Save This Copycat Honey-Baked Ham comes out meltingly tender with that signature sweet crackly glaze all right in your slow cooker. It is my answer to those special family meals when you need something impressive but do not want to fuss for hours in the kitchen. The aroma alone will transport you straight to the holidays or any cozy Sunday when you crave comfort food with big flavor.
My first attempt brought the family running into the kitchen because it smelled exactly like the original. Now my dad insists I bring this every Easter no matter whose house we are at.
Ingredients
- Fully cooked bone-in spiral-sliced ham: Choose a ham with good marbling in the 6 to 8 pound range. The bone keeps it juicy and spiral slices make serving so easy
- Honey: Adds classic sweetness and a sticky glossy finish. Choose real pure honey for the best flavor
- Brown sugar: Packs in caramel notes that make the crust irresistible. Go for dark brown for deeper flavor
- Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle tang that balances all the sweetness. Smooth or grainy both work. Pick what you love
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps the glaze stick and adds silkiness. Look for good quality fresh butter
- Apple cider or orange juice: Citrus or apple brighten things up and helps the glaze soak in. Fresh pressed juice makes a difference here
- Ground cinnamon: This warm spice gives unmistakable festive flavor. Use fresh ground for extra punch
- Ground cloves: Adds little bursts of aromatic depth and classic holiday scent
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch balances the sweetness and rounds out the spice
- Ground black pepper: Lends just enough gentle heat. Pick freshly ground for best aroma and taste
Instructions
- Prep the Ham:
- Place your fully cooked spiral ham flat side down in the slow cooker. Make sure the slices stay intact and trim the ham if necessary to fit snugly
- Make the Glaze:
- In a medium mixing bowl whisk together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, melted butter, juice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and black pepper. Whisk until completely smooth with no lumps
- Glaze the Ham:
- Pour the glaze slowly and evenly all over the ham. Let it run between all the slices. Be generous to coat every crevice
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for four hours. Baste the ham a couple of times by spooning glaze from the bottom back over the top. This keeps the meat extra moist and ensures deep flavor
- Caramelize the Glaze:
- If you love that golden sticky finish gently transfer the ham to a baking sheet. Spoon any extra glaze on top. Broil for three to five minutes keeping a close watch until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes
- Rest and Serve:
- Let your ham sit for ten minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle and keeps every piece moist and flavorful
Save My secret joy here is sneaking a taste of the glaze before it goes onto the ham it is truly like fragrant liquid gold. One year my kids helped baste the ham and ended up giggling with sticky fingers which made it a memory I will never forget.
Storage Tips
Wrap leftover slices tightly and refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to two months. Try stacking pieces between layers of parchment so you can pull out only what you need each time. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with an extra spoonful of glaze for best flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness profile. If you are out of Dijon mustard yellow or spicy brown work just as well. Apple cider vinegar with a touch more sugar can stand in for fresh juice. For dairy free use a vegan butter substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve thick slices alongside classic sides like scalloped potatoes or green beans. Try shaving cooled ham onto rolls with extra mustard or layered in breakfast egg bakes. For a showy brunch create an open-faced ham and cheese melt topped with fresh chives.
Cultural and Holiday History
Honey-glazed ham became an American holiday tradition in the mid twentieth century when it grew popular for Easter and Christmas celebrations. That sweet and spiced coating is inspired by older European methods of flavoring pork but the spiral slice technique an American innovation makes serving a breeze.
Seasonal Adaptations
Pair with crisp roasted winter vegetables for a winter feast. Add a little fresh rosemary into the glaze for a more autumnal aroma. For summer holidays serve thin slices cold in sandwiches with tangy pickles.
Success Stories
I watched my neighbor try this recipe for a Friendsgiving and her family now swears off buying expensive takeout ham. Another friend doubled the batch for her work potluck and said not a single slice came home.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Slice the cooled ham and freeze in double wrapped portions along with a little extra glaze in each bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm gently. This is my secret for quick hearty sandwiches on busy nights.
Save This ham always disappears quickly at gatherings so make sure to save a slice for yourself. The leftovers are just as delicious and make breakfast or sandwiches unforgettable.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different type of ham?
Yes, you can use boneless ham, though spiral-sliced bone-in ham provides the most flavor and tenderness.
- → What’s the secret to the sweet glaze?
The combination of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, butter, and spices creates the signature flavor.
- → How do I achieve a caramelized topping?
Broil the ham with extra glaze after slow-cooking to create a bubbly, caramelized crust.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the ham and glaze, then reheat gently or serve cold as leftovers in sandwiches.
- → Which sides pair well with this ham?
Roasted vegetables, scalloped potatoes, or fresh salads complement the sweet and savory ham.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it’s gluten-free, but double-check packaged ham and mustard for any hidden gluten or cross-contamination.