Spiral Honey Ham

When a spiral honey ham hits the table, it just feels like a celebration. That shiny, caramelized crust, the sweet and savory glaze, the perfectly sliced layers—there’s a reason this dish is a holiday favorite.

This recipe is a homemade take on the famous Honey Baked Ham. It’s a copycat version that delivers the same crispy, caramelized sugar crust, juicy slices, and sweet-savory glaze that makes the original so popular—without the hefty price tag.

The secret? A butter-honey glaze, a spiced sugar rub, and a quick broil at the end. You’ll get that glossy, crackly crust that makes everyone come back for seconds.

Whether you’re serving a crowd for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just love the idea of having leftovers for days, this spiral ham recipe is always a good idea.

Ingredient Notes

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

• Spiral Sliced Ham: Use a pre-cooked spiral bone-in ham. If it comes pre-glazed, the honey butter can still be added on top.
• Honey + Butter: Forms a simple glaze that adds flavor and moisture. Salted or unsalted butter both work.
• Sugar Coating: Granulated sugar is traditional for that crunchy crust. Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel note if you prefer.
• Spices: Cinnamon, paprika, onion powder, ginger, nutmeg, and salt balance the sweet crust with warmth and depth.
• Water: Added to the pan to keep the ham moist during baking.

Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan with rack – Helps the ham cook evenly and stay out of the pan juices.
• Aluminum foil – For covering the ham while baking and lining the pan for easy cleanup.
• Meat thermometer – Ensures the ham reaches the ideal internal temperature of 140°F.
• Basting brush or spoon – For applying the pan juices and glaze.
• Serrated knife – Makes slicing through the sugar crust easier and cleaner.
• Small mixing bowls – For preparing the honey butter glaze and sugar spice mix.

How to Make Spiral Cut Honey Baked Ham

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below. 

Step 1 – Prep. Let ham sit at room temp for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a roasting pan with foil and insert rack. Remove all packaging and any seasoning packet from the ham.

Step 2 – Glaze: Mix softened butter and honey in a small bowl. Place ham cut-side down on the rack. Rub the honey butter over the ham, pressing it between slices. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan. Cover tightly with foil.

Step 3 – Bake: Bake for 2 to 2 ½ hours, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Step 4 – Sugar Rub: While baking, mix together sugar, cinnamon, paprika, onion powder, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 5 – Broil: Remove ham from oven. Transfer rack with ham to a baking sheet. Carefully tilt the ham so the sliced side faces up. Pour the pan drippings out of the pan and into a glass measuring cup. Top off drippings with water, if needed, to reach 2/3 cup liquid.

Step 6 – First Broil: Brush ham with half of the pan juices. Press half of the sugar mixture onto the surface of the ham, pressing some of the mixture in-between slices. Broil 1–2 minutes until bubbly and caramelized.

Step 7- Second Broil: Repeat basting and sugar coating. Broil another 1–2 minutes until the crust is crisp and golden.

Step 8 – Serve: Let rest for 15 minutes. Move to a platter, slice, and serve.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Additions and variations

• Brown Sugar Swap: Use all brown sugar in the coating for extra caramel flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the sugar mix.
• Orange Glaze: Stir in a teaspoon of orange zest to the honey butter.
• Slow Cooker Option: Cook on low for 3-4 hours, then broil with sugar coating.
• No Broiler?: Use a kitchen torch instead of broiler to caramelize the sugar.

Slow Cooker Copycat Honey Baked Ham

Making spiral honey ham in the slow cooker is a great option for smaller hams or when oven space is tight. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a Smaller Ham: A 5–7 lb spiral sliced ham works best in most standard slow cookers. Trim to fit if needed.
2. Prepare the Glaze: Mix softened butter and honey. Rub the mixture all over the ham, pressing some between slices.
3. Cook: Place the ham cut-side down in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Baste ham with juices a couple times throughout cooking time if possible.
4. Caramelize the Sugar Crust: Once heated through, transfer ham to a foil-lined baking sheet on a rack. Baste with juices from the slow cooker, coat with the sugar spice mixture, and broil 1–2 minutes. Repeat once more, just like the oven method.

What to Serve with Spiral Honey Ham

Round out your meal with a few classic sides that pair perfectly with spiral honey ham:

• Party Potatoes: Rich, creamy, and always a crowd favorite.
• Green Bean Casserole: A holiday must-have with crispy fried onions and tender green beans.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: A cozy side with a brown sugar and pecan topping.
• Macaroni and Cheese: Rich, creamy, and kid-approved.
• Cornbread Casserole: Soft, buttery, and full of sweet corn flavor.
• Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots roasted to perfection with a sweet glaze.
• Hashbrown Casserole: Cheesy, comforting, and pairs perfectly with ham.
• Olive Garden Salad: The perfect garden salad for holiday meals—fresh, crisp, and full of flavor.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, fully rolls ideal for sopping up that glaze.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Asparagus: A simple, fresh green side to balance the plate.

Whether you stick with classics or mix it up with a few new dishes, there’s no wrong way to build a meal around this honey baked spiral ham.

Leftover Ham Ideas

Got extra spiral honey ham? Lucky you—leftovers are half the reason to make this recipe in the first place. Here are a few delicious ways to use up every last slice:

• Farmer’s Casserole: Hearty, cheesy, and a perfect for feeding a crowd. Great for breakfast or brunch the next day.
• Scalloped Ham and Potatoes (Crockpot): Creamy, comforting, and simple to toss together in the slow cooker.
• Ham and Pea Salad: A cool, crunchy classic that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
• Ham Sandwiches or Sliders: Stack thick slices on soft rolls with mustard or honey mustard—or try these Cuban Sliders for a bold, cheesy twist that’s always a hit.
• Use the Ham Bone for Soup: Don’t toss the bone! It’s perfect for flavoring bean soup or split pea soup.

Pro tip: Cube and freeze leftover ham in portioned bags so you can easily toss it into soups, pasta, or omelets down the road.