed Ham.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce

We’ve gathered the most common questions about preparing a Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce to ensure you tackle this recipe with confidence.

Q: Why is my ham dry? How do I keep it moist?

A: The most common reason for a dry ham is overcooking. Since most store-bought hams are already fully cooked, you are essentially just reheating it.

• Solution 1: Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer! Do not rely solely on time. You are aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
• Solution 2: Basting: Covering the ham loosely with foil for the first part of the cooking retains moisture. Most importantly, basting frequently—especially during the last 30–45 minutes—keeps the surface hydrated and builds the crust.
• Solution 3: Rest Time: Don’t skip the 15-minute rest! This allows the internal moisture to settle back into the meat fibers.

Q: Do I have to score the ham?

A: While technically optional, scoring the ham is highly recommended.

• Why Score: Scoring accomplishes two things: it creates a beautiful visual pattern that holds the optional cloves, and, more importantly, it allows the delicious, sticky apricot mustard glaze to seep deeper into the surface of the ham, infusing flavor into the meat and ensuring better caramelization on the exterior fat.

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The Apricot Mustard Sauce is perfect for making in advance.

• Storage: Prepare the glaze as directed and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Usage: Before applying it to the ham, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is warm and easily pourable.

Q: I bought a spiral-cut ham. Does the recipe change?

A: A spiral-cut ham is convenient because it’s already sliced, but it can dry out faster.

• Cooking: You can still follow the same temperature and time guidelines. However, it is essential to cover the ham tightly with foil for the majority of the cooking time to prevent the cut edges from drying out.
• Glazing: Only remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to apply the glaze and caramelize the exterior quickly. Be gentle when basting, as the liquid will run down the pre-cut slices easily.

Q: How can I use the leftover ham?

A: Leftover ham is a gift! The flavor of the Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce elevates classic leftovers:

• Sandwiches: Use it for the ultimate ham and cheese sandwich or a flavorful Cuban sandwich.
• Breakfast: Dice it into a hearty quiche, omelet, or hash.
• Soups and Stews: The ham bone and leftover meat are phenomenal additions to split pea soup or white bean stew, infusing the broth with a deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor.

Conclusion: Mastering the Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce

The Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce is more than just a recipe; it’s a commitment to creating a memorable meal. By selecting a high-quality ham and carefully balancing the sticky, sweet honey and brown sugar with the bright, tangy notes of apricot preserves and sharp mustard, you’re guaranteed a roast that will earn rave reviews. From the historical context of its European roots to the precise steps for achieving that perfect, lacquered caramelization, we’ve provided all the knowledge you need to master this incredible centerpiece. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday crowd or an intimate family dinner, this richly flavored Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce ensures that your next meal will be a resounding success. This is truly the only glazed ham recipe you’ll ever need to keep in your rotation.

Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce: The Ultimate Centerpiece Recipe

---

• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

There are certain dishes that instantly transform a dinner from a simple meal into an event. A beautifully roasted, glistening ham is undeniably one of them. Whether you’re planning a lavish holiday feast for Easter or Christmas, a celebratory Sunday dinner, or simply want to impress guests, a Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce delivers on all fronts: flavor, aroma, and show-stopping presentation.

 

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Ham:

• 1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (about 8–10 lbs)

• Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup honey

• ½ cup apricot preserves (or apricot jam)

• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp whole-grain mustard (optional for texture)

• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or orange juice)

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)

• ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional if not using whole cloves)

---

Instructions

• Prepare the Ham:

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

  • Place ham, flat side down, on a rack in a roasting pan.

  • Score the surface in a diamond pattern (about ¼-inch deep) and, if desired, insert whole cloves into the intersections.

• Make the Glaze:

  • In a small saucepan, combine honey, apricot preserves, both mustards, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.

  • Heat over medium heat, stirring until smooth and bubbly (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.

• Glaze and Roast:

  • Brush the ham with about ⅓ of the glaze.

  • Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour, basting occasionally with pan juices.

• Caramelize:

  • After 1 hour, remove the foil. Brush with more glaze.

  • Continue roasting 30–45 minutes more, basting every 10–15 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is golden and sticky.

  • (Internal temperature should reach 140°F / 60°C for a pre-cooked ham.)

• Serve:

  • Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

  • Warm any leftover glaze and drizzle over slices when serving.

Notes

This Honey-Glazed Ham with Apricot Mustard Sauce brings a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors — ideal for holiday gatherings or special family dinners. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a memorable feast.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Oven-Roasted
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (about 4 oz)
• Calories: 320

Keywords: Apricot Mustard Glazed Ham; Best Glazed Ham Recipe; Holiday Ham with Honey Glaze