Martha Stewart’s Baked Easter Ham is a classic holiday centerpiece featuring a tender spiral-cut ham glazed with a fragrant mixture of honey, orange zest, ginger, and warm spices. As the ham bakes, the glaze caramelizes on the surface, creating a glossy, flavorful crust while keeping the meat juicy inside.
The combination of citrus, honey, and spices adds brightness and warmth that perfectly complements the smoky richness of the ham. Because spiral hams are already pre-cooked, this recipe focuses on gently heating the meat while building layers of flavor through glazing and basting.
It’s a beautiful and easy main dish for Easter gatherings, holiday meals, or any celebratory dinner.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
This holiday ham is simple yet impressive.
- Perfect holiday centerpiece for Easter or festive meals
- Sweet and citrusy glaze with warm spices
- Juicy and tender meat thanks to slow roasting
- Easy preparation using a spiral-cut ham
- Great for leftovers like sandwiches and soups
The sweet honey glaze combined with orange and ginger makes every slice flavorful and festive.
What Is a Glazed Easter Ham?
A glazed ham is a baked ham brushed with a sweet or savory glaze during cooking. Spiral-cut hams are especially popular for holidays because the glaze seeps between the slices, coating every layer with flavor. Classic ham glazes often include ingredients like:
- Honey or brown sugar
- Citrus juice or zest
- Spices such as cloves or mustard
- Aromatics like ginger
As the ham bakes, the glaze caramelizes and forms a beautiful glossy coating.
Cooking Tips for the Best Baked Ham
- Use a spiral-cut ham. It absorbs glaze easily and slices neatly.
- Bake gently at low heat. This prevents the ham from drying out.
- Wrap the ham initially. Foil keeps moisture inside during the first stage of cooking.
- Baste frequently. Repeated glazing builds flavor and caramelization.
- Let the ham rest before serving. This keeps the juices inside the meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spiral ham already cooked?
Yes. Most spiral hams are fully cooked and only need reheating.
What honey works best for this recipe?
Clover honey or orange-blossom honey works beautifully with the citrus glaze.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes. The glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
How much ham should I plan per person?
Plan about 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person for a bone-in ham.
Can I add other spices to the glaze?
Yes. Cinnamon, mustard, or allspice can add extra flavor.
What should I serve with Easter ham?
Popular sides include scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, and dinner rolls.
How to Store Baked Ham
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Slices can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
How to Freeze Baked Ham
Ham freezes very well. Wrap slices tightly and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup clover honey or orange-blossom honey
- 1 tbsp finely grated orange zest
- 2 tbsps fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 smoked bone-in spiral ham (about 8 pounds)
How to Make Martha Stewart's Easter Baked Ham
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
- In a small bowl, stir together the honey, orange zest, orange juice, grated ginger, ground cloves and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Wrap the spiral ham tightly in foil, placing it fat-side up.
- Place the ham on a rimmed baking sheet or in a roasting pan and bake for 1 hour.
- Unwrap the ham, leaving the foil underneath to catch juices.
- Brush the ham with some of the prepared glaze.
- Continue baking uncovered, brushing with additional glaze every 15 minutes, for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until heated through.
- Brush the ham with the remaining glaze.
- Allow the ham to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
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