Sweet Apricot Ham

A delicious ham recipe combines the natural sweetness of apricots with savory spices for a perfect balance of flavors. It's easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering.

★★★★★5(5 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 1 hr 55 min

Total Time 2 hr 5 min

Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/4

1 (8 pound) fully-cooked, bone-in ham ¼ cup whole cloves (Optional) ½ cup apricot preserves 3 tablespoons honey mustard

Why You'll Love Making This

This dish combines the savory richness of ham with the natural sweetness of apricots, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s easy to prepare and makes any meal feel special. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, giving the meat a deliciously sticky finish.

Better Cooking Tips

- Score the surface of the ham to help the glaze soak in better.
- Baste the meat regularly with the apricot sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to the right temperature without drying out.

Step 1

Lightly heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the ham and score the fatty side in a diamond pattern, about an inch apart. If you like, you can tuck whole cloves into the points where the lines cross for extra flavor. Pop the ham into a shallow roasting pan and cover it loosely with foil.

Step 2

Bake the ham for around an hour and a half. While it’s finishing up, warm the apricot preserves in a small saucepan over medium heat until they’re runny. Take it off the heat and stir in the honey mustard to make a tasty glaze.

Step 3

About 10 minutes before your ham is done, brush this glaze all over the surface. Then, put it back in the oven uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes so the glaze can caramelize and turn a nice golden brown.

Step 4

Once it’s out of the oven, let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This gives the juices a chance to settle and keeps the meat nice and juicy.

Serving Options

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to complement the sweet and savory notes. Mashed potatoes or couscous also pair well, soaking up any extra glaze on the plate for added taste.

How To Refrigerate This Dish

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.

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By Lucas Bennett

Food Writer

Lucas creates approachable recipes that balance flavor, simplicity, and reliability.