Honey Baked Ham (Copycat Recipe)

Honey Baked Ham is a holiday tradition everyone looks forward to! Sweet and smoky with succulent spices, this copycat recipe tastes just like the original Honey Baked Spiral Ham.

Honey Baked Ham

Honey Baked Ham was a centerpiece at many Christmas Eve and Easter dinners growing up. Our parents often purchased it at one of our favorite places, the Honey Baked Ham store. What we didn’t realize at the time was how expensive that ham could be. Now that we’re in charge of our own Christmas Eve and Easter dinners, we’ve found a way to make that sweet, sugary Honey Baked Ham at home. The price is right, and baking it in our own kitchen makes our house smell absolutely divine!

How Much Does a Honey Baked Ham Cost?

Buying a ham from the Honey Baked Ham store can cost well over $100! Sure, they’re tasty but you can make the same delicious baked ham at home for a fraction of the cost. A similar sized ham from the grocery store will cost you less than $30, and the ingredients for the rich, sweet honey glaze are pantry staples you probably already have! Save that money AND make your house smell yummy all at the same time.

How to Glaze Honey Baked Ham

I actually love the process of glazing this Honey Baked Ham. The rich sauce is easy to make and I love how it seeps into the crevices of the ham and creates a slightly crispy golden crust. Here’s what you do:

1. Combine butter, brown sugar, honey and all the delicious spices into a saucepan.
2. Bring the whole thing to a boil, just until the sugar dissolves.
3. Using a basting brush, spread most of the decadent sauce all over the ham, making sure to brush inside each slice.
4. Then, baste the ham once more about halfway through the baking time.
5. Finally, broil the top of the ham in the oven at the end so the sauce caramelizes and bubbles. It’s SO delicious!

How to Cook Honey Baked Ham in the Oven

Baking a ham is the best way to get that perfect caramelized crust while keeping the ham plump and juicy. Check out the recipe card below for all the details. But the trick here is low and slow. Since ham comes precooked, all you really need to do is warm it through and allow the honey and brown sugar mixture to coat the meat thoroughly. It’s a lengthy process, but one heavenly slice of ham is worth all that patience.

Tips for Cooking Honey Baked Ham

Don’t be intimidated by cooking a ham. It’s really very simple. But here are a few tips to making the best Christmas ham ever!

• Line your roasting pan with foil. That glorious honey and brown sugar mixture is delicious but it makes a sticky mess! Save yourself some clean-up time and line the pan. Then all you have to do is toss it afterward!
• Use a heavy duty roasting pan if you can. We love the Magnalite Roasting Pan.
• Baste your ham with the honey mixture halfway through the baking process.
• When basting, use a silicone basting brush. The honey mixture is sticky and you don’t want little hair fibers getting into your baste.
• To give your ham that golden, caramel crust, put the ham under the broiler for a few minutes at the end.
  • Make sure to let the ham rest about five minutes or so before slicing and serving.

How to Cook Honey Baked Ham in the Crock Pot

If you want to go for the ease of cooking your ham in the crock pot you can! Just make sure to line your crock pot because it’ll get messy with all that delicious sauce. Cook on low for 5-6 hours and then pop it in the oven under the broiler to crisp up the top. Try our Slow Cooker Ham with Maple and Brown Sugar too. It’s so delicious!

How Long Does Honey Baked Ham Last in the Fridge?

An uncooked ham can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to seven days. After it’s been baked, you can store leftovers for up to a week. Wrap the ham well in plastic wrap, in a resealable bag, or in an airtight container. If you know you won’t use you leftovers that quickly, consider freezing them for later use in casseroles or soups.

Can Cooked Ham Be Frozen?

Absolutely! Freeze any leftover ham in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to four months. It will still be safe to eat after that time, but may not taste as good.To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator completely, then microwave or put in the oven, covered, for about 30 minutes.

Leftover Honey Baked Ham Recipes

Ham leftovers make some of our favorite meals! Try it in a few of these delicious dishes:

• Slow Cooker Au Gratin Potatoes and Ham
• Apple Ham and Cheddar Melt Sandwiches
• Homemade Macaroni and Cheese with Ham and Peas
• Restaurant Ham Fried Rice

What Sides Go Well With Honey Baked Ham?

This ham is so delicious and versatile, the possibilities of what to serve alongside a thick slice are endless! But here are a few tried and true combinations we love:

• Funeral Potatoes
• Twice Baked Potatoes
• Parmesan Baked Potato Halves
• Parmesan Garlic Grilled Potatoes
• Corn
• Scalloped Potatoes
• Creamy Potatoes and Peas
• Christmas Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

How to Make Honey Baked Ham (Copycat Recipe)