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Let’s be honest, picking the right ham can feel like a big decision. It’s the centerpiece of the whole meal, the thing everyone gathers around, and the source of those amazing leftovers you’ll be fighting over for days. You want it to be impressive, but you also don’t want to be so stressed out that you miss the actual celebration.
The beauty of ham is that it’s incredibly forgiving and versatile. A high-quality ham, whether bone-in or spiral-cut, smokes or fresh, is already delicious on its own. The magic happens when you add a glaze. That’s where you get to play. Sweet, spicy, tangy, or fruity—a good glaze transforms a simple ham into a golden, caramelized showstopper.
I’ve rounded up 16 ham recipes that cover all the bases. From the classic brown sugar versions we all grew up with to unexpected twists like cola and 5-spice, there’s a flavor here for every kind of Easter table. Some are oven-baked, and one can even be made in your slow cooker, freeing up space for all those side dishes. Let’s find your new favorite.
1. Classic Honey-Glazed Easter Ham
You can’t go wrong with the classic. This recipe uses a simple combination of honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to create a glossy, sweet, and slightly tangy crust that perfectly complements the salty ham .
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12-15
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in, fully cooked ham
- Whole cloves for studding (optional)
- 180 g (3/4 cup) honey
- 120 g (1/2 cup) brown sugar
- 60 g (1/4 cup) Dijon mustard
- 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (170°C). Remove ham from packaging and pat dry.
- Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep. If desired, place a whole clove in the center of each diamond.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, butter, and ground cloves. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush the glaze generously over the entire surface.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1 1/2 hours, basting every 20-30 minutes with the pan juices.
- Remove the foil for the final 30 minutes, basting once more, to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing .
2. Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
This recipe is all about simplicity and deep, caramelized flavor. A generous amount of brown sugar is patted onto the ham, creating a wonderfully sticky and sweet crust as it bakes.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 1 (7-9 lb) bone-in or spiral-cut ham
- 2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and Dijon mustard together to form a paste.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan. Score the surface if it’s not a spiral ham.
- Pat the brown sugar mixture all over the ham, pressing it firmly so it adheres.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for 30-45 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
3. Orange Juice Glazed Ham
This glaze brings a bright, citrusy note to the table. The combination of orange juice with brown sugar and mustard cuts through the richness of the ham and adds a lovely, fresh flavor.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10-12
Ingredients:
- 1 (7-8 lb) fully cooked ham
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern.
- Brush the ham generously with some of the glaze.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil, baste with more glaze, and bake for another 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is sticky.
- Let rest before slicing. Serve with the remaining pan juices.
4. Honey-Mustard Glazed Easter Ham
For those who love the classic flavor pairing of honey and mustard, this is the one. The apple cider vinegar in the glaze adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness perfectly .
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 – 2.5 hours
Servings: 12-16
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham in a large roasting pan. Score the surface if desired.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth. Simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham.
- Bake, basting with the remaining glaze every 20-30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). This will take about 15-20 minutes per pound.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving .
5. Aunt Naomi’s Easter Ham (Coca-Cola & Pineapple)
This is a fun, retro recipe from Martha Stewart that uses Coca-Cola and grape wine in the basting liquid, resulting in an incredibly tender and uniquely flavored ham. It’s finished with a classic pineapple and cherry garnish .
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 3 hours
Servings: 10-12
Ingredients:
- 1 (7-9 lb) Smithfield or other cured ham, rind removed
- Whole cloves
- 1 lb dark-brown sugar
- 1 can (12 oz) Coca-Cola
- 1 can (14 oz) pineapple rings, juice reserved
- 1 cup sweet Concord grape wine
- 10-12 maraschino cherries
- Fresh bay leaves for garnish
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Score the ham in a crosshatch pattern and place a clove in the center of each square.
- Place ham in a roasting pan. Pat brown sugar onto the entire surface. Bake until the sugar just begins to melt, about 30 minutes.
- Remove ham from oven. Pour Coca-Cola over the ham. Baste with the sugar mixture. Return to oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Combine 1 cup reserved pineapple juice and the wine. Baste the ham with this mixture. Continue baking for a total of 16 minutes per pound, basting every 20 minutes.
- During the last 20 minutes, decorate the ham with pineapple rings, securing them with toothpicks. Place a cherry in the center of each ring.
- Transfer to a platter, remove toothpicks, and garnish with bay leaves before serving.
6. Cola Easter Ham
Similar to the recipe above but even simpler, this version uses cola, brown sugar, and grape juice to create a deeply flavorful and caramelized glaze. The soda helps tenderize the meat and adds a unique sweetness .
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 1 (7-9 lb) fully cooked ham
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 can (12 oz) cola
- 1/2 cup grape juice
- 1 can (14 oz) pineapple rings, juice reserved
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the ham and place it in a roasting pan. Pat the brown sugar over the entire surface.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and pour the cola, grape juice, and juice from the pineapple into the pan. Baste the ham.
- Continue baking for about 2 hours, basting every 20 minutes.
- During the last 20 minutes of baking, add the pineapple rings to the pan to warm through and absorb some of the glaze.
- Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the pineapple and sauce from the pan.
7. Slow Cooker Stress-Free Easter Ham
This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it method. The ham cooks low and slow in a crockpot with pineapple juice, leaving your oven free for all your side dishes. It comes out incredibly tender and moist.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 4-6 hours
Servings: 12-15
Ingredients:
- 1 (7-8 lb) fully cooked ham
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
Recipe Steps:
- Pour pineapple juice into the bottom of a large (6-9-quart) oval slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and honey into a paste.
- Spread the brown sugar mixture all over the ham. Place the ham, flat side down, in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the meat is tender and the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Flip and baste the ham halfway through if possible.
- Once done, remove the ham to a platter and tent with foil to rest for 15 minutes.
- Skim fat from the juices in the slow cooker and pour them into a saucepan. Bring to a simmer on the stovetop to thicken slightly, then serve with the ham.
8. Maple-Glazed Ham
For a taste of the Northeast, a maple glaze is a perfect choice. Its earthy, woodsy sweetness pairs beautifully with the salty ham. A touch of mustard and vinegar keeps it from being overly sweet.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in, fully cooked ham
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of ground cinnamon or cloves
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and spices. Heat gently over low heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and brush the ham generously with about half of the glaze. Bake for another 30 minutes.
- Brush with the remaining glaze and continue baking, uncovered, for another 15-30 minutes, until the ham is heated through (140°F) and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
- Let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
9. Apricot-Glazed Smoked Ham
The sweet and slightly tart flavor of apricot preserves makes a fantastic glaze. It’s incredibly simple, requiring just a few ingredients, and results in a beautiful, glossy finish that’s both delicious and impressive .
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours
Servings: 10-12
Ingredients:
- 1 (6-8 lb) smoked, fully cooked ham
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan. If desired, score the surface.
- In a small bowl, combine apricot preserves, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well.
- Brush about half of the glaze over the ham.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil, baste with more glaze, and continue baking, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes, basting once more, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
- Rest before serving.
10. Pineapple-Glazed Ham
A tropical twist on a classic. The pineapple juice in the glaze, along with optional rings for garnish, makes this ham feel like a true holiday centerpiece. It’s sweet, tangy, and visually stunning.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 1 (7-9 lb) fully cooked ham
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings, juice reserved
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Whole cloves (optional)
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Score the ham and stud with cloves if desired. Place in a roasting pan.
- In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Brush the ham with the glaze. Cover with foil and bake for 1 1/2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, arrange pineapple rings on the ham (secure with toothpicks if needed), and brush with more glaze.
- Bake for another 30-45 minutes, basting occasionally, until the glaze is sticky and caramelized. Let rest before serving.
11. 5-Spice Ham
This recipe offers an unexpected and delicious departure from the norm. Chinese five-spice powder adds a warm, complex flavor of star anise, cinnamon, and cloves that complements the pork beautifully.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10-12
Ingredients:
- 1 (6-8 lb) fully cooked ham
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or other chili garlic sauce (optional)
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and five-spice powder. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves. If using, stir in the sriracha.
- Pour or brush half of the glaze over the ham.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and baste with more glaze.
- Continue baking, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is set.
- Rest before carving. The pan juices can be served on the side.
12. Root Beer Glazed Ham
Root beer isn’t just for floats. Its unique blend of wintergreen, vanilla, and caramel flavors reduces into a fantastic, sticky-sweet glaze that’s a guaranteed conversation starter.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham
- 2 cups root beer (not diet)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham in a roasting pan.
- In a saucepan, combine root beer, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and mustard powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture has reduced by about half and become syrupy, about 15-20 minutes.
- Brush the ham with the glaze. Cover with foil and roast for 1 hour.
- Remove foil, baste generously, and continue roasting for 30-60 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is dark and sticky. Let rest before serving.
13. Dr. Pepper Glazed Ham
Similar to root beer and cola, Dr. Pepper brings its own distinct blend of 23 flavors to the party. It creates a deeply caramelized, slightly spicy, and utterly delicious crust .
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12-15
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked ham
- 2 cups Dr. Pepper
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a saucepan, combine Dr. Pepper, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture is thickened and syrupy, about 20-25 minutes.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan. Score the surface. Brush the ham generously with the glaze.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil, baste, and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Baste again and continue baking, uncovered, for 15-30 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is sticky. Let rest before slicing.
14. Balsamic and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
The tangy, complex flavor of good balsamic vinegar is a perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of brown sugar. This glaze is sophisticated, not overly sweet, and results in a beautifully dark, lacquered finish.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10-12
Ingredients:
- 1 (7-9 lb) fully cooked ham
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham in a roasting pan.
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Brush the ham generously with the glaze.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil, baste with more glaze, and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Baste one last time and continue baking for 15-30 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized. Let rest before serving .
15. Spiced Pomegranate Glazed Ham
This is a stunning, festive option for an elegant Easter dinner. The pomegranate juice reduces to a beautiful deep ruby glaze with a sweet-tart flavor, while warm spices like cinnamon and star anise add aromatic depth .
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole star anise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham in a roasting pan.
- In a saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture is reduced by half and has a syrupy consistency, about 20-25 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and star anise, and stir in the lemon juice.
- Brush the ham generously with the glaze.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil, baste, and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Baste again and continue baking, uncovered, for 15-30 minutes until the ham is heated through and the glaze is set. Let it rest before carving.
16. Cherry Coke Glazed Ham
Combine the nostalgic flavor of Cherry Coke with a classic ham for a fun and flavorful twist. The cherry soda adds a fruity depth to the caramelized brown sugar crust that’s simply irresistible.
Recipe Metadata:
Time to Make: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12-15
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked ham
- 2 cups Cherry Coke (or other cherry soda)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a saucepan, combine Cherry Coke, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the mixture is thickened and syrupy, about 20-25 minutes.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface. Brush generously with the glaze.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil, baste, and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Baste again and continue baking, uncovered, for 15-30 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized. Let rest before serving.
There you have it—16 flavorful hams to anchor your Easter dinner. From the deeply traditional to the creatively unexpected, any of these recipes will give you a beautiful, delicious centerpiece that brings everyone to the table. Now, the hardest part is choosing just one
