BEST HONEY BAKED HAM RECIPE

BEST HONEY BAKED HAM RECIPE 

 

Why This Is the Best

This recipe recreates the hallmark features of a world-class honey baked ham:

• Ultra-moist, slow-warmed interior

• Thin, glassy honey-sugar crust (not sticky or heavy)

• Balanced sweetness with gentle spice

• Caramelized finish that cracks when sliced

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Ingredients

Ham

• 1 fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham (8–10 lbs)

• ½ cup water or apple juice (for the pan)

Signature Honey Sugar Coating

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup honey

• ½ cup light brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (very mild heat; optional but recommended)

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Instructions

1. Warm the Ham (Moisture Is Key)

1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).

2. Place ham cut-side down in a foil-lined roasting pan.

3. Add water or apple juice to the pan.

4. Wrap ham tightly in foil.

5. Heat for 10 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 120–125°F (49–52°C).

🔥 Low and slow prevents drying and prepares the surface for the crust.

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2. Prepare the Honey Sugar Coating

1. In a bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, spices, and cayenne.

2. Warm honey just until pourable (do not boil).

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3. Apply the Signature Crust

1. Remove ham from oven and increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).

2. Brush the ham lightly with warm honey.

3. Press a thin layer of sugar mixture evenly over the surface.

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4. Caramelize to Perfection

1. Return ham to oven uncovered for 5–8 minutes, watching closely.

2. The coating should melt, bubble, and turn golden with a crackly finish.

3. Remove immediately once caramelized.

⚠️ Do not overbake—this crust sets fast.

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5. Rest & Serve

1. Let ham rest 10–15 minutes.

2. Slice gently to preserve the crisp sugar shell.

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Chef Secrets for Honey Baked Ham Excellence

• Spiral ham is essential for even warming and glaze penetration.

• Granulated sugar creates the signature crackle—do not substitute entirely with brown sugar.

• High heat only at the end prevents moisture loss.

• For authentic finish, some chefs caramelize with a kitchen torch instead of the oven.

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Serving Pairings

• Scalloped or au gratin potatoes

• Green bean casserole or roasted asparagus

• Buttery dinner rolls

• Fresh fruit or citrus salad

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days

• Reheat gently at 275°F, covered, to preserve moisture

• Excellent for sandwiches, breakfast dishes, and soups

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Final Result

A show-stopping honey baked ham with:
✔ Juicy interior
✔ Crisp, glossy crust
✔ Perfect sweet-savory balance

OTHER RECIPES

A nice baked ham recipe to try! 

BAKED HAM INGREDIENTS

• 1 (7 lb.) med. smoked pork picnic shoulder (bone in or out)
• 2 c. sugar
• 1 c. honey or brown sugar, packed
• 1 (6 oz.) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 1 tsp. whole cloves

BAKED HAM INSTRUCTIONS 

Make crosswise slits, 1/2 inch apart, halfway through ham to where knife touches bone. 

Place ham in deep bowl and barely cover with water. Stir in sugar. 

Soak at least 2 days in refrigerator. 

Drain. Place ham in roasting pan, lined with enough foil to wrap completely. 

Pour honey or brown sugar and orange juice all over ham. 

Stick cloves all over ham meat. 

Wrap tightly with foil. 

Bake at 200 degrees for 6 to 7 hours or until done, unwrapping and basting occasionally with honey mixture.

 Unwrap and bake at 450 degrees about 15 minutes for slightly crisp skin. 

The baked ham recipe with honey is ready to serve....enjoy it ! honey-baked-ham-recipe

BEST HONEY BAKED HAM  RECIPE VIDEO: