While experimenting in my kitchen, I perfected a scrumptious recipe marrying spiral ham with a sticky honey and brown sugar glaze. With a hint of Dijon mustard, melted butter and apple cider vinegar, I wondered how to bake honey glazed ham in an unforgettable way. This holiday treat is irresistible.
I’ve been experimenting in my kitchen lately and came up with a copycat Honey Baked Ham recipe that totally blew my mind. I used a fully cooked spiral ham (10-12 lbs) and then layered on a glaze made from 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter.
I also mixed in 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/4 cup water to create a sticky, caramelized sauce that gives the ham an incredible mix of sweet and tangy flavors. I’ve played around with different methods – whether you’re looking for an oven, slow cooker or Instant Pot version, this recipe covers it all.
I’ve always wondered how to cook a honey baked ham that tastes just like the ones from your favorite holiday spots, and this diy honey baked ham recipe copycat has become my new go-to. Enjoy discovering a new twist on a classic holiday treat.
Why I Like this Recipe
I like this recipe for several reasons. First, I love how the ham turns out so juicy and tender every time I make it. When I follow the steps (yes, even when I mess up a bit), the meat practically melts in my mouth.
Second, the glaze is simply incredible. I adore the mix of honey, brown sugar, mustard and the other ingredients because they create this sticky, sweet coating that really makes the dish pop. I mean, nothing beats that caramelized finish even if I sometimes forget to baste it every 20 minutes!
Third, I appreciate that the directions are super flexible. Whether I’m in the mood for using the oven, slow cooker or even the Instant Pot, I can always count on this recipe to work out fine even if I don’t follow it exactly as written. It makes the cooking process way less stressful.
Lastly, I like that it helps me save money on a holiday meal without compromising on flavor. Every time I cook it, it feels like I’ve pulled off something a bit special, even when I’ve had a rough day in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ham: Provides high protein, hearty flavor and juiciness for a festive meal.
- Honey: Naturally sweet with antioxidants, adding a rich sticky glaze that complements meat.
- Brown Sugar: Caramelizes during cooking to create a deep, sweet crust while providing simple carbohydrates.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a creamy, smooth texture and helps meld flavors; use sparingly for richness.
- Dijon Mustard: Gives a zesty, tangy kick that cuts through the sweetness, enhancing flavor complexity.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a sharp, sour note to balance out the glaze’s heaviness and sweet taste.
- Water: Helps blend ingredients evenly, ensuring the glaze coats the ham just right.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 fully cooked spiral ham (10-12 lbs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and get your baking pan ready by lightly greasing it or lining it with foil.
2. Place the spiral ham cut side down in the pan. You can let the natural spiral lines add extra flavor, trust me.
3. In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup water until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Brush a generous amount of your glaze all over the ham. If you want, score the surface lightly in a diamond pattern to help the flavors soak in better.
5. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist during baking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes per pound (roughly 2 hours total for a 10-12 lb ham), basting with more glaze every 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil during the last 20 to 30 minutes so the glaze gets a sticky, caramelized finish.
8. If you’re using a slow cooker instead, place the ham inside, pour most of the glaze over it, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
9. For the Instant Pot method, put the ham in along with about 1/4 cup water and some of the glaze. Seal the pot and cook on high pressure for around 20 minutes, then let it naturally release the pressure.
10. Once you’re done, let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before you slice it up so all the juices redistribute and you get that perfect bite every time. Enjoy your delicious, sticky copycat Honey Baked Ham!
Equipment Needed
1. An oven set to 325°F along with a baking pan that’s been either lightly greased or lined with foil
2. A mixing bowl for combining the glaze ingredients
3. Measuring cups (and spoons if you need them) for all the liquids and sugars
4. A whisk or spoon for stirring the glaze until it’s smooth
5. A basting brush to generously apply the glaze on the ham
6. Aluminum foil to loosely cover the ham during most of the baking process
7. A slow cooker (if you’re choosing to use that method) or an Instant Pot (for pressure cooking)
FAQ
Copycat Honey Baked Ham Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you dont have honey, you can try using maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness.
- Instead of brown sugar, white sugar mixed with a little molasses works pretty well.
- If unsalted butter is missing, margarine or even a light coconut oil can be used as a swap.
- Can’t find Dijon mustard? Yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard is a good alternative.
- For apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with white vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice diluted with water.
Pro Tips
1. Try letting the ham come to room temperature for a bit before you start cooking it. This can help the glaze stick better and the ham cook more evenly.
2. When you brush on the glaze, use a quality basting brush and don’t rush it – letting the glaze sit for a couple minutes before putting it back in the oven can really boost the flavor.
3. If you want that extra caramelized finish, be sure to remove the foil a little early. Just a few minutes extra in the oven can make a big difference.
4. Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes after you take it out of the oven. Trust me, this extra wait makes it juicier when you slice it.
Copycat Honey Baked Ham Recipe
My favorite Copycat Honey Baked Ham Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. An oven set to 325°F along with a baking pan that’s been either lightly greased or lined with foil
2. A mixing bowl for combining the glaze ingredients
3. Measuring cups (and spoons if you need them) for all the liquids and sugars
4. A whisk or spoon for stirring the glaze until it’s smooth
5. A basting brush to generously apply the glaze on the ham
6. Aluminum foil to loosely cover the ham during most of the baking process
7. A slow cooker (if you’re choosing to use that method) or an Instant Pot (for pressure cooking)
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked spiral ham (10-12 lbs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and get your baking pan ready by lightly greasing it or lining it with foil.
2. Place the spiral ham cut side down in the pan. You can let the natural spiral lines add extra flavor, trust me.
3. In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup water until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Brush a generous amount of your glaze all over the ham. If you want, score the surface lightly in a diamond pattern to help the flavors soak in better.
5. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist during baking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes per pound (roughly 2 hours total for a 10-12 lb ham), basting with more glaze every 20 minutes.
7. Remove the foil during the last 20 to 30 minutes so the glaze gets a sticky, caramelized finish.
8. If you’re using a slow cooker instead, place the ham inside, pour most of the glaze over it, then cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
9. For the Instant Pot method, put the ham in along with about 1/4 cup water and some of the glaze. Seal the pot and cook on high pressure for around 20 minutes, then let it naturally release the pressure.
10. Once you’re done, let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before you slice it up so all the juices redistribute and you get that perfect bite every time. Enjoy your delicious, sticky copycat Honey Baked Ham!