This Apple Cider BBQ Glazed Ham is a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for holiday feasts or hearty Sunday dinners. Slow-roasted with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks, and finished with a sticky, sweet-and-smoky glaze made from apple cider, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce, this ham is tender, juicy, and full of cozy fall flavor. Each bite offers the perfect balance of savory meat and caramelized glaze with a hint of spice and tart apple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ham recipe brings together traditional holiday flavors with a modern twist. The apple cider and cinnamon lend a subtle autumnal aroma, while the BBQ glaze adds depth and a touch of smokiness. It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and looks impressive on the table. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just treating your family to a memorable dinner, this ham offers bold flavor with minimal effort. Leftovers are equally delicious, making it as practical as it is satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 bone-in spiral cut ham (6–8 lbs)
2 cups apple cider
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (honey or smoky style)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced
4 cinnamon sticks
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the spiral ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan.
Arrange the sliced apples and cinnamon sticks around the ham.
In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is slightly thickened.
Pour half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat the surface evenly.
Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 1.5 hours, basting with more glaze halfway through cooking.
Remove the foil, brush the ham with the remaining glaze, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a sweet-heat combo.
Maple Twist: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, more rustic flavor.
Apple Butter Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of apple butter for extra richness in the glaze.
Herb-Infused: Add rosemary or thyme sprigs to the roasting pan for an herbal undertone.
Bourbon Glaze: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze for a richer, spiked variation.

storage/reheating

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish with a splash of water or leftover glaze, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. Ham can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless ham instead of spiral cut?

Yes, boneless hams work well too. Adjust cooking time depending on the weight and type.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?

A honey BBQ sauce adds sweetness, while a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce adds depth and heat. Choose based on your flavor preference.

Can I make the glaze in advance?

Yes, the glaze can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.

Do I have to use apple cider?

Apple cider provides natural sweetness and fall flavor. You can substitute with apple juice if needed.

What apples are best for roasting with ham?

Granny Smith apples hold their shape and provide a tart contrast to the sweet glaze, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn also work well.

How do I know when the ham is fully heated?

Ham is fully heated when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.

Can I use this glaze for other meats?

Yes, the apple cider BBQ glaze works wonderfully on pork tenderloin, chicken, or even roasted vegetables.

How can I prevent the ham from drying out?

Basting and covering the ham during most of the cook time help retain moisture. Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be if you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and mustard. Always check product labels.

What can I serve with glazed ham?

Great side dishes include mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, green beans, cornbread, or a simple apple slaw.

Conclusion

Apple Cider BBQ Glazed Ham is a flavorful, festive main course that’s as impressive as it is comforting. The combination of apple cider, spices, and BBQ sauce creates a luscious glaze that complements the savory ham perfectly. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner or a cozy autumn gathering, this recipe guarantees a delicious and memorable meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Apple Cider BBQ Glazed Ham

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Apple Cider BBQ Glazed Ham is a tender, spiral-cut holiday centerpiece infused with sweet apple cider, cinnamon, and cloves, then brushed with a sticky apple cider BBQ glaze. This baked ham is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinners and bursts with cozy fall flavor.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan.
Arrange apple slices and cinnamon sticks around the ham.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine apple cider, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.
Pour half of the glaze over the ham. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1.5 hours, basting halfway through.
Remove foil, brush remaining glaze over ham, and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes, until sticky and caramelized.