Honey Baked Ham Company Copycat Recipe: Glazed to Golden Perfection With Pineapple Swirl

This honey baked ham company copycat recipe lets you bring that iconic pineapple-swirled ham right into your kitchen—just like the beloved holiday classic.

This copycat recipe combines a perfectly seasoned ham with a rich, sticky honey glaze that caramelizes to a glossy finish, all while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.

The key lies in the slow-baking process and the precise balance of honey, brown sugar, and spices that mimic their signature flavor.

The secret to achieving that restaurant-quality result starts with a simple brine that enhances the ham's natural sweetness and keeps it moist. After baking, the glaze is applied in thin layers, allowing each coat to set before adding more for that signature glossy sheen.

The pineapple swirl adds a touch of brightness that cuts through the richness, making every bite balanced and memorable.

By the time your ham emerges from the oven, you'll have a showstopping centerpiece with a crackling exterior and tender, flavorful meat inside.

The glaze will be sticky-sweet with just the right amount of caramelization, and those pineapple rings will add a pop of color and a hint of tropical brightness. This recipe delivers the same results as the store-bought version, but with the satisfaction of making it yourself.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or special occasions, this copycat recipe ensures your ham will be the star of the meal. Let's get started on creating your own Honey Baked Ham Company experience at home.

Ingredients for honey baked ham company copycat

Sixteen ingredients transform into that iconic restaurant-quality ham with pineapple swirl.

The ham is everything here. Center-cut is key—it's leaner and holds up better to long baking. If using frozen, thaw it in the fridge for 4-5 days (yes, that long). For fresh, look for one with a thick layer of fat on top—it'll render down to keep the meat moist. Costco or Sam's Club usually have the best prices for large cuts, but any grocery store butcher section will have what you need. If your ham has a skin, score it lightly with a knife before baking so the glaze can penetrate.

No cream of tartar? Lemon juice at half the amount works in a pinch. Running short on pineapple? Crushed pineapple juice (drained well) gets you close, but fresh is better. The spices are non-negotiable—pre-ground is fine, but if you've got whole spices, toast and grind them fresh. For the glaze, Trader Joe's has the best-priced honey in jars, and their brown sugar is perfect for this. The butter needs to stay cold—pull it out of the fridge just before adding it to the glaze so it doesn't melt too fast.

This ham tastes even better the next day, so make it ahead if you can. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days, wrapped tightly in foil. The glaze will harden as it cools—just reheat it with a splash of water in the microwave for 20 seconds. Freezing isn't recommended since the texture changes, but you can freeze portions of the glaze separately for up to 3 months. For serving, slice it thick—everyone will be impressed by those pineapple swirls.

Step-by-step instructions for honey baked ham company copycat recipe

Here's how to recreate that signature golden glaze and pineapple swirl at home.

In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups light brown sugar, 0.5 cup granulated sugar, 1.5 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice. Mix thoroughly until all the spices are evenly distributed through the sugar mixture. This creates the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth for the ham's exterior.

Next, crush the 10 whole black peppercorns lightly with a mortar and pestle or the bottom of a heavy pan. Add them to the sugar mixture and stir again. The peppercorns will add subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness beautifully. Set this dry rub aside for now—it's the foundation of that signature caramelized crust.

In a small saucepan, combine the 1 cup fresh pineapple (crushed and drained), 0.5 cup orange juice, and 0.5 cup unsalted butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts completely and the pineapple begins to soften. This should take about 5 minutes. The pineapple should release its juices and create a thick, syrupy consistency.

Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon cream of tartar. This might seem like an odd ingredient, but it's crucial—it prevents the glaze from crystallizing later. Let the mixture cool slightly while you prepare the ham. The pineapple filling will be the surprise center of your copycat ham, just like the original.

Place the 8 lb bone-in ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. In a separate bowl, dissolve the 2 cups yellow honey in the 2 cups water until completely combined. Pour this honey-water mixture evenly over the ham, making sure it covers the entire surface. The honey will begin to penetrate the meat immediately, creating a moist, flavorful base.

Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and refrigerate the ham for 24 hours. This long brining process ensures the ham stays juicy throughout cooking and allows the honey to infuse deeply. If you're short on time, you can brine for at least 12 hours, but 24 hours gives the best results. Real talk: This step makes all the difference between a good ham and a showstopping one.

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the ham from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the ham cook more evenly. Place the ham cut side up in the roasting pan and spread half of the dry glaze rub evenly over the top.

Bake uncovered for 2 hours, then carefully pour the pineapple mixture into the center of the ham. Using a spoon, gently spread the pineapple mixture around the edges to create that signature swirl pattern. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking for another 1 hour 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

Remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Spread the remaining dry glaze rub evenly over the ham, pressing it gently into the surface. This final layer will create that beautiful caramelized crust we all love. Return the ham to the oven for 15-20 minutes until the glaze is deep golden brown and bubbling.

Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. The result should be a perfectly glazed ham with a tender, juicy interior and that signature pineapple swirl. Serve warm with your favorite sides—you've just recreated the Honey Baked Ham Company magic at home.

Make-ahead tips for this recipe

Brine Ahead

The secret to a juicy ham starts with the 24-hour brine. I recommend preparing this the night before your cooking day—it’s the perfect way to multitask. Place your ham in a roasting pan, cover it with the honey-water mixture, and refrigerate uncovered.

The longer it brines, the more flavorful and tender it becomes. If you're short on time, a 12-hour minimum still works, but 24 hours is ideal for that restaurant-quality result. 💫

Glaze Prep

Make the dry glaze rub and pineapple mixture the day before baking—this saves time and ensures everything is ready to go. Store the dry rub in an airtight container at room temperature, and refrigerate the pineapple mixture in a separate container.

The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and you’ll avoid last-minute stress. Pro tip: Use a fine-mesh sieve to sift the dry rub for an even, smooth application. ✨

Slow Cooking

If you're hosting a big gathering, consider starting the ham in the oven and finishing it in a 325°F slow cooker for the last 2-3 hours. This method keeps the ham moist and allows you to monitor the glaze closely.

Just transfer the ham to a heatproof dish and cover it loosely with foil. The slow cooker method is especially handy if your oven space is limited during the holidays. 🔥

Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers are inevitable, and reheating this ham is a breeze. Wrap slices in foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For a quick fix, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel on 50% power for 1-2 minutes.

The glaze might harden slightly, so a splash of water helps restore its stickiness. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months. ❄️

Make-Ahead Glaze

You can even prep the glaze ahead of time and store it separately. Mix the dry rub and keep it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. For the wet glaze, combine the honey, brown sugar, and spices in a saucepan and simmer until thickened.

Let it cool, then store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. When ready to use, reheat the glaze in a saucepan over low heat until smooth, then brush it on the ham during the final baking stage. This is a game-changer for busy cooks! 💡

Plating for Parties

If you're serving the ham at a party, slice it on a large platter and arrange the pineapple swirls prominently. Garnish with fresh pineapple rings and a sprinkle of additional ground cinnamon for a festive touch.

For easy serving, use a ham slicer or a sharp chef’s knife to cut thick slices. The glaze will drip beautifully, making it look like it came straight from Honey Baked Ham Company. 🍍

Frequently asked questions