Honey Baked Ham Recipe
Tender, juicy, and perfectly caramelized, this Copycat HoneyBaked Ham recipe brings all the flavors of the iconic holiday classic to your kitchen. Elevate your festive table with a sweet and spiced glaze that’s irresistibly crisp.
No need to wait in line or overspend—this homemade version combines slow-cooked tenderness with a crackling sugar crust, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Key Ingredients for a Perfect HoneyBaked Ham
- Bone-in spiral-sliced ham (8 lbs) – The centerpiece of this recipe, its natural juices pair beautifully with the glaze.
- Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups) – Forms the caramelized crust for a signature HoneyBaked finish.
- Honey (3 Tbsp) – Adds a touch of floral sweetness, enhancing the ham’s flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (½ tsp) – Offers warmth and spice for a festive touch.
- Ground cloves (¼ tsp) – Provides depth with a slightly smoky, aromatic profile.
- Nutmeg (½ tsp) – Adds a subtle nutty, earthy note to the glaze.
- Paprika (¼ tsp) – Introduces a mild, smoky flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Seasoned salt (½ tsp) – Elevates the ham’s natural flavors.
- Melted butter (2 Tbsp) – Creates a rich base for the honey rub.
- Ground ginger (¼ tsp) – Lends a hint of spice and zest to the glaze.
- Allspice (pinch) – Complements the sweetness with its warm, complex flavor.
- Onion powder (½ tsp) – A subtle savory addition that enhances the overall taste.
Steps to Create Your HoneyBaked Ham
- Prep the Ham: Place the ham in a slow cooker, trimming if needed. Mix melted butter and honey, then coat the ham thoroughly, ensuring the mixture reaches between slices. Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
- Make the Glaze: Combine sugar and spices in a bowl. Preheat the broiler and line a roasting pan with foil.
- Caramelize the First Layer: Spread half the sugar mixture on the ham and broil until bubbly and crisp.
- Prepare the Glaze Sauce: Simmer the remaining sugar mix with water or ham juices, boil briefly, and brush it over the ham.
- Final Broil: Broil again for 1–2 minutes to achieve a golden, crunchy glaze.
- Rest and Serve: Let the ham rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving warm or chilled.
Pro Tips for HoneyBaked Perfection
- Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a spiral-sliced ham to make serving easier and ensure the glaze soaks into every slice.
- Customize the Glaze: Add a splash of bourbon or orange juice for an extra layer of flavor.
- Control the Broil: Keep a close eye to avoid burning the sugar crust. Adjust the broiling time as needed based on your oven.
Storing Your Leftover Ham
To keep leftovers fresh, wrap the ham tightly in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a single layer before transferring them to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven at 275°F, covered with foil, or enjoy cold in sandwiches and salads.
Enjoy this Copycat HoneyBaked Ham recipe as the star of your holiday feast, creating delicious memories with every bite!
Honey Baked Ham Recipe
Save money during the holiday season by preparing your own delicious Honey Baked Ham at home! This recipe features a perfectly spiced, caramelized sugar glaze that mimics the beloved original.
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Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
- 2 Tbsp butter melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Pinch of allspice
- 3 Tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 8 lb bone-in spiral sliced half ham
Instructions
- Trim the ham if necessary and position it in a slow cooker. Mix the melted butter and honey together, then rub the mixture over the surface of the ham, working some between the slices. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 4–5 hours.
- As the cooking time concludes, preheat the broiler to HIGH and line a roasting pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, seasoned salt, onion powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, paprika, and allspice. Spread half of this sugar mixture evenly over the top of the ham.
- Broil the ham for several minutes until the sugar glaze bubbles and becomes caramelized. Remove from the oven.
- Transfer the remaining sugar mixture to a small saucepan. Add 3 tablespoons of either water or ham juices from the slow cooker (a mix of water/ham juice and bourbon also works well). Stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for approximately one minute before removing from heat.
- Brush or pour the prepared glaze over the ham, then broil once more for 1–2 minutes, ensuring it does not burn. Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm or chilled, and enjoy!