# Copycat Honey Baked Ham: A Show-Stopping Centerpiece for Special Events
This imitation honey baked ham is a simple, eye-catching main course that’s ideal for holidays or special gatherings. A spiral-cut ham is coated with a delectable honey glaze and baked to perfection for a tender, syrupy finish.
### Flavor Profile
The taste of this dish is luxurious and savory, showcasing a sweet, sticky honey glaze paired with a bit of warmth from spices and a touch of tang to bring balance.
### Recommended Tools
To create this scrumptious dish, you will need:
– A roasting pan
– Aluminum foil
– A pastry brush for applying the glaze
– An instant-read thermometer to ensure optimal cooking
### Cherish Your Leftovers
Having additional slices of honey baked ham available is a delight. Use them in simple sandwiches or comforting soups throughout the week, making every leftover taste as wonderful as the initial meal.
## Ingredients for Honey Baked Ham
– **Ham**: Opt for a fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham for the best flavor and juiciness.
– **Honey Glaze**: The glaze is made with honey for sweetness, butter for richness, brown sugar for caramel flavors, and a dash of Dijon mustard for tang.
– **Variations**: Think about adding a citrus element with orange zest, replacing cloves with cinnamon, or mixing in a pinch of cayenne for a sweet heat boost.
## How Much Spiral Ham Per Person?
When buying bone-in spiral ham, estimate about ½ lb per person (or ¾ lb for generous leftovers). A larger ham is perfect for leftover dishes and for using the bone in soups.
## How to Cook a Honey Baked Ham
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Position the ham, cut-side down, in the roasting pan, cover with foil, and bake.
3. Apply the glaze on the ham, raise the oven temperature, and bake until the ham attains 140°F.
4. Take it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
### Cooking Tips
– Bake the ham cut-side down to retain moisture.
– Cover the ham with foil while warming to avoid drying.
– Utilize a thermometer to prevent overcooking; remove the ham at 135°F before glazing.
– Add glaze towards the end of cooking to avoid charring.
## Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
– **Refrigerate**: Keep honey baked ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– **Freeze**: Sliced ham can be frozen for up to 2 months. Include a spoonful of pan juices before freezing to retain moisture.
– **Reheat**: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm covered at 300°F with a splash of broth or water.
### Leftover Ideas
Incorporate leftover ham into sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, fried rice, soups, sliders, or scalloped potatoes. Reserve the ham bone for soups like ham and bean soup.
## What to Serve with Honey Baked Ham
Complement this delectable ham with sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to create a complete meal.
### Conclusion
This Copycat Honey Baked Ham is a delightful feature for any holiday or special occasion, delivering a perfect mix of flavors and textures that will impress your guests. Savor the leftovers in various recipes, maximizing the versatility of this main dish.