Glazed Ham Slices
Thick-cut ham slices pan-seared and finished with a sticky-sweet brown sugar and honey glaze. The edges caramelize beautifully while the center stays tender and juicy. A quick, impressive main dish ready in under 15 minutes that tastes like a holiday centerpiece any night of the week.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Pat the ham slices dry.
Use paper towels to pat both sides of each ham steak until completely dry. This helps achieve a good sear. Score the fat edge on each slice with shallow cuts every inch to prevent curling.
- mix · ~1 min
Mix the glaze.
In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, clove, and black pepper until smooth.
- fry · ~4 min
Sear the ham slices.
1.Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foaming subsides.2.Place ham slices in a single layer and sear 2 minutes on the first side until golden.3.Flip and sear 1 minute on the second side.4.Reduce heat to medium-low.TIPDon't crowd the pan — cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding steams the ham instead of searing it. - simmer · ~2 min
Glaze the ham.
1.Pour the glaze mixture evenly over the ham slices in the pan.2.Let it bubble gently for 1 minute, spooning the glaze over the top of each slice.3.Flip each slice and cook another 1 minute until the glaze thickens and coats both sides.4.Watch closely — sugar-based glazes can burn quickly.TIPThe glaze is ready when it looks sticky and coats the back of a spoon. It will thicken further as it cools. - rest · ~2 min
Rest and serve.
Transfer glazed ham slices to a serving plate. Spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
TIPResting lets the glaze set into a beautiful shiny coating and keeps the ham juicy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the ham steaks bone-dry with paper towels before searing to ensure a deep golden crust.
- 2Score the fat edge every inch to stop the ham slices from curling up in the hot pan.
- 3Use a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet and don't crowd the pan — cook in batches if needed.
- 4Watch the glaze closely once it hits the pan: sugar burns fast, so keep the heat medium-low after adding it.
- 5Let the ham rest for 2 minutes after glazing so the coating sets into a shiny, sticky finish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy-maple
Replace honey with maple syrup and add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or chipotle powder for a sweet-heat twist that pairs beautifully with the smoky ham.
low sugarLow-sugar
Swap brown sugar for 2 tablespoons of allulose or monk fruit sweetener and use just 1 tablespoon honey — the glaze will still set but with fewer carbs.
pineapple glazedPineapple-glazed
Replace the apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of pineapple juice and add a splash of soy sauce for a sweet-savory tropical version.
smoky bourbonSmoky-bourbon
Add 1 tablespoon bourbon and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to the glaze for a Southern-inspired depth of flavor that complements the ham’s saltiness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High-Quality Protein
Ham steak provides a generous dose of complete protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Rich in B Vitamins
Ham is a good source of B12, B6, and niacin, supporting energy metabolism and nervous system health.
Mineral Boost
Ham supplies zinc, phosphorus, and selenium — minerals crucial for immune function and bone health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Slice leftover bone-in ham into 1-inch-thick pieces and pat dry before searing — adjust cook time slightly as leftover ham may be thinner.
