Copycat Honey Baked Ham

This Copycat Honey Baked Ham recipe takes the holiday ham to new heights. It starts with a spiral ham coated in a mix of butter, Dijon mustard, honey, sugar, and seasonings, then oven-baked until it achieves a sweet crunch with a caramelized coating. It’s easy to make and delivers a juicy, delicious, and impressive centerpiece perfect for any festive gathering.

Making this homemade version of the classic Honey Baked Ham saves you money and is also fun to prepare. Whether for a holiday feast or just a regular dinner, this recipe delivers that sweet, savory flavor everyone loves without needing a trip to the store.

And the best part? You don’t have to wait for a holiday to enjoy it. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners; the leftovers make amazing sandwiches and other dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combo of honey and spices creates a delicious balance that makes every bite irresistible.
• Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients—like honey, butter, and mustard—are pantry staples, making this recipe easy to prepare.
• Easy to Follow: With straightforward instructions, even beginner cooks can nail this recipe.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: This ham looks impressive and tastes amazing, making it perfect for holidays or gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep parts of the ham beforehand, and it reheats beautifully, staying juicy and flavorful.
• No Special Equipment Needed: All you need is a roasting pan—no fancy gadgets are required!
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the spices to suit your taste, whether you like it mild or with a little extra kick.

Ingredients

• Honey: Adds sweetness and creates a sticky glaze.
• Unsalted butter: Helps the glaze stick to the ham and adds richness.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a little tang to balance out the sweetness.
• Onion powder: Adds subtle savory notes.
• Paprika: Adds a mild warmth and color to the glaze.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Brings a hint of holiday flavor and warmth.
• Granulated sugar: Helps form a caramelized crust.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to the glaze.
• Fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (8 to 10 pounds): The star of the show, ready to soak up all those amazing flavors!

How to Make Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Follow along to learn how to make copycat honey baked ham!

• Step One: Preheat the oven to 325℉. Place the ham in a large baking dish.
• Step Two: Melt the butter in a small bowl. Whisk in the honey and Dijon mustard until combined.
• Step Three: Coat the ham in the honey-butter mixture.
• Step Four: In another bowl, stir the onion powder, paprika, pumpkin pie spice, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
• Step Five: Using your hands, coat the outside of the hame with about half of the sugar mixture.

• Step Six: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours or until the ham’s internal temperature reaches 130℉.
• Step Seven: Remove the ham from the oven and carefully coat the ham with the rest of the sugar using a spoon.
• Step Eight: Turn the oven up to 425℉ and return the ham to the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, enough time for the sugars to caramelize.
• Step Nine: Slice and serve hot.

What to Serve with It

• Macaroni and Cheese – Try our Crockpot Mac and Cheese.
• Cornbread Pudding
• Green Beans Almondine
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Roasted Vegetables
• Fruit Salad
• Dinner Rolls – Try our Cafeteria Rolls.

Variations and Substitutions

• Sweeteners: Swap the honey for maple syrup if you want a different sweetness.
• Cooking Method: For an even more tender ham, try using a slow cooker instead of the oven—it frees up oven space!
• Herbs: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Wrap the ham tightly in foil, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the ham in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container, and label it with the date. It’ll stay good for up to 6 months.
• Thawing Instructions: When you’re ready to eat, thaw the ham in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, submerge it in cold water, changing it every 30 minutes until thawed.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Get the Glaze Between the Slices: Work the glaze into all the slices for maximum flavor.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F and is heated through without drying out.
• Let It Rest: After baking, let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside, making each slice extra juicy.

How Much Ham Per Person?

Plan for about ½ to 1 pound of ham per person, depending on how much you want for leftovers. For holiday gatherings, leaning towards 1 pound per person ensures everyone gets enough, with some leftovers for sandwiches or other meals.

What Internal Temperature Should Ham Be?

The USDA recommends heating fully cooked ham to 140°F for safety. If your ham is uncooked or partially cooked, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F. Always use a meat thermometer to check, and insert it into the thickest part of the ham, being careful to avoid the bone if it’s present.

Crockpot Instructions

Making this copycat Honey Baked Ham in a crockpot is easy and frees up your oven for other dishes. Set your crockpot to low and cook the ham for 4 to 6 hours. You’ll have a tender, flavorful ham perfect for any occasion.

Ham Recipes

• Christmas Ham
• Crockpot Pineapple Ham Balls
• Crockpot Ham and Bean Soup