Honey Baked Ham's Bone-In Half Ham features a tender, juicy half ham with a signature sweet and smoky glaze, showcasing a golden-brown crust that locks in rich, savory flavors and succulent meat perfect for festive gatherings.
Equipments
- Roasting pan
- Rack for roasting pan
- Sharp carving knife
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil
- Small saucepan (for glaze)
- Cutting board
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 7-10 lb bone-in half ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
When selecting ingredients for your ham glaze, ensure you have high-quality honey and fresh spices such as smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cloves to achieve the signature sweet and smoky flavor. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness and maintain balance in the glaze, while Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar add tanginess and depth. Measure the brown sugar accurately to create the perfect caramelized crust without overpowering the dish. Keep a meat thermometer handy to monitor the ham's internal temperature for juicy, tender results. Your Bone-In Half Ham from Honey Baked Ham's copycat menu will shine with this precise combination of ingredients, delivering the authentic taste and texture you desire.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place rack in roasting pan.
- Place ham cut side down on rack.
- Cover ham loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake ham for 1 1/2 to 2 hours (about 12–15 minutes per pound), until internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C).
- Meanwhile, combine honey, brown sugar, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and salt in a small saucepan.
- Heat glaze mixture over medium heat, stirring until butter melts and ingredients are well combined; simmer 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Remove ham from oven and discard foil.
- Increase oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).
- Brush ham generously with prepared glaze.
- Return ham to oven, uncovered, and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, basting every 5 minutes with more glaze, until golden-brown and caramelized.
- Check that internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Remove ham from oven and rest 15–20 minutes.
- Carve ham using a sharp carving knife on a cutting board.
- Arrange slices on a serving platter.
Substitution
The Bone-In Half Ham from the Honey Baked Ham copycat menu delivers rich, smoky flavors with a perfectly glazed crust. If a bone-in half ham is unavailable, you can substitute a bone-in pork shoulder roast, adjusting cooking time accordingly to maintain tenderness. When glazing, use a small saucepan to melt the butter and mix the honey, brown sugar, and spices smoothly, ensuring even coating during roasting. A meat thermometer is essential to check that the internal temperature reaches 140degF to guarantee safe and flavorful results. You can tent the ham with aluminum foil if the glaze starts to darken too quickly while roasting.
Tips
Ensure your meat thermometer is properly calibrated and inserted into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding bone contact, to accurately monitor internal temperatures. Glazing too early can cause burning; wait until the final 15-20 minutes of baking before applying the sweet and smoky glaze to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust. If your oven runs hot or unevenly, loosely tent the ham with aluminum foil during baking to prevent drying out the meat. Letting your ham rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and easier to carve.
Nutritions
Honey Baked Ham's Bone-In Half Ham provides a rich source of protein essential for muscle repair and growth, delivering approximately 20-24 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. The glaze, made with honey and brown sugar, adds natural sugars that contribute calories but also offer quick energy. This ham contains moderate sodium levels, around 900-1100 mg per serving, so monitoring your intake is important if you are watching salt consumption. Your meal can be balanced by pairing the ham with fiber-rich vegetables to support digestion and overall health.
Storage
Store leftover Honey Baked Ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to preserve moisture and flavor. Refrigerate your ham at 40degF (4degC) or below and consume within 3 to 5 days for optimal freshness. For longer storage, freeze the ham in heavy-duty freezer bags or vacuum-sealed packaging, which can keep it safe for up to 2 months without losing succulence.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a richer, slightly sweeter glaze. Try adding a splash of orange juice or zest to brighten the flavor profile and complement the smoked paprika and cloves. Instead of baking at 325degF initially, slow roast the ham at 275degF (135degC) for a more tender result, then finish with the high-temperature glaze step for caramelization. Consider using a pineapple juice-based glaze for a tropical twist that enhances the natural sweetness.
Allergies
Honey Baked Ham contains ingredients such as honey, brown sugar, mustard, and spices that may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Mustard is a common allergen that can cause symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe anaphylaxis in those with a mustard allergy. Your diet should be carefully monitored if you have allergies to any of the listed components to avoid adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Bone-In Half Ham from Honey Baked Ham restaurant is prized for its perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, achieved through a signature glaze of brown sugar and honey. Its tender, juicy texture combined with a crispy, caramelized crust makes each bite memorable and satisfying. You will appreciate the premium quality cut, ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, delivering a gourmet experience without the hassle. Attempting a copycat recipe allows you to recreate this iconic dish at home, saving money while customizing flavors to suit your taste.