The Ultimate Honey Glazed Ham Skewers: A Sweet and Savory Crowd-Pleaser

Honey glazed ham skewers are the quintessential party appetizer, offering a sophisticated blend of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors in a convenient, handheld format. Whether you are hosting a festive holiday gathering, a casual backyard barbecue, or looking for a creative way to repurpose leftover holiday ham, these skewers deliver a gourmet experience with minimal effort. The beauty of this dish lies in the caramelization of the honey glaze against the savory protein, often brightened by the addition of charred pineapple or crisp bell peppers. By elevating simple ingredients through high-heat roasting or grilling, you transform standard deli or spiral ham into a centerpiece-worthy snack that appeals to both children and adults alike.

The Essential Ingredients

To create the perfect balance of flavors and textures, gather the following ingredients:

• Ham: 1.5 lbs of thick-cut smoked ham (pre-cooked), cut into 1-inch cubes.

• Pineapple: 2 cups of fresh pineapple chunks (canned works in a pinch, but fresh holds up better on the heat).

• Red Onion: 1 large onion, cut into 1-inch wedges.

• Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1-inch squares.

• Honey: 1/2 cup of high-quality clover or wildflower honey.

• Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons for a tangy kick.

• Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons to enhance the crust and caramelization.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon to balance the sweetness.

• Spices: 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a pinch of ground cloves.

• Skewers: Bamboo or metal skewers (soak bamboo in water for 30 minutes prior to use).

Step-by-Step Preparation and Cooking

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground cloves. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the ingredients onto the skewers in a repeating pattern. Start with a piece of ham, followed by a bell pepper square, a pineapple chunk, and a red onion wedge. Repeat until the skewer is full, leaving enough room at the bottom for a handle.

3. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using an oven, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

4. The First Baste: Using a pastry brush, generously coat all sides of the assembled skewers with the honey glaze. Save about one-third of the glaze for a final finish.

5. Cook to Perfection: * Grilling: Place skewers on the grates and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the ham is heated through and the vegetables show light char marks.

   • Baking: Place skewers on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 12–15 minutes. For extra caramelization, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes.

6. Final Touch: Once removed from the heat, brush the skewers with the remaining glaze while they are still hot. Allow them to rest for 3 minutes before serving to let the glaze set into a sticky, delicious coating.

Tips for Flavor Variations and Customization

While the classic honey-mustard profile is a timeless favorite, these skewers are incredibly versatile. For those who prefer a spicy element, consider adding a teaspoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze to create a “hot honey” effect. If you want a more tropical flair, swap the apple cider vinegar for lime juice and add a sprinkle of shredded coconut over the skewers immediately after the final basting.

The choice of ham also dictates the final texture. Using a thick-cut Black Forest ham provides a deeper, earthier saltiness, while a honey-cured spiral ham will emphasize the sweetness. If you are looking to make the dish more substantial for a main course, you can interleave cubes of precooked sweet potato or zucchini between the ham and pineapple. For the best visual appeal, ensure your vegetable cuts are uniform in size to the ham cubes; this ensures even cooking and a professional, tiered look on the platter.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Presentation is key when serving honey glazed ham skewers. Arrange them on a wooden board or a white ceramic platter, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or scallions for a pop of color. To turn this appetizer into a full meal, serve the skewers over a bed of coconut lime rice or a light quinoa salad. The acidity in a citrus-based coleslaw also provides an excellent structural contrast to the rich, sugary glaze of the ham.

When it comes to beverages, these skewers pair beautifully with drinks that have high acidity or effervescence. A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling cuts through the sweetness of the honey, while a hard apple cider complements the smoky notes of the ham. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling ginger lemonade or an iced hibiscus tea offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Storage and Reheating for Best Quality

If you find yourself with leftovers, these skewers store remarkably well. Remove the ingredients from the sticks and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the integrity of the glaze when reheating, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the ham rubbery. Instead, place the ham and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or pineapple juice, covering the pan to trap steam until warmed through.

For those who like to plan ahead, you can assemble the raw skewers and prepare the glaze up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and simply glaze and grill when your guests arrive. This make-ahead capability makes honey glazed ham skewers one of the most stress-free options for holiday entertaining, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your guests.