Honey Baked Ham Copy Cat Recipe: Glazed to Sweet Perfection

This recipe replicates the signature sweetness and tenderness of the famous spiral-cut ham with a homemade glaze that’s just as addictive. The secret lies in a slow bake that allows the honey-based coating to caramelize evenly.

You’ll achieve perfectly glazed, moist ham with crispy edges—worth every minute of the effort. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Honey Baked Ham Copy Cat

A pre-cooked ham plus pantry staples create that iconic caramelized glaze everyone loves.

The ham is the foundation—HoneyBaked Ham or Butterball spiral-cut options at your grocery store work perfectly. Look for a bone-in, fully cooked variety with good marbling. The bone adds flavor during the slow bake. I’ve had best results with 8-10 pound hams (serves a crowd without leftovers languishing). Avoid pre-glazed hams; you want a blank canvas for your coating.

No brown sugar? Dark brown sugar plus a pinch of molasses works, but light gives the classic flavor. Out of Dijon? Yellow mustard at half the quantity substitutes in a pinch. The cloves are essential for that signature aroma—don’t skip them. For a smoother glaze, strain the melted butter through a fine mesh sieve to remove any separated milk solids.

Leftovers keep beautifully (if there are any). Store wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 2 months. The glaze thickens as it cools—reheat gently with a splash of water to restore that fresh-from-the-oven consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Baked Ham

Achieve that signature sweet glaze and tender texture with this proven method.

Step 1: Prepare the Ham and Preheat Oven

Remove the 8 lb Fully Cooked Bone-In Spiral-Cut Ham from its packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Place it cut-side down in a roasting pan. This presentation mimics the store-bought version while allowing the glaze to penetrate between the slices.

Preheat your oven to 325°F. The low temperature ensures the ham heats through evenly without drying out the edges. While the oven heats, you’ll prepare the glaze that gives this dish its distinctive character.

Step 2: Create the Signature Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1 cup Honey, 1.5 cups Light Brown Sugar, 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter, 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard, 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 0.5 tsp Ground Cloves, 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, and 1 tsp Vanilla Extract.

Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable. This cooking step ensures the flavors meld completely.

Step 3: Apply Glaze and Stud with Cloves

After the ham has baked uncovered for 1 hour, brush it generously with half of the prepared glaze. Then insert 20 whole Cloves into the top in a decorative pattern, spacing them evenly across the surface. These whole spices will infuse additional aroma as the ham continues cooking.

Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes. The cloves will become fragrant as they warm, signaling that they’re releasing their essential oils into the meat.

Step 4: Add Garnish and Final Glaze

Remove the ham from the oven and increase the temperature to 425°F. Arrange 1 can Pineapple Slices and 10 oz Maraschino Cherries on the ham, securing each with 20 pieces Toothpicks. Brush the remaining glaze over the entire surface, including the fruit.

Return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and the fruit is heated through. The high temperature at the end creates that characteristic caramelized crust while warming the garnishes perfectly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Transfer the ham to a serving platter and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.

Serve warm with the pan juices spooned over the top. The combination of sweet, spiced glaze with the salty ham and fruity garnish creates the perfect balance that defines this classic dish. Remove the toothpicks before serving for safety.

Wine and Beer Pairings for honey baked ham copy cat

Sweet Wine Pairings

For this dish, I love a Riesling with its honeyed notes that echo the glaze. A Moscato d’Asti from Italy offers light effervescence and stone fruit flavors. These wines balance the saltiness beautifully. 🍷

Rich Red Options

A Pinot Noir with bright acidity cuts through the sweetness. Try Oregon Pinot Noir for its red fruit notes. The wine’s earthiness complements the spiced glaze without overpowering the ham.

Beer Pairings

For beer lovers, a Belgian Dubbel like Chimay Red brings caramel and dark fruit notes. A Brown Ale with its malty sweetness also pairs wonderfully. Avoid hoppy IPAs that clash with the glaze. 🍺

Non-Alcoholic Choices

Sparkling apple cider offers the same effervescence as wine. A ginger beer with its spicy kick provides an interesting contrast. Both options work well for all ages at your gathering.

Serving Temperature

Serve whites and sparkling options chilled to 45-50°F. Reds should be slightly cool at 60-65°F. This temperature range enhances the pairing without muting the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions