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Baked Honey Ham Bites – Simple Spiral Ham Appetizer Idea Thumbnail

Baked Honey Ham Bites

Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Bites are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness. Tender cubes of cooked ham are coated in a rich glaze made with brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of tang, then baked until caramelized and irresistible. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and packed with bold flavor, making them ideal for holidays, parties, or casual gatherings. Serve them warm with toothpicks for effortless snacking. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or using up leftover ham, these ham bites are guaranteed to disappear fast.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • 16 oz fully cooked ham cut into bite-size cubes
  • ½ cup brown sugar firmly packed
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional, but recommended for warmth
  • Toothpicks or short skewers for serving

Method
 

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper to keep cleanup stress-free.
    2. Add the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon to a small saucepan.
      3. Place the pan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar melts and the glaze becomes silky and well blended.
        4. Take the saucepan off the heat once the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
          5. Drop the ham cubes into the warm glaze and gently fold until every piece is evenly coated.
            6. Spread the glazed ham cubes onto the prepared baking sheet, keeping them in a single layer so they roast evenly.
              7. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, just until the glaze bubbles and starts to caramelize around the edges. Keep an eye on them—sugar can go from golden to burnt fast.
                8. Remove from the oven and let the ham bites rest for a few minutes.
                  9. Skewer each piece with a toothpick or mini skewer.
                    10. Serve warm and watch them disappear.

                      Notes

                      Elevating Your Ham Bites: Flavor Ideas & Variations

                      Sweet Meets Savory (With a Twist)

                      Brown sugar and honey create a classic sweet coating that balances salty ham beautifully—but you’ve got options.
                      Try crushed red pepper flakes for heat, smoked paprika for deeper smokiness, or a splash of citrus juice to brighten the glaze.

                      Switching Up the Ham

                      Standard cooked ham works great, but experimenting can be fun.
                      Black Forest ham adds bold smokiness, Virginia ham brings extra saltiness, and prosciutto can be wrapped around fruit for a more upscale spin.

                      Custom Glazes for Any Mood

                      Swap honey for maple syrup if you want a richer flavor.
                      Add bourbon for warmth, ginger for zing, or chili garlic sauce when you want serious heat.

                      Serving & Presentation Ideas

                      Made for Parties

                      These ham bites are perfect finger food—easy to grab, easy to eat, and big on flavor. Serve them skewered and warm on a platter so guests can snack without slowing down.

                      Simple Ways to Dress Them Up

                      Finish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. A light drizzle of honey, balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds instant polish.

                      What to Serve Alongside

                      Pair with cheese boards, crackers, fruit salads, deviled eggs, or mini quiches for a well-rounded spread.

                      Prep Tips & Storage

                      Picking the Best Ham

                      Choose ham that looks firm and evenly colored. Skip anything slimy or overly wet. Buying a larger ham and cubing it yourself often gives better texture and freshness.

                      Make-Ahead Friendly

                      The glaze can be prepared up to one week in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before tossing with the ham.

                      Storing & Reheating Leftovers

                      Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes or microwave carefully to avoid drying them out.

                      Frequently Asked Questions

                      Can I use a different sweetener?
                       Yes. Maple syrup, agave, or sugar alternatives will work, though the flavor will change slightly.
                      How do I keep the ham juicy?
                       A generous glaze helps. Adding a splash of water or broth to the pan can also create steam while baking.
                      Can this be made in a slow cooker?
                       Absolutely. Add ham and glaze to the slow cooker and heat on low for 2–3 hours until warm and sticky.
                      How long will leftovers keep?
                       Up to 3 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.
                      Best dipping sauces?
                       Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, or sweet chili sauce all pair beautifully.

                      Final Thoughts

                      These brown sugar honey glazed ham bites are proof that simple ingredients can deliver huge flavor. They’re sweet, savory, easy to prep, and endlessly customizable—perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime snacking. Once you make them, don’t be surprised if they become a repeat request.