There’s something truly comforting about the way honey caramelizes into a golden glaze, wrapping a ham in sticky sweetness that pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables. After a hectic week of convenience meals, I finally found a dish that feels like a warm hug — elegant enough for guests but surprisingly simple to prepare. The secret? Balancing the rich, savory notes of the ham with tender, colorful veggies that soak up every bit of that luscious glaze. Whether it’s a festive family dinner or a Sunday feast, this honey glazed ham with vegetables has become my go-to for creating memorable meals that bring everyone to the table with smiles.
Why choose Honey Glazed Ham with Vegetables?
Unmatched Flavor: The sweetness of honey perfectly balances the savory, juicy ham. Effortless Elegance: Simple steps create a dish that looks and tastes gourmet. One-Pan Wonder: Roasting ham and veggies together saves time and cleanup. Vibrant & Nutritious: Colorful vegetables add freshness and wholesome goodness. Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A warm, inviting meal that’s perfect for family or guests.
Honey Glazed Ham Ingredients
For the Ham and Glaze
- Fully cooked ham – Choose a bone-in or boneless ham for juicy, tender results that soak up the glaze.
- Honey – This is the star ingredient that gives the ham its signature sweet caramelized crust.
- Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy depth that perfectly balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Brown sugar – Helps create a rich, sticky glaze that clings to every bite.
- Apple cider vinegar – A splash brightens the glaze and cuts through the richness of the ham.
- Ground cloves – Just a pinch adds warm, aromatic spice without overpowering the dish.
For the Vegetables
- Carrots – Sweet and tender, they roast beautifully alongside the ham.
- Baby potatoes – Choose colorful varieties like red or Yukon gold for a vibrant plate.
- Brussels sprouts – Roasting intensifies their natural nuttiness and adds a contrasting texture.
- Onions – Sweeten as they roast, absorbing the glaze flavors for depth.
- Olive oil – Helps veggies crisp up evenly and adds heart-healthy fat.
- Fresh rosemary – Aromatic sprigs infuse the vegetables with a fragrant, earthy note.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
Using fresh, quality ingredients is key to making your Honey Glazed Ham with Vegetables truly shine.
How to Make Honey Glazed Ham with Vegetables
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern about 1/8″ deep for even glazing and flavor penetration.
- For the Glaze:
- Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves in a bowl until smooth and glossy, about 1 minute.
- Brush half of the glaze evenly over the scored ham, making sure it seeps into the cuts for maximum flavor and caramelization.
- For the Vegetables:
- Toss carrots, baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and onion slices with olive oil, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Arrange the vegetables around the ham in the roasting pan, creating a snug, colorful border that will soak up the dripping glaze.
- Roast everything in the preheated oven for 1 hour, basting with remaining glaze halfway through until ham is heated and veggies are tender.
- Rest the ham for 10 minutes outside the oven to allow juices to redistribute before slicing into thick, juicy pieces.
Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Honey Glazed Ham with Vegetables
- Score the Ham Properly: Use a sharp knife to carefully score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern about 1/8″ deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate and caramelize beautifully without drying out the meat.
- Even Glaze Application: Brush the glaze evenly and generously, making sure to get some glaze into the cuts. Reapply midway through roasting to build layers of sticky sweetness.
- Veggie Prep Matters: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even roasting and tenderness. Toss them well in olive oil and seasoning so they crisp up and soak in the ham’s drippings.
- Oven Temperature Control: Keep your oven steady at 325°F to warm the ham gently, preventing it from drying while allowing the glaze to develop a lovely crust.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the ham rest 10 minutes after roasting; this locks in juiciness and makes slicing easier and cleaner.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and pure honey make all the difference in flavor, bringing this Honey Glazed Ham with Vegetables from good to unforgettable.
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Glazed Ham with Vegetables are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during meal prep! You can prepare the glaze by mixing the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves up to 24 hours in advance; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and ready to go. Additionally, chop and toss your vegetables (carrots, baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and onions) with olive oil, salt, and pepper up to 3 days ahead; just refrigerate them in a covered container. When you’re ready to cook, simply score the ham and brush on the glaze, arrange the veggies around it, and roast as directed. This way, you’ll have a delicious, hassle-free meal awaiting you with minimal effort!
Honey Glazed Ham with Vegetables Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own, letting your imagination run wild with these delicious twists!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet and spicy surprise that awakens the palate.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the glaze for a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the sweetness.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh thyme or sage in addition to rosemary for an aromatic herbaceous twist that elevates the veggies.
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Sweet Potato Swap: Replace baby potatoes with sweet potatoes for a richer flavor and a delightful sweetness that complements the ham.
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Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your Dijon mustard and side ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions while enjoying the same great taste.
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Maple Glaze: Substitute honey with maple syrup in the glaze for an earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the ham’s savory profile.
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Veggie Variety: Mix in other seasonal vegetables like parsnips or butternut squash for additional flavors and textures that add variety to your dish.
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Honey Mustard Glaze: Use a honey mustard blend instead of plain Dijon for a tangy punch that infuses additional depth to each bite.
Elevate your Honey Glazed Ham with Vegetables experience by trying one or more of these delightful variations!
Storage Tips for Honey Glazed Ham with Vegetables
- Fridge: Store any leftover honey glazed ham tightly wrapped in foil or in an airtight container for up to 3–5 days. Keep the roasted vegetables in a separate container with a lid.
- Freezer: If you want to save the ham for later, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy again, thaw the ham overnight in the fridge. Reheat it covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the glaze and chop the vegetables a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve your honey glazed ham with vegetables.
What to Serve with Honey Glazed Ham with Vegetables?
Gather your loved ones around a comforting meal filled with flavors even the pickiest eaters will adore.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of mashed potatoes provides a perfect contrast to the sweet honey glaze, making every bite delightful.
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Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic add a fresh pop of color and flavor that complements the richness of the ham.
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Apple Crisp: A warm dessert featuring tender apples and a crunchy topping brings a lovely balance of sweetness that echoes the honey glaze while adding a hint of fall.
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Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the savory ham, enhancing its flavor and brightening the plate.
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Buttered Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn makes a classic side that pairs beautifully, bringing a burst of sunshine to your dining table.
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Cherry Cola Glazed Carrots: These carrots bring a savory-sweet flavor that harmonizes with the honey glaze while introducing a vibrant, glossy finish.
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Sparkling Apple Cider: A refreshing drink that emphasizes the apple notes in your dish and is festive enough to share with guests.
With these delightful pairings, you’ll create an unforgettable dining experience that everyone will cherish!
Honey Glazed Ham with Vegetables Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ham for honey glazing?
Look for a fully cooked, bone-in or boneless ham with a smooth surface and pinkish color. Avoid hams with dark spots or dry edges, as freshness will impact the glaze’s flavor and juiciness. The more marbling, the better!
What’s the best way to store leftover honey glazed ham and vegetables?
Wrap the ham tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Keep vegetables separate for best texture, also refrigerated. This helps maintain freshness and avoids sogginess.
Can I freeze the honey glazed ham and vegetables?
Yes! Slice the ham, wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. For vegetables, freezing is less ideal but possible if blanched first. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm covered at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.
What if my ham glaze isn’t sticky or caramelized enough?
Don’t worry! Make sure your oven temperature is steady around 325°F and that you brush the glaze evenly, including inside the diamond scores. Baste again halfway through roasting. If needed, turn the oven up to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch carefully to avoid burning.
Is honey glazed ham with vegetables safe for pets or special diets?
This dish contains honey, mustard, and cloves, which aren’t recommended for pets. For allergy-friendly versions, substitute mustard with a mild vinegar and skip cloves. Always check for individual dietary needs and consult health professionals if unsure.
Easy Honey Glazed Ham with Vegetables That Melts in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern about 1/8″ deep.
- Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves until smooth in a bowl.
- Brush half of the glaze evenly over the scored ham.
- Toss carrots, baby potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and onion slices with olive oil, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Arrange the vegetables around the ham in the roasting pan.
- Roast everything in the preheated oven for 1 hour, basting with remaining glaze halfway through.
- Rest the ham for 10 minutes outside the oven before slicing.
