Who says holiday ham has to hog the oven all day? We’ll show you how to cook a juicy, honey-glazed ham in under 20 minutes—no oven babysitting required.
Yes, your microwave can transform that pre-cooked ham into a sticky-sweet masterpiece. Even better? No frantic scrubbing of roasting pans afterward.
Below, we’ll break down everything from choosing the right ham to stopping that mysterious “pop” sound microwaved ham loves to make. Grab your microwave-safe dish—let’s get glazing.
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Microwave Honey Glazed Ham
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American4
5
minutes10
minutes250
kcal20
minutesCooking ham in the microwave is a great option for those looking for speed and efficiency without sacrificing flavor. This recipe delivers superb taste in a fraction of the time it takes to bake traditionally, with the added benefit of a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the microwave.
Ingredients
cooked ham about 2-3 pounds
honey
brown sugar
Dijon mustard
ground cloves
black pepper
. for steaming
Directions
- Place the ham in a microwave-safe dish and score the surface in a diamond pattern, adding decorative appeal while allowing the glaze to seep in.
- In a bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and black pepper, mixing well to create a glaze.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring it is well coated.
- Add a few tablespoons of water to the bottom of the dish to create steam.
- Cover the ham loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a lid to retain moisture, ensuring it isn't tightly sealed.
- Microwave on medium power for about 10 minutes, checking for doneness halfway through.
- Allow the ham to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, then uncover and serve the glazed ham, drizzled with any leftover juices from the dish..
Notes
- To prevent oversplashing and to ensure even heating, make sure to use a deep dish for cooking the ham. The cooking time may vary based on the size of the ham and your microwave's wattage, so adjust as necessary. Always check the internal temperature of the ham, which should reach at least 140°F for serving. This method not only cooks the ham quickly but also helps retain its juiciness, giving you flavorful results.
Can You Microwave Ham?
Absolutely—we’ve zapped more holiday hams than we can count. Pre-cooked hams (like spiral-cut or boneless varieties) microwave beautifully, reheating evenly while staying juicy. Just avoid microwaving raw, uncured ham—it needs longer, controlled heat to cook safely.
Last Christmas, my sister Candice forgot to thaw her 5-lb smoked ham. Panic ensued… until we microwaved it covered in broth for 12 minutes. Her school potluck crew devoured it, oblivious to our kitchen scramble. Moral? Your microwave is a ham hero.
What Does Microwave Honey Glazed Ham Taste Like?
Imagine tender, salty-sweet meat with sticky caramelized edges—no oven required. Microwaving locks in moisture better than dry heat, giving ham an almost velvety texture. Our kids Sarah and Timmy swear microwaved glaze tastes “like candy meat,” which we’ll take as high praise. Interestingly, there are many foods that actually taste better when microwaved instead of baked, offering a unique twist on your usual recipes. In fact, some might even argue that microwaved ham is just one of the many dishes that benefit from this quick cooking method.
While you won’t get smoky charred bits, the honey glaze bubbles into a glossy coat under microwave radiation. Pro tip: Brushing on extra glaze post-cooking amps up that lacquered finish. Microwaving honey can effectively soften it for smoother application. This method allows for uniform heating, making it easy to work with in recipes.
Ingredients for Microwave Honey Glazed Ham
You’ll need just five items to create this sticky-sweet miracle. Pre-cooked ham (bone-in or boneless) is non-negotiable—raw hams belong in ovens. Our go-to glaze combines honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for tangy balance. Just like our quick microwave honey glazed nuts, this glaze adds a perfect sweet and tangy touch.
- 1.5-2 lbs pre-cooked ham
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple juice or broth
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Honey Glaze Alternatives and Substitutes
Allergic to honey? We’ve got you. Maple syrup or brown sugar mixed with orange juice creates a rich, caramel-like coating. For a spicy kick, swap Dijon for sriracha—our neighbor Dave calls it “ham with a PhD in flavor.” If you’re looking for a unique twist, try making microwave sriracha honey nuts. The combination of sweet honey and spicy sriracha creates a delightful snack that’s easy to prepare in minutes.
Vegan friends? Agave nectar and smoked paprika mimic honey’s sweetness without bees. Just avoid corn syrup—it turns rubbery under microwave heat. Trust us, we learned that the sticky way. For a delicious vegan treat, consider making microwave agar agar vegan jellies, which set quickly and are a fun way to experiment with flavors.
Also See: Acorn Squash Recipe in Microwave – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More
How to Cook Ham in the Microwave: Step-by-step
Grab your microwave-safe dish and follow our 6-minute glaze strategy. Yes, you read that right—this isn’t a drill. Be cautious with ceramic glazes, as some may contain lead which can leach into food during microwaving. Proper knowledge of ceramic glazes is crucial to avoid potential lead contamination risks in your microwave meals.
Preparing Pre-cooked Ham
- Place ham in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2 tbsp liquid (juice/broth) to prevent Sahara-level dryness.
- Cover with vented microwave lid or paper towel. Microwave on HIGH 3 minutes per pound.
- Mix glaze ingredients. Brush half over ham. Microwave uncovered 2 minutes.
- Brush remaining glaze. Rest 5 minutes—this lets juices redistribute.
Adjusting for Spiral-cut or Ham Steaks
Spiral hams dry faster than desert air. Wrap slices in damp paper towels before microwaving—they’ll steam gently instead of toughening. For 1-inch thick steaks, reduce time to 90 seconds per side. Our golden rule? Check internal temp early and often—140°F is your target. If you find yourself with a frozen steak, the microwave can quickly defrost it. Knowing how to defrost steak in the microwave ensures a tender, evenly cooked meal without the wait.
Also See: Microwave Lava Cake Recipe – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More
How Long to Microwave Ham
Timing depends on your microwave’s wattage and ham’s thickness. Our 3-minute per pound rule works for most 1000W models. When in doubt, undercook—you can always add 30 seconds. Similarly, knowing how to properly microwave hash browns can make a big difference in achieving that perfect crispiness without overcooking. A quick guide on microwaving hash browns can help you serve a delicious and satisfying dish in no time.
Timing Based on Weight and Type
| Ham Type | Weight | Microwave Time |
|---|---|---|
| Spiral-Cut | 1.5 lbs | 4-5 minutes |
| Boneless | 2 lbs | 6 minutes |
| Ham Steak | 1 lb | 3 minutes |
Always let ham rest 5 minutes post-zapping. Those juices need time to settle—imagine them putting their feet up after a sprint. If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy ham, consider a 2 minute microwave ham cheese breakfast mug. It’s a convenient option that combines the savory flavors of ham and cheese, perfect for busy mornings.
Now, about that mysterious popping noise your ham makes…
Why Does Ham Pop in the Microwave?
That startling “pop” is basically your ham throwing a tiny steam party. Moisture trapped in the meat turns to vapor, building pressure until it bursts through fat pockets or muscle fibers. Think of it as nature’s way of saying “check my temp!” If you’ve ever faced frustration with frozen sausage, using a microwave to defrost it can be a quick solution. Just remember to check the sausage regularly to avoid any unexpected pops!
Last Easter, our spiral-cut ham sounded like a popcorn machine. Turns out, we’d sealed the microwave lid too tightly. Now, we always leave a venting corner or use a paper towel with one edge folded up. Pro tip: Pricking the ham’s surface with a fork pre-cooking lets steam escape politely—no fireworks.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
We’ve all turned ham into jerky once. Here’s how to dodge the classics:
Preventing Dryness or Overheating
- Overcooking: Microwaves vary—start with 2 minutes per pound, then check every 30 seconds. Ham should hit 140°F, not 160°F.
- No liquid base: Always add broth, juice, or water to the dish. Our ¼ cup apple juice trick keeps meat supple.
- High power only: For hams over 2 lbs, use 50% power after the first 5 minutes. Slow and steady wins the juiciness race.
If your ham still feels Sahara-dry, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave 15 seconds. We’ve resurrected many a leftovers this way! This simple technique can also bring stale bread back to life. By wrapping the bread in a wet paper towel and microwaving it for just 30 seconds, you can enjoy fresh-tasting bread again.
How to Store and Reheat Microwave Ham
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container—they’ll stay fresh 3-4 days. Freezing? Wrap slices in foil, then bag. They’ll keep 2 months without turning into icy bricks.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Fridge (sliced) | 3-4 days |
| Freezer (whole) | 1-2 months |
Reheating is a breeze: Place ham in a microwave-safe dish with 1 tbsp water. Cover, microwave 60 seconds per slice. Our kids beg for “ham confetti” (diced ham) in scrambled eggs—just 45 seconds on HIGH.
Ready to jazz up your glaze game? Let’s swirl in some bourbon or pineapple…
Now It’s Your Turn to Microwave Ham!
We’ve covered everything from selecting the right cut to troubleshooting those mysterious pops—your microwave ham adventure starts here. Whether you’re glazing a spiral-cut beauty or reheating leftovers, this method delivers juicy results in minutes.
Got questions or a killer glaze variation? Share your ham experiments with us! Just remember: cover that dish, rotate halfway, and let it rest before slicing for maximum succulence.
