As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s a certain magic in the kitchen that comes alive. The aroma of roasted meats and sweet glazes fills the house, wrapping you in a cozy embrace of home-cooked goodness. One dish that brings back a flood of warm memories for me is the Easy Honey Baked Fig Glazed Ham. I remember making this recipe with my grandma during the holidays, her laughter dancing around the kitchen as the ham caramelized beautifully in the oven.

If you’ve never experienced the delightful marriage of sweet, sticky figs and savory, tender ham, you’re in for a treat! This dish is perfect for festive gatherings or even a cozy family dinner, and it’s wonderfully simple to whip up. Let me share with you how to make this scrumptious centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Combines comforting flavors that everyone loves.
Great for meal prep, and leftovers taste divine!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this beautiful dish:

1 fully cooked spiral ham (about 8-10 pounds)
1 cup honey (go for a nice clover or wildflower honey for depth)
1 cup fig preserves (you’ll want the good stuff for that rich flavor)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds that zing!)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (don’t skip this, it’s cozy-flavored magic)
1 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but oh-so-good)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for a little kick)
Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, because we eat with our eyes too)

Tip: Make sure your ham is fully cooked—this recipe is all about enhancing those lovely flavors, not cooking it through!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to create some magic in your kitchen? Let’s dive into this easy, mouth-watering recipe:

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This gentle heat will help caramelize that glaze perfectly.
Prepare the ham: Place your spiral ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. This keeps all those wonderful juices locked in!
Make the glaze: In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, fig preserves, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Imagine how the sweetness of the figs will infuse every bite of ham!
Glaze the ham: Spoon half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into the spirals. This not only looks beautiful but ensures all that delicious flavor gets absorbed.
Cover it up: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. This is key to keeping moisture in while it cooks, so don’t skip this step!
Bake the ham: Pop the covered ham in the oven and let it bake for about 1.5 hours (or about 10-12 minutes per pound). You want it to heat through, so keep it cozy but not too hot!
Glaze again: After the initial cooking time, remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. You’re going to want that caramelized goodness on the outside!
Finish baking: Bake the ham uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. Watch it turn all golden and luscious—your kitchen is going to smell divine!
Let it rest: Once the ham is beautifully glazed and caramelized, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. Patience is a virtue, love!
Slice & serve: Now comes the best part—slice that gorgeous ham and serve it up with all the fixings!

Pro tip: If you’re unsure if your ham is heated through, a meat thermometer should read around 140°F (60°C).

Pro Tips & Variations

Feeling crafty? Here are some fun twists to make this dish your own:

Spice it up: Add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
Fruit medley: Traditionally, figs are the star, but you can mix in other preserves like apricot or peach for a fruity flair.
Herbal touch: Try adding fresh rosemary or sage to the glaze for an aromatic boost.
Gluten-free option: Check your mustard and preserves to ensure they’re gluten-free. This dish can easily fit into any dietary preferences!

Remember, this is your creation! Have fun with it and adapt to what you love.

Serving Suggestions

So how do you serve this masterpiece? Picture this: a beautiful platter of perfectly glazed ham, surrounded by roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, and perhaps a lovely green salad. And of course, a loaf of fresh bread will do wonders to soak up that glaze leftover on your plate!

Pair it with a nice bottle of red wine or homemade apple cider for a cozy evening. For brunch, serve it alongside eggs and some sweet potato hash, and watch your guests’ eyes light up!

Storage Tips

After your wonderful dinner, you might be wondering how to enjoy that ham the next day (or the day after that!). Here’s how to keep your ham fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: If you want to save that ham for a later date, slice it up, place it in freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible!
Reheating: To reheat, place your ham slices in a baking dish, drizzle with a bit of honey or a splash of orange juice to prevent drying out, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Trust me, that sweet aroma will waft through your house just like it did when you first baked it!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham?

Absolutely! While a spiral cut ham is beautiful and easy, you can use a boneless ham or even a ham steak. Just adjust your cooking times as needed!

How can I make this dish in advance?

Prep the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the ham in the roasting pan a day beforehand; just cover it tightly with foil until you’re ready to bake!

Is this recipe suitable for slow cooking?

You bet! If you’re short on oven space, you can use a slow cooker. Just glaze your ham and cook it on low for about 4-5 hours. The results are equally delightful.

Can I customize the glaze?

Of course! Feel free to get creative. You can add in spices like ginger, replace the honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness, or even mix in some bourbon for a fun kick!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own Easy Honey Baked Fig Glazed Ham! I truly hope this recipe fills your home with warmth and deliciousness, just like it does for me. I love hearing how you enjoyed it, so feel free to drop a comment or share your own twists on this dish. Happy cooking, dear friends!