Honey-Glazed Ham with Clove and Orange Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A festive Easter ham baked with a sweet honey glaze accented by aromatic cloves and bright orange zest for a flavorful centerpiece. This american-inspired brunch ready in about 135 minutes combines bone-in ham, honey, packed brown sugar into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 10, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 10 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Score the surface of the 6 lb bone-in ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep, inserting 20 whole cloves at the intersections.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tbsp finely grated orange zest, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp ground black pepper until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan and brush generously with half of the honey glaze. Tent loosely with foil and roast for 1.5 hours.
  4. Step 4: Remove foil, baste ham with remaining glaze, and continue roasting uncovered for an additional 30 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and ham reaches internal temperature of 140°F. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Ham with Clove and Orange Zest take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Ham with Clove and Orange Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Ham with Clove and Orange Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Glazed Ham with Clove and Orange Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Glazed Ham with Clove and Orange Zest?

American brunch like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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