Honey Baked Ham Copycat Recipe: Make It Better at Home
There’s something unforgettable about the sweet, crispy glaze on a Honey Baked Ham. It’s festive, flavorful, and for many families, a holiday tradition.
But here’s the secret: you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. You can make an even better version at home—without sacrificing taste or texture.
This copycat recipe delivers the same mouthwatering experience as the store-bought version, with a few improvements you’ll appreciate: more control over ingredients, a fresher flavor, and a crispy glaze that cracks just right.
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Why Make Honey Baked Ham at Home?
1. It's More Affordable
Buying a Honey Baked Ham from the store can cost upwards of $80. Making your own costs a fraction of that—and you’ll likely end up with more ham, too.
2. No Waiting in Line
Skip the crowded store during the holidays. You’ll save time and avoid the hassle by preparing everything in your kitchen.
3. You Control the Ingredients
Want less salt? A touch more spice? Using organic or nitrate-free ham? You’re in charge, and that’s a win.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s talk ingredients. This recipe is straightforward and uses items you probably already have.
Main Ingredients:
1 fully cooked bone-in spiral ham (7 to 10 pounds)
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon paprika
Pinch of ground ginger (optional)
½ cup water or orange juice
1–2 fresh oranges, sliced into thin rounds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ham
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Pour ½ cup of water or orange juice into the bottom of the pan. Then, arrange the orange slices around the ham—on the bottom and lightly on top—so they infuse flavor as the ham heats.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 60–90 minutes, or until warmed through (roughly 10–12 minutes per pound).
Tip: If your ham comes with a plastic disk covering the bone, remove it before baking.
Step 2: Make the Signature Glaze
While the ham warms, combine the following in a saucepan:
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
Spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, paprika, ginger)
Stir over medium-low heat for a few minutes until it’s well blended and fragrant. It should look sandy and dry—don’t add liquid yet.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Apply the Glaze
Take the ham out of the oven and remove the orange slices from the top (you can keep them in the pan for presentation or discard). Pat the surface of the ham dry with paper towels.
Sprinkle half of the dry glaze mixture over the surface of the ham. Press it in gently so it sticks.
Return the ham to the oven uncovered, and bake for 10 more minutes.
Step 4: Caramelize the Glaze
While the ham is back in the oven, combine the remaining dry mixture with:
2 tablespoons of honey
A few teaspoons of water
Heat the mixture gently until it becomes a syrup.
Take the ham out again and brush this syrupy glaze over the surface. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize it for that classic crispy texture, or place it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
The glaze should bubble and form a shiny, golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and makes slicing easier.
Serve the ham with the baked orange slices for a citrusy accent on the plate. Pair it with your favorite sides like:
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Mac and cheese
Fresh rolls
And don’t forget: leftover ham is perfect for sandwiches, omelets, soups, and casseroles.
Tips to Make It Even Better
1. Use a Bone-In Ham
It adds flavor and moisture. Plus, you can use the bone later to make a rich ham stock.
2. Don’t Overbake
Remember, the ham is already cooked. You’re just reheating it and adding the glaze. Overbaking will dry it out.
3. Add Orange Zest or Juice to the Glaze
If you love citrus, boost it further by adding a teaspoon of orange zest or a splash of fresh orange juice into the glaze mix.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
To reheat without drying out, cover slices with a damp paper towel and microwave gently, or warm them in foil in the oven.
Making a Honey Baked Ham at home isn’t just possible—it’s better. You get a crispy, sweet glaze, tender meat, and the extra aroma from fresh oranges that elevates the entire dish. Whether it’s a holiday centerpiece or a Sunday dinner, this recipe is easy, delicious, and unforgettable.
Try it once, and you might never go back to store-bought again.
Enjoy Watching This Video with a Similar Recipe
Source: Smokin' & Grillin with AB
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