Honey Baked Ham is a premium smoked and glazed ham that has become popular for holidays and special occasions. But what sets Honey Baked Ham apart from a regular grocery store ham? Here we will explore what makes Honey Baked Ham special.
The Curing and Smoking Process
Honey Baked Ham starts with quality fresh pork legs that are trimmed of excess fat. The hams are then cured using a proprietary blend of salts, spices, and sugar. This curing mixture helps give the ham its signature flavor and texture. The curing process takes 5-7 days which allows the seasonings to thoroughly penetrate the meat.
After curing, the hams are smoked using a mix of hickory, apple, and pecan woods. Smoking infuses the meat with rich smokey notes while also cooking it gently. The smoking process takes nearly 24 hours. This slow smoking time results in hams that are juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
The Glaze Makes a Difference
The star of a Honey Baked Ham is the sweet and sticky glaze that coats it. There are a few components that go into this glaze.
- Honey – The glaze gets its signature flavor from a blend of honey. Using high quality honey ensures authentic sweetness.
- Spices – Spices like cinnamon and cloves add warmth.
- Brown sugar – Dark brown sugar also enhances the glaze’s sweetness.
- Pineapple and cherry juice – Small amounts of fruit juice provide tanginess.
The glaze ingredients are cooked down into a thick syrup. Before serving, the ham is brushed generously with the glaze which crackles into a crispy candied coating when baked.
What Goes into a Honey Baked Ham?
Now that we know about the curing, smoking, and glazing process, let’s take a look at what goes into a whole Honey Baked Ham.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh pork leg | 1 (8-14 lbs) |
| Water | 4 quarts |
| Salt | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 2/3 cup |
| Sodium phosphate | 1 Tbsp |
| Sodium nitrite | 1 tsp |
| seasonings (spices, honey, etc.) | 1/4 cup |
As you can see, a Honey Baked Ham contains only simple, high quality ingredients. There are no artificial preservatives or flavors. The ingredients work together to naturally enhance the flavor of the fresh pork.
How to Cook Honey Baked Ham
Cooking a Honey Baked Ham at home is simple. Here is an overview of the easy process:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Place the ham fat side up in a foil lined roasting pan. Score the ham skin in a diamond pattern.
- Bake for about 15 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- During the last 45 minutes of baking, glaze the ham every 15 minutes. Be sure to spread the glaze evenly over the top and sides.
- Once the ham reaches 140°F, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
The ham can also be baked in a bag to retain even more moisture. Simply place the scored ham in a oven bag before putting it in the oven.
How Long Does Honey Baked Ham Last?
A whole unserved Honey Baked Ham will last for 7-10 days refrigerated. Once sliced, the ham lasts about 7 days in the fridge. Here are some storage guidelines:
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in coldest part of refrigerator, usually bottom shelf.
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality, up to 7 days total.
- Freeze for longer storage. Ham stays fresh in freezer for 2-3 months.
Properly stored, Honey Baked Ham has excellent longevity. With its lengthy shelf life, a ham can be prepared ahead for hassle-free holidays and events.
How Much Does Honey Baked Ham Cost?
Honey Baked Ham is premium quality and prices reflect that. You can expect to pay:
- Whole bone-in ham (8-14 lbs): $50 – $150
- Half bone-in ham (5-7 lbs): $30 – $80
- Quarter ham (3-4 lbs): $15 – $45
- Sliced ham (per pound): $10 – $20
While a Honey Baked Ham is more expensive than a basic grocery store ham, you are paying for superior flavor and quality. Considering how long a ham lasts, the upfront cost is worth it for a lavish centerpiece meal.
Where to Buy Honey Baked Ham
You can purchase Honey Baked Ham in several ways:
- In store: Visit one of 300+ HoneyBaked Ham retail locations in the US.
- Online: Order a ham for delivery from honeybaked.com, Amazon, or specialty food sites.
- Grocery store: Some high end grocers like Wegmans or Publix carry Honey Baked products.
Keep in mind hams require 2-4 days lead time to accommodate curing and prep. Order early for the holidays. Hams also sell out quickly at peak times.
Should You Get Bone-In or Boneless?
Honey Baked Ham comes both bone-in and boneless. Here’s how to decide:
| Bone-in | Boneless | |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | More robust, hammy flavor | Milder taste |
| Appearance | Classic, attractive ham shape | Non-traditional oval shape |
| Ease of Carving | Requires cutting around bone | Easy to slice uniformly |
In general, bone-in is preferred for flavor, looks, and tradition. But boneless provides convenience. Consider your needs when deciding.
Spiral Sliced or Unsliced?
Honey Baked Ham also comes spiral sliced or unsliced. Here’s how to choose:
- Spiral sliced: Faster serving, pieces showcase glaze. Prone to drying out faster.
- Unsliced: Keeps moisture better. Needs to be thinly sliced before serving.
For easy serving, go spiral cut. For maximum juiciness, get an unsliced ham and slice it right before eating.
Common Questions
Can I freeze Honey Baked Ham?
Yes, Honey Baked Ham freezes beautifully for 2-3 months. Wrap it thoroughly in plastic and foil. Thaw in fridge before reheating gently in oven.
Can I reheat Honey Baked Ham?
Leftover ham can be safely reheated in the oven or microwave. Use a lower oven temp (325°F) to avoid drying ham out. Or microwave individual slices at 50% power.
What are some good side dishes with Honey Baked Ham?
Classic pairings include scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, biscuits, green bean casserole and cornbread. A salad balances the meal.
Is Honey Baked Ham already cooked?
Yes, hams arrive fully cooked. You just need to bake briefly to warm through and caramelize the glaze. No additional cooking is required.
Conclusion
What makes Honey Baked Ham so special comes down to expertise. Over 60 years of mastering curing, smoking, and glazing results in a juicy, tender, and flavored ham that makes memorable meals. While it costs more than a basic ham, the quality is worth it for important dinners and holidays.