This homemade honey baked ham is juicy, caramelized, and absolutely irresistible — the kind of show-stopping centerpiece that makes Christmas, Easter, or any holiday meal unforgettable. Instead of paying big bucks at the store, you can create the same candy-like glaze at home with just a handful of ingredients. The secret? A buttery sugar-honey rub that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
🛒 Ingredients
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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1/2 cup honey
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1/4 cup pineapple juice
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Cooking spray
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8–10 lb plain fully cooked spiral-sliced bone-in ham (unglazed)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat & Prep
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Spray a large roasting pan with cooking spray and place the ham inside, cut-side down.
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Make the Glaze
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
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Stir in brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, garlic powder, and paprika.
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Cook until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
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Glaze the Ham
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Brush half of the glaze generously over the ham, making sure it seeps between the slices.
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Cover the ham loosely with foil to keep it moist.
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Bake
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Roast in the preheated oven for 1 ½ to 2 hours, basting with more glaze every 30 minutes.
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Remove foil during the last 15 minutes to let the glaze caramelize.
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Finish & Serve
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For extra caramelization, you can use a kitchen torch or broil the ham for 2–3 minutes until the sugar topping turns golden and crisp.
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Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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🌟 Tips for the Best Honey Baked Ham
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Spiral ham is key: The slices soak up the glaze for maximum flavor.
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Don’t skip the pineapple juice: It adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
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Serving idea: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and soft dinner rolls for the ultimate holiday feast.
✨ This recipe brings the magic of the classic Honey Baked Ham straight to your kitchen. Sweet, smoky, tender, and festive—it’s sure to become a tradition at your table.