Costco Ham Recipe: Glazed to Sweet and Savory Perfection

This recipe transforms a simple Costco ham into a centerpiece worthy of any holiday table. The key is a perfect balance of sweet and savory in the glaze, achieved through a precise combination of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard.

I’ve refined this method over years of holiday dinners, ensuring the ham stays moist while developing a caramelized crust. The glaze is applied in stages, allowing it to build layers of flavor without burning.

What results is a ham with a golden, sticky exterior and tender, juicy meat inside. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen, eager for that first bite.

Serve it with roasted vegetables or scalloped potatoes for a complete meal. This is how to make a Costco ham unforgettable.

Ingredients for Costco Ham

A Costco ham needs just a few ingredients to become the star of your holiday table.

The ham is the foundation—Costco’s spiral-cut is already cooked and scored, saving prep time. Look for a bone-in ham around 8 pounds for this recipe. Honey and brown sugar should be high quality; generic brands work but won’t deliver the same depth. The Dijon mustard adds a sharp contrast to the sweetness, so avoid substituting yellow mustard. Butter ties it all together, so use real, unsalted for the best texture in the glaze.

No honey? Maple syrup works but will alter the flavor slightly. Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar if needed, though it’s less traditional. Out of Dijon? Whole grain mustard at half the amount still adds punch. Pineapple juice can be replaced with orange juice for a citrus twist. For a smoother glaze, strain the final mixture to remove any clove or rosemary bits.

Store leftover ham wrapped tightly in foil for up to 5 days in the fridge or freeze for 2 months. The glaze can be made 2 days ahead and reheated gently before applying. Always bring ham to room temperature for 1 hour before reheating to preserve moisture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Glazed Ham

Here’s the method I use to ensure a perfectly caramelized, flavorful result every time.

Step 1: Prep the Ham and Create the Glaze Base

Remove the 8 lb Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If it’s a spiral-cut ham, keep the slices intact for presentation. Place it cut-side down in a roasting pan with a rack.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter with the 1.5 cups Brown Sugar, 0.5 cup Honey, and 0.25 cup Dijon Mustard. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sugar fully dissolves—this takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Build Depth with Aromatics and Acid

Add the 0.5 cup Pineapple Juice, 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, and 0.5 tsp Ground Black Pepper to the glaze. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and develops a rich, glossy sheen.

If using, press the 20 whole Cloves into the top of the ham in a decorative pattern. This step is optional but adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Step 3: Apply the Glaze and Bake

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Brush the ham generously with about half of the glaze, making sure to get it into all the crevices of a spiral-cut ham. Cover the pan loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then remove the foil and brush with more glaze. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the glaze is deep golden brown and bubbling.

Step 4: Finish and Rest Before Serving

Remove the ham from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze. Sprinkle the 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary and 1 tbsp Orange Zest over the top for a bright, herbaceous finish. The rosemary adds an earthy aroma, while the orange zest cuts through the sweetness.

Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. The internal temperature should reach 140°F—perfect for a pre-cooked ham.

Wine and Beer Pairings for This Recipe

White Wine Pairings

A crisp Riesling with its honeyed apple notes mirrors the glaze beautifully. I prefer a slightly off-dry German Kabinett Riesling—its acidity cuts through the richness while enhancing the ham’s sweetness. Serve chilled at 45-50°F. 🍷

Red Wine Options

For red lovers, a light Pinot Noir from Oregon offers red fruit flavors that complement without overpowering. The Willamette Valley produces excellent examples. Avoid heavy Cabernets—they’ll clash with the glaze’s sweetness.

Beer Pairings

A malty Amber Ale like Fat Tire brings caramel notes that harmonize with the brown sugar. The moderate hops balance the richness. Serve at 45-50°F for optimal flavor. 🍺

Sparkling Choices

Dry Prosecco or Cava offers refreshing bubbles that cleanse your palate between bites. The effervescence contrasts the ham’s density beautifully. I always keep a bottle chilled for holiday meals.

Non-Alcoholic Options

A sparkling apple cider mimics wine’s acidity and fruit notes. For something different, ginger beer with its spicy kick cuts through the sweetness. Both pair surprisingly well with the glaze. ✨

Frequently Asked Questions