This Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham is juicy, glossy, sweet, savory, and perfect for holiday dinners or special family gatherings. A bone-in ham is scored and baked with a rich glaze made from apple butter, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
The glaze is fruity, slightly tangy, and beautifully caramelized. As the ham roasts, the apple butter and honey create a shiny coating while the mustard and vinegar balance the sweetness. It is simple to prepare, impressive to serve, and just as delicious the next day in leftover ham recipes.
Serve this glazed ham for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Sunday supper, or any meal where you want a beautiful main dish with cozy holiday flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham
This recipe is easy, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
You’ll love it because it is:
- Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy
- Perfect for holidays and special dinners
- Made with a simple homemade glaze
- Great for leftover ham recipes
- Beautiful and glossy when baked
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Juicy, tender, and full of flavor
- Delicious with classic comfort food sides
What Makes This Glazed Ham Special?
The apple butter gives this ham a deep apple flavor that tastes warm, fruity, and festive. Honey adds natural sweetness and shine, brown sugar helps the outside caramelize, Dijon mustard adds a little tang, and apple cider vinegar keeps the glaze balanced.
Together, these ingredients create a glaze that tastes rich without being too heavy or too sweet.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American / Holiday
Ingredients
- 1 whole bone-in ham, 8–9 pounds
- 1 cup apple butter
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
Ingredient Notes
Ham
A bone-in ham has great flavor and makes a beautiful centerpiece. This recipe uses a whole ham that is not spiral sliced, so it will be sliced after baking.
You can use spiral ham or boneless ham, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
Apple Butter
Apple butter is a smooth, concentrated apple spread with a rich, spiced flavor. It is usually found near jams and jellies at the grocery store. Homemade apple butter also works beautifully.
Honey
Honey adds sweetness, stickiness, and a glossy finish to the glaze.
Brown Sugar
Light brown sugar helps the glaze caramelize and gives the ham a deeper sweet flavor.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard adds tang and mild sharpness. It cuts through the sweetness and makes the glaze more balanced.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar gives the glaze brightness and a subtle fruity tang. White wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar can be used in a pinch.
How to Make Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F.
Step 2: Score the Ham
Place the ham on a cutting board.
Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts into the top fat or skin of the ham, about ¼ to ½ inch deep.
Make diagonal cuts in one direction, spacing them about 1–2 inches apart. Then make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction to create a diamond pattern.
Scoring the ham helps the glaze soak into the surface and gives the finished ham a beautiful look.
Step 3: Place Ham in the Pan
Place the scored ham in a roasting pan with the scored side facing up.
Step 4: Make the Apple Butter Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine apple butter, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
Cook, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth.
Step 5: Glaze the Ham
Pour the warm glaze over the top of the ham.
Use a spoon or brush to spread the glaze over the scored surface.
Step 6: Roast
Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
Roast for about 2 hours, basting with the pan juices every 30 minutes.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
The ham is ready when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate result.
Step 8: Rest and Slice
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm with extra glaze or pan juices spooned over the top.
Tips for the Best Glazed Ham
Score the ham so the glaze can settle into the cuts.
Warm the glaze before pouring it over the ham.
Baste every 30 minutes for extra flavor and shine.
Keep the ham loosely covered with foil while baking.
Do not overcook, especially if using spiral ham.
Let the ham rest before slicing so it stays juicy.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying it out.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes. The apple butter honey glaze can be made ahead of time.
Prepare the glaze, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
When ready to use, stir it well or warm it gently before pouring it over the ham.
What to Serve with Apple Butter Glazed Ham
This ham pairs perfectly with cozy holiday sides and classic comfort food dishes.
Serve it with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scalloped potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Green beans
- Creamed spinach
- Dinner rolls
- Biscuits
- Cranberry sauce
- Roasted carrots
- Sweet potato casserole
- Cornbread
- Brussels sprouts
- Potato gratin
Leftover Ham Ideas
Leftover apple butter honey ham is perfect for easy meals later in the week.
Use it in:
- Ham sandwiches
- Ham and cheese sliders
- Breakfast casseroles
- Omelets
- Ham fried rice
- Ham and potato soup
- Split pea soup
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pasta bakes
- Scalloped potatoes with ham
- Ham and bean soup
Storage Instructions
Let leftover ham cool to room temperature.
Slice or portion the ham for easier storage.
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Freezing Instructions
Cooked ham freezes well.
Place cooled ham slices or portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Freeze for up to 1–2 months.
Label the container with the date before freezing.
How to Thaw Frozen Ham
The best way to thaw frozen ham is in the refrigerator.
Plan for about 4–6 hours per pound.
You can also thaw ham in cold water if it is sealed in an airtight bag. Change the water every 30 minutes and use the ham immediately after thawing.
Reheating Tips
Reheat ham gently so it does not dry out.
Place ham slices in a baking dish with a little water, broth, or leftover glaze.
Cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Individual slices can also be reheated in the microwave.
Easy Variations
Spiced Apple Butter Ham
Add cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, or allspice to the glaze for extra holiday flavor.
Maple Apple Butter Ham
Replace part of the honey with maple syrup.
Spicy Apple Butter Ham
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Orange Apple Butter Ham
Add orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the glaze.
Extra Sweet Glazed Ham
Add an extra ¼ cup brown sugar for a sweeter glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spiral ham?
Yes. Spiral ham works, but it may cook faster. Watch it carefully so it does not dry out.
Can I use boneless ham?
Yes. Boneless ham can be used, but the cooking time may vary based on size.
Can I make the glaze ahead?
Yes. Make the glaze up to 1 week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
What temperature should ham reach?
The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
How often should I baste the ham?
Baste the ham every 30 minutes while it roasts.
Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, but Dijon gives the glaze a deeper, tangier flavor.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftover ham lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Recipe Card
Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham
A juicy bone-in ham baked with a sweet and tangy apple butter honey glaze made with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Perfect for Christmas, Easter, holiday meals, and special gatherings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients
- 1 whole bone-in ham, 8–9 pounds
- 1 cup apple butter
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F.
- Place the ham on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, score the top of the ham with shallow cuts about ¼ to ½ inch deep.
- Make diagonal cuts in both directions to create a diamond pattern.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan with the scored side facing up.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine apple butter, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Cook, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the ham.
- Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
- Roast for 2 hours, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
Use bone-in ham for the best flavor and presentation.
Spiral ham may need less cooking time.
The glaze can be made up to 1 week ahead.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Freeze leftover ham for up to 1–2 months.
Nutrition Estimate
Per serving:
- Calories: 384
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: varies by ham brand
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ham used.
Final Thoughts
Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham is an easy and impressive main dish with the perfect mix of sweet, savory, fruity, and tangy flavor. The apple butter glaze gives the ham a beautiful shine and a rich caramelized finish, making it ideal for holidays, family dinners, and special occasions.
It is simple enough to prepare without stress, but special enough to serve at the center of the table.