Copycat Honey Baked Ham Recipe (Perfect for Christmas & Beyond!)

 Copycat Honey Baked Ham Recipe (Perfect for Christmas & Beyond!)

There’s nothing quite like the rich, caramelized glaze of a Honey Baked Ham gracing your holiday table. Tender, juicy, and infused with the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this copycat recipe captures all the magic of the original—right in your own kitchen. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this ham will quickly become the centerpiece of your celebration.

Why is it so irresistible? Think crispy, crackly glaze layered over smoky spiral-sliced ham, with hints of honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pineapple juice. The result is an unforgettable bite that’s as elegant as it is easy to prepare.

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⭐ Why You'll Love This Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Budget-friendly: Skip the expensive store-bought version and make it better at home!

Foolproof: Simple ingredients, no special equipment, huge payoff.

Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for stress-free holiday prep.

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🛒 Ingredients & Their Purpose

Here’s what you’ll need—and why each ingredient matters:

1 (8 to 10 lb) spiral-sliced bone-in ham

The star of the show. Spiral-sliced hams soak up the glaze beautifully and are easy to serve.

1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

Adds deep molasses-like sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize.

½ cup honey

The essential element for that signature sticky glaze and natural floral sweetness.

¼ cup pineapple juice

A splash of acidity that balances the sweetness and enhances the ham’s flavor.

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Offers a subtle tang and depth of flavor.

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Warms up the flavor profile with holiday spice notes.

¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

For a more traditional touch of aromatic spice.

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Adds a mild savory undertone.

1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

Helps thicken the glaze to a luscious, clingy consistency.

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🍴 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Honey Baked Ham

🔥 1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Spray a large roasting pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with foil for easy cleanup.

Place the spiral-sliced ham cut-side down in the pan. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying.

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🕒 2. Bake the Ham

Bake for 10–12 minutes per pound (about 1.5 to 2 hours total), until heated through (internal temp should reach 140°F / 60°C).

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🍯 3. Make the Glaze

While the ham is baking:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and garlic powder.

2. Stir until smooth and bring to a low simmer.

3. Mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, then whisk it into the glaze.

4. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened.

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🖌️ 4. Glaze the Ham

Remove the foil from the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Brush half the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get it between the slices.

Return to oven uncovered for 15 minutes.

Repeat with the remaining glaze and bake for another 15 minutes, until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.

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🔪 5. Serve & Enjoy

Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to lock in juices. Slice and drizzle with any pan drippings or leftover glaze.

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💡 Pro Tips for the Best Honey Baked Ham

Use a spiral-cut ham for best results—the glaze penetrates every bite.

Don’t skip the pineapple juice—its acidity cuts through the sweetness for perfect balance.

If the glaze isn’t caramelizing, give it a quick blast under the broiler for 2–3 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).

Save the bone for soups or beans—it’s packed with flavor.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Round out your festive meal with these classic sides:

Creamy mashed potatoes

Roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots

Soft dinner rolls or buttery cornbread

Cranberry sauce for a tangy contrast

Deviled eggs or green bean casserole for a retro twist

Add a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling apple cider for the perfect pairing.

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🎉 Why This Recipe is a Holiday Favorite

This homemade Honey Baked Ham captures all the indulgence of the store-bought version—without the hefty price tag. It’s easy, stress-free, and delivers big on flavor. Plus, it feeds a crowd and yields plenty of leftovers for sandwiches, omelets, and casseroles.

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🏆 Conclusion: The Ultimate Holiday Ham, Made Simple

This Copycat Honey Baked Ham is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky, with a rich glaze that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s stunning enough for the holidays, yet simple enough to make anytime you want to impress.

With easy-to-find ingredients, straightforward steps, and pro tips for perfection, this is the only ham recipe you’ll ever need.

👉 Try it once, and it’s guaranteed to become a beloved tradition at your table.

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Ready to make holiday magic? Save or print this recipe an

d enjoy a stress-free, flavor-packed feast your guests will rave about.

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