Nothing says holiday warmth quite like a Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze. This show-stopping centerpiece combines the richness of smoked ham with layers of caramelized sweetness that melt in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a family feast or adding something special to your Easter or Christmas table, this Smoked Ham Recipe delivers both flavor and festivity. Ideal for grilling on a Pit Boss or Traeger, it’s the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory magic. In this guide, we’ll cover everything—from ingredients and glazing secrets to expert tips on Reheating Smoked Ham to perfection.

Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze | Best Smoked Ham Recipe

A Family Favorite Holiday Dish

The first time I made a Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze, it wasn’t just another meal—it was the start of a tradition. I remember the aroma filling the kitchen: a sweet mix of honey, brown sugar, and buttery caramel mingling with the gentle whisper of hickory smoke. As the glaze bubbled and glossed over the ham, the golden crust turned crisp around the edges, sealing in the juicy tenderness beneath.

When the family gathered around the table, that first slice drew smiles all around. The laughter, the soft clinking of glasses, and the buzz of conversation made that evening unforgettable. Every holiday since, our table feels incomplete without that glistening Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze at the center. It’s more than a recipe—it’s a memory you can taste. Today, it’s the dish my kids request first when the holidays roll around, and every glaze-drenched bite reminds us why it became a staple for our celebrations. Preparing this Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze feels like wrapping the season’s spirit in sweetness and smoke.

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a Smoked Ham Recipe—especially one finished with a rich Brown Sugar Honey Glaze. The magic lies in the marriage of flavors: the sweet, sticky glaze clings to the salty, smoky ham, creating layers of taste that unfold with every bite. Smoking enhances the natural richness of the meat, infusing it with a gentle wood-fired depth you can’t get from an oven alone.

Why Everyone Loves a Smoked Ham Recipe

A Pit Boss Smoked Ham delivers that authentic slow-smoked flavor, while a Smoked Spiral Ham Traeger makes serving effortless—each pre-cut slice captures the glaze perfectly. The result is juicy, tender ham with a lacquered finish that glows under the light. The balance of honey’s floral notes and brown sugar’s molasses depth turns each bite into comfort food perfection.

It’s easy to see why this preparation earns its title as the Best Smoked Ham Recipe. It’s not just about technique; it’s the harmony of textures—the crisp glaze meeting tender ham—the combination of sweetness, salt, and smoke that brings people back for seconds. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth ham, once you’ve tried this Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze, you’ll wonder how your table ever felt complete without it.

Building the Perfect Brown Sugar Honey Glaze

Essential Ingredients for Smoked Ham and Glaze

Before firing up the grill, gathering high-quality ingredients ensures your Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze turns out restaurant-quality every time. Choose a fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham; it saves time and lets the Brown Sugar Honey Glaze seep between each slice for maximum flavor. The glaze brings together sweet, tangy, and spiced notes that caramelize beautifully as it smokes.

For the Ham	For the Brown Sugar Honey Glaze
1 pre-cooked spiral ham (8–10 lbs)	1 cup brown sugar
Whole cloves (optional, for studding)	½ cup honey
½ cup apple cider or apple juice	¼ cup unsalted butter
Aluminum foil (for tenting)	1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Wood pellets (apple, cherry, or hickory)	¼ tsp ground cloves
—	Optional: a splash of pineapple or orange juice for brightness

A Pit Boss Smoked Ham or Smoked Spiral Ham Traeger works beautifully with these ingredients. Apple or cherry wood enhances the glaze’s sweetness, while hickory provides a deep, smoky profile. Using real honey and good-quality butter gives your glaze a rich, silky finish that adheres perfectly to the ham’s surface.

Step-by-Step: Prepping and Smoking the Ham

Preheat Your Smoker: Set your Pit Boss or Traeger to 225°F. Apple wood pellets complement the sweetness of the honey.
Score the Ham: Pat the ham dry and score in a diamond pattern about ¼-inch deep. Stud with cloves if desired.
Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, butter, Dijon, cloves, and juice. Simmer until smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened. Reserve a small portion for later brushing.
Smoke the Ham: Place cut-side down on the rack or in a shallow pan. Smoke 1½–2 hours or until internal temp reaches about 120°F.
Apply the Glaze Layers: Brush the warm ham with the Brown Sugar Honey Glaze and repeat several times, allowing each layer to set and caramelize.
Caramelize and Rest: Raise the temperature to 275°F for 10 minutes for a crisp finish. Remove at 140°F; rest 15–20 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice along spiral cuts, drizzling extra glaze. Each slice glows golden and tender—the Best Smoked Ham Recipe in every sense.

Perfecting the Smoked Ham Glaze and Reheating Techniques

How to Get That Signature Brown Sugar Honey Glaze Finish

The irresistible shine and sweetness on a Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze come from technique and timing. The perfect Smoked Ham Glaze develops in layers, each brushed and set to form a glossy coat that locks in flavor.

Begin glazing when the internal temperature reaches about 120°F. Brush on thin coats of warm glaze every 10 minutes, closing the smoker lid between applications so heat can set each layer. Each pass deepens color and builds sweetness, yielding that signature mahogany finish.

Once the final glaze layer sets, rest the ham uncovered about 15 minutes before slicing. This firms the coating and lets it sparkle under the light. Add a final warm drizzle of glaze before serving for extra shine. That glistening finish is what makes it the Best Smoked Ham Recipe.

How to Reheat Smoked Ham Without Drying It Out

Whether reheating leftovers or a pre-cooked ham, gentle heat keeps meat juicy and your Brown Sugar Honey Glaze intact. The goal when Reheating Smoked Ham is moisture retention—not speed.

Oven Method: Preheat to 275°F, place ham cut-side down in a baking dish, add ½ cup of water or juice, cover loosely with foil, and heat 10 minutes per pound until it reaches 140°F internal temperature. Halfway, brush on extra glaze so it shines again.

Grill or Smoker Method: Set to 225°F, wrap ham in foil with a few tablespoons of liquid, and warm for about an hour. Open foil for the last 10 minutes, brush on Smoked Ham Glaze, and finish lightly caramelized. For individual slices, reheat covered with a touch of water or glaze in a skillet—never microwave unprotected pieces, which can toughen.

Following these methods brings back the delicate texture and sweet-smoky aroma that make this Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze unforgettable. Even leftovers maintain the same tender juiciness when handled with care.

FAQs

Can I make this Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it up to a day in advance. After smoking and glazing, cool completely, wrap in foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, follow the Reheating Smoked Ham method, using low heat and extra glaze to restore shine and moisture.

What’s the best ham for smoking on a Pit Boss or Traeger?

Opt for a fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham (8–10 lbs). This cut reheats beautifully, letting the Brown Sugar Honey Glaze flow between slices. High-quality, bone-in hams provide the juiciest Pit Boss Smoked Ham or Smoked Spiral Ham Traeger results.

How long does leftover smoked ham stay good?

Stored airtight, leftovers stay fresh 3–5 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months frozen. When Reheating Smoked Ham, brush on glaze or add juice to bring back that original flavor.

Can I replace honey with maple syrup?

Absolutely—maple syrup adds a deeper, woodsy sweetness. The glaze’s consistency remains luscious, though a bit thinner. If you choose maple, simmer your mixture slightly longer to thicken before brushing.

How do I store leftover glaze?

Let the Brown Sugar Honey Glaze cool, then refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to one week. Rewarm before using to drizzle on reheated ham, roasted veggies, or poultry—it’s a versatile finishing touch.

The Ultimate Holiday Centerpiece

A Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of family, warmth, and tradition. Its glistening caramel coating and smoky tenderness make it the Best Smoked Ham Recipe for any occasion. From Pit Boss Smoked Ham depths to Smoked Spiral Ham Traeger ease, each method offers the same irresistible mix of sweet and savory perfection.

Once plated, the golden crust and fragrant aroma invite everyone to gather close. Each slice merges honey’s floral sweetness with the richness of brown sugar and a hint of wood smoke—comforting flavors that keep guests coming back for seconds.

Whether for Christmas, Easter, or any special meal, this Honey Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze ensures your table glows with warmth and flavor. Save or print this recipe, fire up the smoker, and continue the tradition by sharing your version of this Best Smoked Ham Recipe with loved ones year after year.