Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham Juicy Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Dijon

3. Why Apple Butter Makes the Best Glaze Base

When it comes to ham glazes, apple butter is a game changer. Unlike traditional fruit-based glazes, apple butter offers a thick, velvety texture and deep, spiced apple flavor that clings perfectly to a spiral ham. It’s made by slow-cooking apples with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until it becomes smooth and caramelized. This gives the glaze a natural richness and warmth that complements the saltiness of the ham.

Most glazes use ingredients like brown sugar, pineapple juice, or maple syrup. While those are delicious, apple butter adds complexity and a homemade touch that’s ideal for festive meals. Its concentrated apple flavor pairs especially well with honey and Dijon mustard, adding sweet-tart depth and a subtle tang. This trio creates a balanced glaze that’s sweet but not overpowering, tangy but not sharp—perfect for enhancing the flavor of pork.

Not sure what apple butter is? It’s not actually butter, but a thick spread made by cooking down apples with spices until they caramelize. You can learn more about its origin and uses here. If you’re buying it ready-made, look for versions that don’t contain added sugars or corn syrup to keep the flavors clean and natural.

Using apple butter also makes the glaze easier to handle. Because of its thickness, it doesn’t drip off the ham or pool at the bottom of the pan. Instead, it stays in place, creating a beautiful sticky coating during the final bake. The result is a holiday ham that’s not only flavorful but visually stunning—golden, glossy, and irresistible.

4. Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that bring this apple butter honey glazed ham to life:

• Spiral ham (3 to 4 pounds): Choose bone-in for more flavor or boneless for easier slicing. Fully cooked hams work best for this recipe.

• Apple butter (1/2 cup): Acts as the base for the glaze, offering a rich, spiced apple flavor. For DIY versions, check out apple butter recipes online or local farmers’ markets.

• Honey (1/4 cup): Adds floral sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize. Learn more about it here.

• Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Brings tanginess and a slight heat that balances the sweetness. Dijon mustard is a classic French condiment made from brown mustard seeds and white wine.

• Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Cuts through the richness of the ham and glaze, enhancing brightness. Apple cider vinegar is known for its bold, fruity acidity.

• Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth.

• Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon): A small amount goes a long way; adds a bold, aromatic spice. Read about its culinary uses here.

• Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Complements the apple butter with a subtle nuttiness. Try using freshly grated for best flavor.

• Salt (pinch): Balances the sweet and sour elements of the glaze.

Optional add-ins:

• Brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor

• Orange zest for brightness

• Whole grain mustard for extra texture

These ingredients are easy to find and come together quickly, making this an ideal recipe for busy holiday cooking.

5. How to Make Apple Butter Honey Glaze

Creating the glaze is simple but crucial for achieving that sticky, golden crust on your ham. Here’s how to do it:

1. In a small bowl, combine:

   • 1/2 cup apple butter

   • 1/4 cup honey

   • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

   • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

   • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

   • 1/4 teaspoon cloves

   • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

   • Pinch of salt

2. Whisk the ingredients together until completely smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

3. Set aside half the glaze for the final step of roasting or slow cooking.

Pro Tips:

• If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or apple juice to loosen it slightly.

• Make the glaze ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

• Reheat gently before using to make it easier to spread over the ham.

This mixture not only coats the ham beautifully but also seeps into every spiral slice, thanks to the natural structure of the cut.

6. Cooking Methods: Oven vs. Slow Cooker

Whether you’re using the oven or a slow cooker, this recipe delivers flavorful, juicy results. Here’s how to choose the best method:

Oven Method (Recommended for caramelization)

• Preheat the oven to 325°F.

• Place the ham in a baking dish and cover tightly with foil.

• Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with glaze every 30 minutes.

• In the last 30 minutes, uncover, brush with remaining glaze, and roast until golden and sticky.

Slow Cooker Method (Best for ease and hands-off cooking)

• Place the ham in a slow cooker and pour half the glaze over it.

• Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.

• In the last 30 minutes, brush with remaining glaze and cook uncovered if possible, or transfer to the oven under broil for 5–10 minutes to caramelize.

Consider this: The oven roasted spiral ham with apple butter honey Dijon method gives better browning, but the slow cooker ensures the ham stays moist. Choose based on your time and preference.

Looking for visual inspiration? Browse this Pinterest board for Christmas dinner menus to see how other cooks plate and present their holiday hams.

7. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the ham: Remove all packaging, and pat dry with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes.

2. Make the glaze as described above. Divide into two portions.

3. Place ham in your cooking vessel:

   • For oven: In a roasting pan, cover tightly with foil.

   • For slow cooker: Add directly to the insert.

4. Apply the first half of the glaze, spreading it into the spiral cuts as much as possible.

5. Cook:

   • Oven: Bake at 325°F for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

   • Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 4–5 hours.

6. Final glaze and caramelization:

   • Remove foil or lid.

   • Brush with the remaining glaze.

   • Oven: Return to oven uncovered for 25–30 minutes to caramelize.

   • Slow cooker: Use broiler or hot oven for 10 minutes to finish.

7. Rest: Let the ham sit 10–15 minutes before slicing.

8. Serve with sides or as part of a festive platter.

You can browse Pinterest for ham platter ideas that include garnishes like rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and cranberries for added visual appeal.

8. Tips for the Perfect Juicy Spiral Ham

• Baste regularly: Use a brush or spoon to coat the ham every 30 minutes.

• Cover while baking: Foil helps retain moisture.

• Let it rest: Always rest the ham before slicing to keep juices from escaping.

• Don’t overcook: Spiral hams are already cooked—you’re just reheating. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temp reaches 140°F.

Following these tips ensures your apple butter honey glazed ham stays moist, flavorful, and picture-perfect every time.

9. Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes

Pair this flavorful ham with sides that complement its sweet and savory profile:

• Classic Sides:

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Roasted carrots

  • Green beans almondine

  • Parker house rolls

• Modern Twists:

  • Maple roasted Brussels sprouts

  • Quinoa salad with cranberries

  • Apple slaw with fennel

• Garnishes for Presentation:

  • Pomegranate seeds

  • Fresh rosemary

  • Orange slices

  • Caramelized apples

If you’re planning a full menu, check out Christmas dinner ideas for pairing suggestions that make your ham the star of the holiday table.

10. How to Use Leftover Ham

Leftovers are where this recipe shines. Here are some delicious ideas:

• Breakfast:

  • Ham and cheese omelet

  • Ham hash with potatoes and peppers

• Lunch:

  • Ham sandwiches with Dijon and Swiss

  • Ham salad wraps

• Dinner:

  • Baked mac and cheese with diced ham

  • Ham and bean soup (use the bone if available)

  • Scalloped potatoes with ham

Most leftover ham keeps for 3–5 days in the fridge. For long-term storage, freeze in airtight bags for up to 2 months.

Explore more leftover ham recipes to stretch this dish into multiple meals without repetition.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is apple butter made of?
Apple butter is made by slow-cooking apples with spices like cinnamon and cloves until they break down into a thick, dark spread. It contains no actual butter.

Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, but Dijon adds a smoother texture and subtle tang. If substituting, use a small amount of yellow mustard or whole grain mustard.

Should I cover a spiral ham when baking?
Yes, covering the ham with foil helps retain moisture. Remove the foil only during the final stage to allow the glaze to caramelize.

How do I keep ham moist in the oven?
Baste the ham every 30 minutes and keep it covered until the final caramelizing step. Avoid overcooking it.

Can I make this glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. The glaze can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before using.

Is spiral ham already cooked?
Yes. Most spiral hams are fully cooked and only need to be reheated to an internal temp of 140°F.

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