The Best Honey Baked Ham Company Copycat Recipe

Honey Baked Ham is a holiday favorite with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spiced flavors. Its tender bone-in honey baked ham meat and caramelized glaze make it a show-stopping dish for any special occasion or family dinner. With its sweet, crunchy glaze, this dish is a classic that is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or tackling Honey Baked Ham for the first time, this recipe will help you bake the most delicious and tender ham. Serve it with your favorite side dishes like green bean casserole and mini southern-style buttermilk biscuits. You can even use the ham to make tasty sandwiches on King's Hawaiian Rolls. This recipe will surely become a tradition at your holiday table each year.

Since you are here looking for impressive meats for your dinner table, check out this Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe, these ricotta meatballs, this rib roast or this Chipotle Barbacoa Copycat Recipe.

Ingredients for this Honey Baked Ham Company Copycat Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Bone-In Fully Cooked Spiral Cut Ham (7-9 Pounds): is moist and full of flavor. The bone helps distribute heat evenly, while the pre-sliced spirals simplify serving.
• Honey: adds a sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory ham. Its sticky consistency helps the sweet honey glaze sauce stick well to the surface.
• Melted Butter: enhances the glaze. When it's combined with honey, it creates a coating that clings well to the ham.
• Dijon Mustard: adds a tangy flavor that helps balance out the sweetness of the honey.
• Granulated Sugar: is important for creating the caramelized crust. When baked, it forms a crackly, sweet crunchy glaze.
• Salt: enhances the flavors and prevents the glaze from becoming too sweet.
• Onion Powder: adds a savory flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
• Ground Cinnamon: gives your ham a warm and slightly sweet flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: also adds warmth and spice.
• Ground Cloves: gives your ham a bold kick; a little goes a long way!
• Ground Ginger: adds a zesty flavor and a slight hint of heat that pairs well with the glaze's sweetness.
• Paprika: gives your ham a mild smoky flavor and provides the rich red hue of a classic ham.

How to make this homemade Honey Baked Ham Company Copycat Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. Preheat your oven and line a deep roasting pan with foil to make cleaning it up from the glaze a little easier, then unwrap the ham and discard the glaze packet. Place it in the prepared pan.
2. Mix the melted butter, honey, and Dijon mustard in a medium bowl to create a more flavorful glaze. Massage this glaze all over the ham, getting in between the slices as much as possible. 
3. Cover the pan tightly with heavy duty foil and bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes per pound. The ham is already cooked, we just want to heat it up thoroughly. The internal temperature should read about 140F.
4. Pull the ham out of the oven and allow it to rest while you make the dry rub. Keep it wrapped with foil to ensure that it doesn't dry out.
5. In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients-granulated sugar, salt, onion powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and paprika. This flavorful dry rub will perfectly balance sweet, savory, and spiced flavors to your Honey Baked Ham. Remove the foil and sprinkle half of the sugar mixture on top of it. Remove 1/3 cup of ham juices from the pan and set aside. Set the oven to broil and place the ham back into the oven, allowing the sugar to caramelize. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn. 
6. Add the other half of the granulated sugar mixture into a medium saucepan with about 1/3 cup of the ham juices and boil over medium heat until the sauce slightly thickens. Brush the ham with this sauce and place it back into the oven to broil for another 2-3 minutes or until it's golden brown and crispy. 
7. Let the ham rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Honey-Glazed Ham 

• Apply the Glaze Generously. When brushing the glaze onto the ham, don't be shy - add a good amount. Make sure that you get the glaze between every slice to infuse the ham with the flavor of the glaze throughout.
• Keep it Covered. Covering the ham with heavy-duty foil during the initial baking prevents it from drying out. This helps keep its juicy texture while it warms up.
• Use a Meat Thermometer. Even though the ham is precooked, you still want to heat it to the right temperature. Aim for an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
• Save the Ham Juices. Reserve some of the ham juices from the roasting pan to mix with the sugar for the final glaze. This adds a savory flavor and keeps the glaze from becoming too sweet.
• Rest Before Slicing. Allowing the ham to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing can help the juices redistribute throughout, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.

Why you need to make this Honey Baked Ham Company Copycat Recipe!

• Making this recipe at home allows you to save money without compromising quality. You’ll get the same tender, sweet, and smoky ham for a fraction of the cost.
• A homemade version guarantees freshness and quality. You can hand-pick every ingredient and ensure it's free from preservatives or additives.
• This recipe is perfect for special occasions and holidays.
• It yields plenty of leftovers that are great for sandwiches, soups, or omelets.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Can I use a boneless ham instead of a bone-in ham?

Yes, you can use a boneless ham, but the flavor may not be as rich as a bone-in ham. The bone helps retain the moisture and adds a bit of flavor. Boneless hams tend to cook faster since there is no bone to slow down the heat transfer, so make sure you keep an eye on it as it can dry out more quickly.

How do I prevent my ham from drying out?

Preventing a dry ham involves a few different steps. First, always cover the ham tightly with heavy-duty foil during the initial baking process. This creates a sealed environment where the ham steams in its own juices, retaining moisture.

Second, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Anything above 140 degrees F can lead to dryness. Finally, allow your ham to rest before slicing, which lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Can I substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar?

Absolutely. Brown sugar is a great substitute for white sugar in this recipe. It contains molasses, which adds a deeper and more complex flavor and can help enhance the glaze's color. Keep in mind, because of its moisture content, brown sugar might create a slightly stickier glaze, which adds to the delicious, sweet, crunchy glaze.

How do I store leftover ham?

Place your leftover ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to five days. If you're wanting to keep it longer, freezing is also a great option. Cut the ham into smaller portions, wrap them well, and place them into a freezer-safe bag. Frozen ham can last up to two months. Place in the fridge to thaw overnight when you're ready to reheat.

The Honey Baked Ham Company Copycat Recipe