Copycat Honey Baked Ham

$- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (approximately 8-10 lbs) - 1 cup honey - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 2 teaspoons ground mustard - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for a thicker glaze) - 1/4 cup water (if using cornstarch) - Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham) To make a great Copycat Honey Baked Ham, you need the right ingredients. Start with a fully cooked bone-in ham, which gives you that classic flavor. Honey and brown sugar are key for sweetness. For added depth, use ground mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang, balancing the sweetness. If you want a thicker glaze, cornstarch is your friend. Just mix it with water, and you will have a great texture. Whole cloves can add a lovely look and aroma too. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that rivals any store-bought ham. This process is simple and fun. You will enjoy every step of this recipe. 1. Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 325°F (163°C). This helps cook the ham evenly. 2. Position and Prepare the Ham: Place the ham, cut side down, in a large roasting pan. Line the pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Make shallow cuts on the ham in a diamond pattern. If you want, stud the ham with whole cloves for extra flavor. 1. Combine Honey, Sugars, and Spices: In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of honey, 1 cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground mustard, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Add 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. Whisk until everything is smooth. 2. Options for Thickening the Glaze: If you want a thicker glaze, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl. Stir until it's smooth, then add it to your glaze. This makes it sticky and rich. 1. Glazing the Ham: Pour half of the glaze over the ham. Use a spoon or brush to spread it evenly. 2. Covering and Baking with Foil: Wrap the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam and helps the ham stay moist. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. Check that the ham is hot and tender. 3. Finishing Touches During the Last 30 Minutes: Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes. Brush the ham with the rest of the glaze every 10 minutes. This will create a nice, caramelized crust that tastes amazing. Now you have a beautiful, honey-glazed ham ready to enjoy. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make a great glaze, focus on the right texture. You want it smooth but sticky. Start with a good mix of honey and brown sugar. This gives the glaze its sweet base. If you like a thicker glaze, use cornstarch mixed with water. It helps the glaze cling better. When basting, use a brush to coat the ham evenly. Apply glaze every 10 minutes in the last half hour of baking. This builds layers of flavor and creates a nice crust. Letting the ham rest after baking is key. This allows the juices to settle. If you slice too soon, the juices run out. Wait about 15 minutes before cutting. Keep an eye on the oven temperature. Baking at 325°F is ideal. It ensures even cooking without drying out the ham. Serving is just as fun as cooking. Arrange slices on a big platter. Garnish with fresh herbs, like rosemary or parsley. This adds color and freshness. Pair your ham with sides that balance the flavors. Roasted veggies, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, work well. Mashed potatoes or fresh salad can also enhance your meal. Enjoy the feast with family and friends! {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your Copycat Honey Baked Ham by trying different glazes and spices. For a sweet twist, add maple syrup to your glaze. This adds depth and a rich flavor. Want it spicier? Try adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. This will bring a warm kick to every bite. You can also experiment with herbs. Fresh rosemary or thyme can give your ham a unique taste. Mix these herbs into your glaze or sprinkle them on top before baking. The right blend of flavors can make your ham even more special. You have choices when cooking your ham. A slow cooker is a great option for a tender, juicy result. Just set it and forget it! Cook your ham on low for about 4 to 6 hours. This method allows the flavors to soak in deeply. If you prefer the traditional oven, it’s also a perfect choice. Baking gives your ham a nice caramelized crust. Follow the Full Recipe for specific times and temperatures. You can also use an Instant Pot for a quicker meal. Pressure cooking your ham can save time without losing flavor. Just make sure to add enough liquid for steam. This method is fast and keeps your ham moist. Each method has its perks, so choose what works best for you! To keep your leftover ham fresh, store it in the fridge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from drying it out. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This is key to food safety. Your leftover ham will last about three to five days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrapped well, ham can last up to six months in the freezer. When it comes time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating properly is vital. The best way to reheat ham is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in while it heats. If you want a quick option, you can use a microwave. Slice the ham and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. For both methods, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures your ham is hot and safe to eat. Enjoy your delicious Copycat Honey Baked Ham again! How long does it take to bake a ham? Baking a fully cooked ham takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. At 325°F (163°C), this allows the ham to heat through while staying juicy. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 140°F (60°C). Can I use a different type of ham? Yes, you can use other hams. Bone-in or boneless options work well. A spiral-cut ham is also great for easy serving. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type you choose. What sides go well with ham? Ham pairs nicely with many sides. Consider roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or fresh salads. Sweet sides like glazed carrots or fruit salads also balance the savory flavor. How to slice and serve the ham? To slice the ham, let it rest for about 15 minutes after baking. Use a sharp knife to cut thin, even slices. Arrange the slices on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs for a nice touch. Best practices for freezing leftovers Yes, you can freeze cooked ham. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. Label and date your package for easy tracking. How to properly thaw and reheat frozen ham Thaw the ham in the fridge overnight for best results. To reheat, place it in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until it reaches 140°F (60°C). Add a little glaze on top to keep it moist and flavorful. You can create a delicious copycat Honey Baked Ham at home with simple steps. We discussed the main ingredients and how to prepare the glaze. Baking and glazing techniques ensure a flavorful outer layer. Remember to let your ham rest after cooking for juiciness. Explore flavor variations and ideal storage methods to make the most of your meal. Enjoy serving your ham with tasty sides for a special occasion. With these tips, you can impress friends and family with your homemade dish!$

Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Elevate your holiday feast with this delicious honey-glazed roasted ham! This recipe combines the sweetness of honey and brown sugar with a hint of spices, creating a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect for family gatherings, this dish serves up to 15 slices of tender, flavorful ham.

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Ingredients

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (approximately 8-10 lbs)

1 cup honey

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons ground mustard

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for a thicker glaze)

1/4 cup water (if using cornstarch)

Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures the ham will cook evenly and thoroughly.

Prepare the Ham: Position the ham, cut side down, in a large roasting pan lined with aluminum foil for easy cleaning later. For enhanced flavor absorption, create shallow cuts on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves for an aromatic touch.

Make the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, ground mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until you achieve a smooth, well-combined glaze that’s both sweet and tangy.

Thicken the Glaze (Optional): If you prefer a thicker glaze, combine the cornstarch with the 1/4 cup of water in a separate small bowl. Mix until fully dissolved, then incorporate it into your glaze mixture. This will enhance the texture and stickiness of the glaze.

Glaze the Ham: Generously pour half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s distributed evenly. Use a basting brush or spoon to spread it out, allowing the glaze to coat the ham nicely.

Cover and Bake: Tightly wrap the entire roasting pan with aluminum foil, sealing it to trap the steam. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the ham is thoroughly heated and tender.

Finish the Glazing Process: Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking. Brush the ham with the remaining glaze every 10 minutes, which will create a caramelized crust that is beautifully flavorful.

Rest the Ham: After the baking time is complete, take the ham out of the oven and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period will help retain the juices, contributing to a moist and flavorful serving.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 2.5 - 3 hrs | Servings: 12-15 slices

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the ham slices on a large serving platter, garnished with fresh sprigs of rosemary or parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve alongside a variety of seasonal sides—such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad—to create a visually appealing and festive meal that everyone will enjoy.