Juicy spiral ham glazed with honey, brown sugar, and warm spices. This Copycat Honey Baked Ham recipe is easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for any special occasion.
There’s something magical about a Honey Baked Ham, isn’t there? The way the caramelized crust crunches just slightly before giving way to the tender, juicy meat underneath—chef’s kiss. It’s the kind of thing that instantly makes a meal feel special, like you’ve really gone all out.
But here’s the thing: as much as I love it, the price tag? Not so much. One holiday season, after shelling out way more than I care to admit, I thought, What if I could make this at home? I wasn’t sure I could pull it off, but hey, I’m always up for a kitchen experiment.
The first attempt wasn’t perfect. The glaze didn’t caramelize quite the way I wanted, and I might’ve overdone it on the cloves (oops). But by round two, I’d cracked the code. Now, this Copycat Honey Baked Ham is my secret weapon for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or just when I want to impress someone (without breaking the bank).
What I love most? It’s not just about saving money—it’s about that smell. You know the one: warm spices, honey, and brown sugar bubbling away under the broiler. It’s like an instant holiday vibe, no matter the time of year.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Honey Baked Ham Recipe?
- DIY Gourmet: Recreate that classic Honey Baked Ham flavor at home without the hefty price tag.
- Irresistible Glaze: The honey-brown sugar coating is perfectly spiced and caramelized for that signature crunch.
- Slow Cooker Simplicity: Let your slow cooker do the hard work, while you sit back and enjoy the smell wafting through your kitchen.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the glaze to your taste—less sweet, extra spice, or somewhere in between.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or just a random Sunday, this ham is always a showstopper.
Ingredient Notes:
The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are. Here’s why each one matters:
- Bone-In Spiral Sliced Ham: The spiral slices soak up the glaze beautifully, and the bone adds flavor while keeping the meat juicy.
- Butter and Honey: This duo creates a sticky base that helps the brown sugar mixture cling to the ham.
- Brown Sugar: The key to that caramelized crust we all love—it melts into the glaze like magic.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Paprika): These warm spices bring that nostalgic, holiday flavor.
- Garlic Powder and Salt: Just a touch of savory to balance the sweetness and keep the flavors layered.
How To Make Copycat Honey Baked Ham?
This recipe is easier than you think! Here’s how it all comes together:
Step 1. Prep the Ham
Start by trimming any excess fat from the ham (if needed) and placing it in your slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and honey until combined, then rub the mixture all over the ham. Make sure to get it into the slices—it’s where all the flavor will settle.
Step 2. Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let the ham cook for 4–5 hours, basting it with the juices occasionally if you’re around. If not? No worries—it’ll still turn out great.
Step 3. Make the Glaze
As the ham nears the end of its cooking time, preheat your oven broiler to high and line a roasting pan with foil. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. This is your flavor-packed glaze base.
Step 4. Broil for Caramelization
Transfer the ham to the prepared roasting pan and press half of the brown sugar mixture onto the top. Pop it under the broiler for about 3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. The sugar will bubble and caramelize quickly!
Step 5. Make the Final Glaze
Take the remaining brown sugar mixture and heat it in a small saucepan with 3 tablespoons of the liquid from the slow cooker (or water). Let it boil for a minute, then remove it from the heat.
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Step 6. Glaze and Broil Again
Brush the thickened glaze over the ham and return it to the broiler for another 1–2 minutes. This step gives it that glossy, irresistible finish.
Step 7. Rest and Serve
Let the ham rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Trust me, this step makes a difference—the juices settle, and the flavors shine.
Storage Options:
This ham is just as good the next day—if you have any leftovers, that is!
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. It’ll keep for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in foil and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- No Spiral Ham? Use a whole ham and score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze soak in.
- Spice It Up: Add more cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
- Sweetener Swap: Maple syrup or agave can replace the honey for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free: Double-check that all your ingredients, especially the spices and honey, are certified gluten-free.
What to Serve with Copycat Honey Baked Ham?
This ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Potatoes: Mashed, roasted, or scalloped potatoes make a perfect companion.
- Vegetables: Think roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, or steamed green beans.
- Salad: A fresh, citrusy salad adds a nice contrast to the rich flavors.
- Bread: Serve with warm dinner rolls or cornbread for soaking up that glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Bake the ham in a roasting pan at 325°F, basting it with the butter-honey mixture every 30 minutes.
How do I reheat leftover ham?
Wrap slices in foil with a splash of water or broth and heat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
Can I use boneless ham?
Definitely! Boneless ham works great; just adjust the cooking time since it heats up faster.
Ready to bring the magic of Honey Baked Ham to your own kitchen? Let me know how it turns out! Did you add your own twist to the glaze? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Copycat Honey Baked Ham
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in spiral sliced ham 6–8 lbs
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Ham
- Begin by trimming any excess fat from the ham if necessary. Place the ham in a slow cooker.
Create the Base Coating
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and honey. Mix thoroughly, then rub the mixture over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Work the mixture into the slices for maximum flavor.
Cook the Ham
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Cook the ham for 4–5 hours, allowing it to become tender and infused with flavor.
Prepare the Glaze Mixture
- As the ham nears the end of its cooking time, preheat the broiler on high. Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, paprika, and salt. Mix until uniform.
Apply the Glaze
- Transfer the ham to the prepared roasting pan. Press half of the sugar-spice mixture onto the top of the ham, ensuring it adheres.
Broil the Ham
- Place the ham under the broiler and cook for approximately 3 minutes, or until the sugar mixture bubbles and caramelizes. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
Create the Final Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine the remaining sugar-spice mixture with 3 tablespoons of the cooking liquid from the slow cooker (or water). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute before removing it from the heat.
Apply the Final Glaze and Broil Again
- Brush the thickened glaze over the ham and return it to the broiler for an additional 1–2 minutes, just until glossy and caramelized.
Rest and Serve
- Allow the ham to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This step ensures the juices redistribute evenly, resulting in tender and flavorful slices.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
