A Ham for Lazy Days

Some days, you just need an easy win in the kitchen. This ham is my go-to for that. It looks fancy but it is so simple. The prep only takes five minutes. I love recipes that do not fuss.

You just need a big ham and a few sweet things from your pantry. The oven does all the hard work for you. I still laugh at how my grandson thought I cooked for hours. It is our little secret. What is your favorite easy meal to make for a crowd?

The Magic of a Simple Glaze

Let us talk about that glaze. It is just honey, brown sugar, and a bit of mustard. The mustard is not for heat. It just makes the sweet flavors pop. You whisk it all in a bowl.

Brushing it on the warm ham is the best part. The smell fills your whole house. It smells like a happy holiday. Doesnt that smell amazing? This matters because good food does not need a long list of ingredients. Simple things can taste the very best.

A Little Story About Juice

I remember one Easter I was out of pineapple juice. I used orange juice instead. I was so worried it would not be good. But you know what? It was wonderful.

That is a good lesson for cooking. Do not be afraid to swap things you have. The recipe will still work. It teaches us to be flexible. That is a skill for life, not just the kitchen.

Let It Rest Before You Slice

The hardest part is waiting. When the ham comes out, you must let it sit. Ten minutes feels like a long time. But it is so important.

This waiting lets the juices settle back into the meat. If you cut it right away, all the good flavor runs out. Fun fact: Letting meat rest makes it more tender and juicy. Do you find it hard to wait for food to finish cooking?

Making Memories Around the Table

This ham has been at so many of my family dinners. We have it for holidays, yes. But we also have it on quiet Sundays. The table feels special when a nice ham is on it.

That is why this recipe matters. It helps you create moments with people you love. Good food brings us together. What is a food that always makes you think of family?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
bone-in spiral ham	7-10 pound
pineapple juice (or orange juice)	1/2 cup
honey (or pure maple syrup)	1/2 cup	For the glaze
light brown sugar	1/2 cup	Packed, for the glaze
dijon mustard	1-2 Tablespoons	For the glaze

A Ham That Feels Like a Hug

I love a meal that does all the work for you. This baked ham is one of those. It fills the whole house with a sweet, cozy smell. It always reminds me of big family gatherings. My grandson says it smells like a holiday. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

This recipe is so simple. You just need a few things from your pantry. The secret is in the sweet, sticky glaze. It makes the ham shiny and delicious. I still laugh at the first time I made it. I was so proud of my golden-brown ham.

Step 1

First, get your oven nice and warm. Set it to 350°F. Take your ham out of its wrapper. Toss that little glaze packet away. We are making our own! (A hard-learned tip: spraying your pan first makes cleanup so much easier later). Place the ham in the pan with its cut side down.

Step 2

Now, pour your pineapple juice right over the top. This keeps the ham juicy and adds a little fruity taste. Then, cover the whole pan tightly with foil. This is like tucking the ham into a warm bed. Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes.

Step 3

While it bakes, let’s make the magic glaze. Just mix the honey, brown sugar, and mustard in a bowl. Whisk it all together. It will be thick and sweet. My neighbor once used maple syrup instead. It was wonderful! What’s your favorite sweet ingredient to cook with? Share below!

Step 4

After 30 minutes, take the ham out. Carefully pull back the foil. Brush that lovely glaze all over the ham. Put it back in the oven. Repeat this every so often. Basting makes the flavor sink in. For a crispy, caramelized finish, turn the heat up at the very end.

Step 5

When it’s done, let it rest for 10 minutes. This is important! It lets all the juices settle. Then you can slice it and serve it warm. Everyone will be so happy at the table.

Cook Time: 90-100 minutes
Total Time: About 2 hours
Yield: Many servings for a family
Category: Dinner, Holiday

Give Your Ham a Little Twist

This recipe is like a good friend. It is wonderful just as it is. But sometimes, it is fun to play dress-up. You can add different flavors to make it new. Here are a few ideas I have tried over the years.

• Spicy Ginger Zing: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger to the glaze. It gives it a little kick. My brother loves this one.
• Orange Clove Comfort: Use orange juice instead of pineapple. Stick a few whole cloves into the ham before baking. It smells like Christmas morning.
• Brown Sugar Bourbon Glow: Replace two tablespoons of juice with bourbon. It adds a deep, warm flavor. Perfect for a grown-up dinner party.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Plate

A beautiful ham deserves a beautiful plate. I love to make the whole meal feel special. It does not have to be difficult. Just a few simple sides can make everything pop.

For your plate, I love creamy mashed potatoes. The ham’s glaze is so good on them. Buttery green beans or roasted carrots are lovely too. They add a nice, fresh crunch. A simple biscuit is perfect for soaking up the extra juice.

What should we drink? For a fancy night, a chilled glass of white wine is nice. For the kids, or for me on a cozy night, sparkling apple cider is best. It feels so festive in a pretty glass. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Ham Tasty Later

Let’s talk about storing your lovely ham. First, let it cool completely. Then slice it off the bone. Store the slices in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for about four days.

You can also freeze it for later. Wrap slices tightly in foil. Then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps the ham from getting freezer burn. It will be good for up to two months.

Reheating is simple. Place slices in a baking dish. Add a little water or broth to keep it moist. Cover with foil and warm it at 325°F until hot. I once dried out a beautiful ham by reheating it without liquid. I learned my lesson that day!

Batch cooking like this saves you time later. It means a good meal is always ready for your family. A ready meal makes busy days feel less stressful. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Ham Problems

Is your ham a bit dry? This can happen if you overcook it. The key is using a meat thermometer. Cook only until it reaches 140°F inside.

Is the glaze not sticking? Pat the ham dry with a paper towel first. A wet ham will just shed that sweet glaze. I remember my first glaze sliding right off into the pan.

Is the bottom burning? Make sure you use a shallow pan. A deep pan can trap too much heat. Adding that juice to the pan also helps create steam. This keeps everything moist.

Getting the temperature right builds your cooking confidence. A perfectly cooked ham is a joy to serve. A sticky, sweet glaze makes the flavor just wonderful. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Ham Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, it is! Just check your mustard label to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: You can make the glaze a day early. Keep it in a jar in the fridge.

Q: What can I use instead of honey? A: Pure maple syrup works beautifully. It gives a lovely, deep flavor.

Q: Can I make a smaller ham? A: Of course! Just reduce the cook time. Check the temperature early and often.

Q: Any optional tips? A: Pressing the brown sugar into the ham helps the glaze stick. Fun fact: The sugar creates a delicious crust called a “bark.” Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this ham. It is a recipe full of sweet, happy memories for me. I love sharing these kitchen stories with you.

It would make my day to see your creation. Please share a photo of your beautiful table. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I would be so proud to see it.

Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.