Stuffed Spiral Ham with Honey‑Mustard Glaze – A Juicy, Flavor‑Packed Centerpiece for Holidays and Gatherings 🍯🥖

Introduction

If you’re looking to elevate your holiday dinner or weekend gathering, a Stuffed Spiral Ham with Honey‑Mustard Glaze brings both wow factor and heartwarming flavor. This show-stopping centerpiece combines the ease of a spiral-cut ham with the comfort of a savory stuffing tucked into each spiral slice—and finishes with a sticky-sweet honey‑mustard glaze that’s irresistible.

Imagine pre‑sliced ham infused with layers of soft cornbread stuffing, dotted with herbs and spices. A glossy honey‑mustard glaze caramelizes over the top, creating a beautiful presentation and flavor harmony that guests will rave about.

This recipe is ideal for holiday celebrations, Mother’s Day brunch, or anytime you want a festive yet fuss‑free main dish. Read on to discover everything you need to make it—from easy ingredient prep and step‑by‑step instructions, to make‑ahead tips, variations, side dish pairings, nutritional insight, FAQs, and a satisfying conclusion.

Let’s get cooking!

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Why This Recipe Works

Convenience Meets Elegance

• Pre‑spiral ham saves carving time and ensures even heating.
• Layering stuffing between slices infuses more flavor throughout.
• Finishing with a glaze makes for easy, attractive presentation.

Flavor Harmony

• Sweet and tangy glaze complements salty ham.
• Stuffing adds a savory contrast with fresh herbs and texture.
• The combination creates layered depth in every bite.

Make‑Ahead Friendly

• Stuffing and glaze can be prepped in advance.
• The ham is baked almost entirely covered with foil, then glazed mid-roast—super easy timing.
• Leftovers turn into sandwiches, salads, or breakfast hash.

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Ingredients

For the Ham

• 1 spiral‑cut half ham (about 8–10 lb, bone‑in, fully cooked)
• 2 cups savory cornbread stuffing (crumbled but still moist)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

For the Honey‑Mustard Glaze

• ½ cup honey (preferably local or mild-flavored)
• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs
• Orange slices or candied fruit for color

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Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan with rack
• Small saucepan or microwave‑safe bowl
• Pastry brush
• Aluminum foil
• Kitchen thermometer (recommended)

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Homemade Cornbread Stuffing

For best flavor, prepare a simple savory cornbread stuffing:

1. Ingredients:
   • 3 cups cornbread cubes (from about one standard box or homemade loaf)
   • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
   • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
   • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
   • ½ teaspoon dried sage
   • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Splash of chicken broth (about ½ cup)
2. Method:
   • Sauté onion and celery in butter over medium heat until softened.
   • Stir in sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   • Toss with cornbread cubes.
   • Add just enough broth so mixture holds together when pressed. Let cool before stuffing.

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Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ham

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Arrange spiral ham on rack in a roasting pan.
• Use a small spatula to gently open each spiral slice—treat each like a pocket.
• Spread softened butter over the top slices for extra richness.

Step 2: Stuff the Ham

• Spoon small portions of the cornbread stuffing into the spaces between each spiral cut.
• Gently press it so it holds without tearing the slices.
• Ensure stuffing is evenly distributed but avoid compressing too tightly.

Step 3: Cover and Bake Initially

• Loosely tent ham with foil to keep moisture in.
• Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, or until internal temperature is about 140°F (60°C).

Step 4: Make the Glaze

• While ham cooks, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper in a small saucepan.
• Simmer gently over low heat until sugar dissolves and mixture slightly thickens—about 5 minutes.
• Keep warm.

Step 5: Glaze the Ham

• Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15 minutes to crisp skin.
• Generously brush glaze over entire ham.
• Return to oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, basting again halfway, until glaze is bubbly and sticky.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

• Remove ham from oven, tent with foil, and rest 10–15 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or orange slices for festive color.

Step 7: Serve

• Place pan beforeGuests and serve by pulling pre-cut spirals with stuffing amid layers.
• Spoon extra glaze and pan juices over each serving for flavor boost.

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Flavor Enhancements

• Apple‑Cranberry Twist: Mix dried cranberries into stuffing and replace apple cider vinegar with fresh apple juice.
• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne to the glaze.
• Maple‑Mustard Variation: Swap honey for maple syrup and reduce mustard for sweeter glaze.
• Fruit‑Stuffed: Add chopped apples or pears to the stuffing mixture.
• Herb‑Brined Ham: Rub ham with herb mixture (rosemary, thyme, sage) overnight for deeper flavor.

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Side Dish Pairings

This ham pairs beautifully with classic sides:

• Scalloped Potatoes – creamy, cheesy, and comforting
• Roasted Root Vegetables – earthy beets, carrots, and parsnips
• Green Bean Almondine – fresh, nutty, bright
• Cranberry‑Apple Relish – tangy contrast to savory ham
• Dinner Rolls or Biscuits – perfect for mopping up extras

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Make‑Ahead and Storage

Make‑Ahead Tips

• Prepare stuffing 1–2 days in advance; keep refrigerated.
• Make glaze early and reheat gently before glazing.
• Assemble stuffed ham the day before, covered in foil and chilled, then bake the next day (add 15 minutes cooking time).

Leftover Storage

• Store tightly wrapped or in a sealed container in fridge up to 5 days.
• Freeze sliced ham or stuffing separately for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

• Oven: 300°F for 15–20 minutes until heated. Cover to prevent drying.
• Microwave: Short blasts on low heat; add a splash of broth for moisture.

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Nutritional Information

Per 4 oz serving (ham plus stuffing, before glaze):

• Calories: ~360 kcal
• Protein: ~26 g
• Fat: ~22 g
• Carbohydrates: ~22 g
• Fiber: ~2 g
• Sugar: ~8 g
• Sodium: ~800 mg

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FAQs

Q: Can I use canned spiral ham?
Yes, the method still works nicely. You’ll rewarm it rather than fully cooking.

Q: What if I don’t want cornbread stuffing?
Use regular bread stuffing, wild rice stuffing, or even savory sausage stuffing.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
Place carrots or parsnips in pan under the ham during roasting—they’ll cook in glaze drippings.

Q: Is this suitable for diabetics?
Modify glaze by reducing honey/brown sugar or using sugar substitutes. Monitor portion size.

Q: Can I make this gluten‑free?
Use gluten‑free cornbread and ensure all products are labeled gluten‑free (mustard, vinegar).

Q: How long will leftover glaze last?
Store leftover warm glaze in airtight container in fridge up to 1 week. Reheat before use.

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Conclusion

The Stuffed Spiral Ham with Honey‑Mustard Glaze is a holiday hero—a stunning, flavor-rich centerpiece that impresses without overcomplication. Pre-sliced ham gives you consistent portions, stuffing adds moisture and texture throughout, and the honey‑mustard glaze delivers the perfect sweet‑savory glaze.

With straightforward steps, make‑ahead prep options, and tasty leftovers, this recipe is perfect for family traditions, festive buffets, and potluck contributions. Add colorful sides, light refreshments, and you’ve got a holiday table worthy of celebration.

Go ahead—make this your next wow-factor meal and enjoy the praise that follows!

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