Easy Honey Baked Ham Recipe (Copycat with Candied Crust)

This copycat honey baked ham recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen! Featuring a sweet honey glaze and a signature caramelized sugar coating, this glazed ham will be the star of your holiday table. The secret? A simple kitchen torch creates that iconic crispy, candy-like exterior that makes honey baked ham so irresistible.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 10-12 people

Why This Honey Baked Ham Recipe Works

What makes this honey glazed ham special is the combination of a sweet honey butter glaze and a spiced sugar coating that’s torched to perfection. Unlike traditional baked ham recipes, this method creates a crackly caramelized shell on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.

The best part? You’ll save money compared to ordering from expensive specialty stores while achieving the same delicious results at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ham:

• 1 spiral-cut bone-in ham (7-8 pounds)

For the Honey Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup honey

For the Sugar Coating:

• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

How to Make Honey Baked Ham

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F and position the rack in the lower third. Remove all packaging, netting, and any included glaze packet from your spiral-cut ham. Place the ham flat-side down on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan.

Step 2: Make the Honey Ham Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, and honey. Mix until smooth and well combined. Use your hands to massage this honey glaze all over the ham, working it between the spiral cuts. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Bake the Ham

Cover the entire pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for approximately 20 minutes per pound (about 2 hours 20 minutes for an 8-pound ham), until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes, keeping it covered.

Step 4: Create the Sugar Coating

Mix the granulated sugar with all the spices in a bowl. Reserve half of this mixture for the serving glaze. Spread the remaining half on a rimmed baking sheet.

Step 5: Apply the Sugar and Torch

Roll the warm ham in the sugar mixture, coating all sides generously except the flat bottom. Using a kitchen torch, caramelize the sugar by moving the flame continuously in small circles until the sugar melts and bubbles. Allow it to harden into a crispy shell (about 1-2 minutes).

Step 6: Make the Serving Glaze

Combine the reserved sugar mixture with 1/3 cup of defatted ham drippings (or water) in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 2-5 minutes until thickened. Serve alongside the ham.

Tips for the Perfect Honey Baked Ham

Choose Quality Ham: Select a fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham for the best flavor and easiest serving. Avoid hams with added water, as they tend to be mushier.

Temperature Matters: Bake at 325°F to ensure even heating without drying out the meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for 140°F internal temperature.

The Torch Technique: Keep the kitchen torch moving constantly to avoid burning the sugar. The goal is to melt and caramelize, not char.

Can’t Torch? While a kitchen torch gives the best results, you can attempt broiling. However, the uneven shape of the ham makes it difficult to achieve uniform caramelization without burning some edges.

Storing and Using Leftover Ham

Store leftover honey baked ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 6 months.

Use leftover ham in:

• Ham and cheese breakfast casseroles
• Split pea soup
• Ham mac and cheese
• Breakfast frittatas
• Ham sandwiches

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you cook a honey baked ham?
Bake at 325°F for approximately 20 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Should ham be covered or uncovered when baking?
Always cover your ham with foil while baking to prevent it from drying out.

Can you make this ahead?
The caramelized sugar coating is best served immediately while crispy. However, you can bake the ham ahead and apply the sugar coating just before serving.

What size ham do I need?
Plan for ½ to 1 pound of ham per person. Choose 1 pound per person if you want leftovers.

This easy honey baked ham recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion. The combination of sweet honey glaze and crispy caramelized coating creates an unforgettable centerpiece that your guests will rave about!