If you’re looking to wow your family and friends with something that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, this Mustard Herb Ham Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a beautifully glazed ham, its surface shimmering with a tangy combination of mustards and herbs, baked to perfection until the edges caramelize and the aroma fills your kitchen. It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic notes all coming together in one unforgettable main course.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large raw ham piece with a pale pink color and a visible bone, placed on a white marbled surface. Around the ham, there are four small clear glass bowls, each holding different ingredients: dark green chopped herbs at the top, a smooth yellow mustard to the right, brown grainy mustard at the bottom, and light amber honey in a small white bowl at the bottom right. Near the center, there are three peeled garlic cloves and two sprigs of fresh herbs, one with green needle-like leaves and the other with smaller leaves, both laying flat on the surface. The overall look is clean and organized, focusing on fresh, natural ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, focusing on a handful of essential ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. Every element plays a crucial role, from the tang of Dijon mustard to the earthy herbs and that gentle sweetness of honey, creating a complex yet harmonious flavor profile.

Fully cooked ham (about 2–3 kg): The hearty centerpiece that ensures tender, juicy meat with minimal prep time.
Dijon mustard (1/4 cup): Gives a smooth, slightly sharp tang that’s essential for that signature mustard flavor.
Whole grain mustard (2 tablespoons): Adds a lovely texture and punchy mustard seeds for depth.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances the tanginess with a gentle sweetness for a perfect glaze shine.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps blend the glaze ingredients and adds richness to the coating.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings an earthy, fragrant herbal note that complements the ham beautifully.
Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon): Offers a piney, aromatic flavor enhancing the savory layers.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a subtle kick that ties all the flavors together perfectly.

How to Make Mustard Herb Ham Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 180°C (350°F). This temperature is just right to warm the ham through evenly while allowing the glaze to develop those irresistible caramelized edges. Place your fully cooked ham in a roasting pan, ready to receive its flavorful coating.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, olive oil, dried thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Stir them well until you have a smooth, vibrant glaze. This blend is where the signature flavor of the Mustard Herb Ham Recipe really shines — tangy, sweet, and herbaceous all at once.

Step 3: Apply the Glaze

Brush this luscious mustard and herb glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham. Don’t be shy here — every inch should be covered to ensure each slice bursts with flavor. The glaze will seep into the meat as it bakes, soaking up all those wonderful aromas.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Loosely cover the ham with foil to keep it moist and bake for about 1 to 1.5 hours. Baste the ham occasionally with any glaze drippings to build up a layered, rich coating. This part makes the ham tender and keeps it juicy, while the herbs continue infusing their magic.

Step 5: Caramelize the Glaze

Remove the foil and return the ham to the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial — the heat crisps up the glaze, turning it a beautiful golden-brown that’s slightly sticky, slightly crisp, and completely irresistible. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Once out of the oven, let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Then slice it up and get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

How to Serve Mustard Herb Ham Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a sliced roasted ham with a golden brown, crispy outer layer seasoned with herbs and spices. The ham has several even, thin slices cut from the front, exposing a light pink, juicy inside with a slightly fatty edge. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture, and there are small green herb pieces sprinkled lightly on top. The focus is tight, highlighting the texture and color contrast between the browned crust and the tender inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple garnish can elevate your presentation and add an extra layer of freshness. Try scattering some fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs over the top for a fragrant touch. Thin wedges of orange or lemon on the side add a splash of color and brightness that complements the rich ham brilliantly.

Side Dishes

The Mustard Herb Ham Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. For something a little different, try a tangy cranberry sauce or a warm apple chutney — their sweet and tart flavors play nicely against the savory mustard glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, carve the ham into thick slices and arrange them on a large wooden board surrounded by colorful roasted veggies, fresh fruit, and crusty bread. Or, for a delicious twist, use slices of the ham in sandwiches layered with sharp cheddar and honey mustard mayo — a great way to enjoy leftovers too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your feast is over, wrap up any leftover ham tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Properly stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick meals in the following days.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Mustard Herb Ham Recipe for longer, slice it and freeze in portions separated by wax paper inside freezer bags. This method helps preserve flavor and texture for up to 2 months, giving you delicious ham ready whenever you want.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out the meat, cover slices loosely with foil and warm gently in a low oven or microwave. Adding a splash of broth or water before reheating can keep the ham moist and tender, just like freshly cooked.

FAQs

Can I use a spiral ham for the Mustard Herb Ham Recipe?

Absolutely! Spiral hams work wonderfully as they absorb the glaze well and are easy to slice. Just adjust baking time accordingly, since they’re often pre-sliced and may warm faster.

Is it necessary to cover the ham with foil while baking?

Covering with foil keeps the ham moist and prevents the glaze from burning too quickly during the initial roasting. Removing the foil later allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully.

Can I add other herbs to the mustard glaze?

Definitely! Fresh herbs like sage or parsley can add additional layers of flavor. Just be sure not to overpower the balance of the original herb blend.

How do I know when the ham is fully heated?

Since the ham is already cooked, you’re mainly reheating it. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read about 60–65°C (140–150°F) to ensure it’s warmed through but not overcooked.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

You can prepare the mustard and herb glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it. This can even deepen the flavors, making your Mustard Herb Ham Recipe even more delicious when baked.

Final Thoughts

This Mustard Herb Ham Recipe is a guaranteed hit whether it’s a special holiday, Sunday dinner, or any time you want to treat yourself. The easy prep, aromatic glaze, and tender, juicy meat come together effortlessly for a dish that feels homemade and heartwarming. Give it a try — I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes for sharing good times around the table.

Mustard Herb Ham Recipe

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4.1 from 56 reviews

Author: Chef
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

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Description

A flavorful baked ham coated in a tangy mustard and herb glaze, creating a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. Ideal for holidays or special dinners.

Ingredients

Ham

1 fully cooked ham (about 2–3 kg)

Glaze

1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the ham evenly.
Prepare Ham: Place the fully cooked ham into a roasting pan, ensuring it sits flat and stable for even cooking.
Mix Glaze: In a bowl, thoroughly mix together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, olive oil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and black pepper until well combined.
Apply Glaze: Brush the mustard and herb glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham to ensure flavorful coverage.
Bake Covered: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, basting occasionally with the pan juices or additional glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.
Caramelize Glaze: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze, giving the ham a beautiful golden finish.
Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the ham from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice and serve warm for best taste and texture.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is properly heated through, aiming for an internal temperature of around 60-65°C (140-150°F) since it is fully cooked.
For extra flavor, stud the ham with whole cloves before glazing if desired.
Allow the ham to rest after baking before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American