Honey Baked Ham

This is the closest I can get to a honey baked ham without paying the crazy prices for one. Keep an eye out for a spiral sliced ham on sale at your local grocery store. Grab one quick and with a few extra spices, you can create your own holiday ham for 1/3 the price.

Honey Baked Ham
Honey Baked Ham

This is the closest I can get to a honey baked ham without paying the crazy prices for one. Keep an eye out for a spiral sliced ham on sale at your local grocery store. Grab one quick and with a few extra spices, you can create your own holiday ham for 1/3 the price.

  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 20
  • Carbohydrate 3.13040697637 g
  • Cholesterol 145.14944 mg
  • Fat 11.6833451251482 g
  • Fiber 0.38083500148774 g
  • Protein 50.6243655507072 g
  • Saturated Fat 3.68739357501038 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 Serving (246g)
  • Sodium 2216.53615750091 mg
  • Sugar 2.74957197488226 g
  • Trans Fat 1.00989968253315 g
  • Calories 318 calories

Step-by-step

  • Preheat oven to 325F.
  • Place ham flat side down in a deep dish disposable roasting pan (easier clean up on a holiday...just put pan in recycle bin when done).
  • Insert probe of a digital thermometer into thickest part of ham and set outside of oven the temperature reader to sound at 140F. Be careful to avoid the ham bone when inserting the probe.
  • Pour pear and orange juice over ham.
  • Baste ham every 30 minutes for about 2 1/2 hours or until digital thermometer alert sounds.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix the sugar, garlic powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves.
  • When ham reaches 140F, remove from oven, pack sugar mixture evenly over entire ham.
  • Gently heat the seasoned sugar mixture on the ham with a brulee torch. Wave the flame quickly over the sugar (you want the sugar to brown, not burn). Staying in one area, and moving out from there slowly will make this easier, as you will be heating the sugar in a continual direction. This whole process will take about 15 minutes, so be patient. You can sprinkle more sugar on top of the already browned parts of the ham and make the crust thicker.
  • You can either reheat the ham or serve it cold when you are ready.

My Secret to a Delicious and Affordable Honey Baked Ham

As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Holidays are a whirlwind of activity, and the last thing I want to stress about is an expensive, complicated meal. That's why I've perfected this recipe for a honey baked ham – it's delicious, affordable, and surprisingly easy to make, even on a weeknight!

I used to be intimidated by the thought of making a honey baked ham from scratch. The pre-made ones at the grocery store look so perfect, but the price tag always gave me sticker shock. Then I discovered the secret: spiral-sliced hams! They're readily available at most grocery stores, often on sale, and they make this recipe a breeze. The spiral slicing ensures even cooking, so you don't have to worry about dry spots. And the best part? It tastes just as good, if not better, than the expensive store-bought versions.

This recipe isn’t just about saving money; it’s about simplifying the holiday season. Forget the hours spent in the kitchen; this ham requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. The simple spice rub adds a touch of warmth and sweetness that perfectly complements the savory ham. It’s the kind of recipe you'll want to make again and again, not only for holidays but for special dinners throughout the year. The leftovers are amazing too, perfect for sandwiches or salads. It's truly a win-win!

Ingredients that make this recipe special: The combination of pear and orange juice creates a beautifully balanced glaze that's both sweet and tangy. The homemade spice rub adds layers of warmth and depth, elevating the ham to a whole new level. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it's easy to customize to your preference. If you like a spicier ham, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub. Or, if you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a tablespoon or two of honey to the pear and orange juice mixture. The possibilities are endless!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don't need any special culinary skills to achieve incredible results. It's a recipe that celebrates the joy of cooking without the intimidation. I often make this ham for family gatherings, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. Everyone raves about how juicy and flavorful it is – and they’re always surprised when I tell them how easy it is to make! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. It’s more than just a ham; it’s a symbol of simple pleasures and delicious memories created in the kitchen.

Tips and tricks for success:

  • Look for a spiral-sliced ham on sale – this will significantly reduce the cost.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with the spice rub – add your favorite spices or herbs to customize it to your liking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to the perfect temperature.
  • Let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing – this will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy ham.
  • Leftover ham can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, or frittatas.

Happy cooking, and happy holidays!