If you’re looking to impress family and friends with a stunning centerpiece that’s bursting with flavor, this Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine a beautifully golden ham, sweetly glazed with a rich blend of brown sugar, honey, and spices, giving every bite a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The interplay of juicy meat and caramelized glaze makes it irresistible, and best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, this dish promises a memorable meal that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet powerful ingredients each play a crucial role in making the glaze irresistibly sticky and flavorful, while enhancing the natural juiciness of the ham. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll create a glaze that offers a mouthwatering aroma and a gorgeous caramelized finish.
- 14-16 lb. bone-in ham: A large, well-marbled ham provides the perfect base for the glaze to soak in and carry flavor.
- 3 cups water: Keeps the ham moist during roasting, preventing it from drying out.
- 1 cup brown sugar: The star sweetener that creates that iconic, glossy caramel crust.
- ½ cup honey: Adds depth and natural sweetness with a beautiful golden hue.
- â…“ cup Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps meld all the glaze flavors together.
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the sweetness with a mild acidity that brightens the glaze.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the glaze with a savory warmth that keeps the flavor complex and exciting.
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon: Introduces a cozy spice note that complements the ham beautifully.
- ¼ tsp ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing that lifts the sweetness just enough.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. This moderate temperature will allow the ham to cook through evenly while the glaze thickens and caramelizes beautifully.
Step 2: Score the Ham
Place your ham on a cutting board and carefully score the surface by making ½-inch deep cuts in parallel lines 1 inch apart. Then turn the ham and make the same cuts perpendicular to the first set, creating a diamond pattern. This scoring technique is key because it lets the glaze seep deep into the ham, making every bite flavorful and visually stunning.
Step 3: Roast with Moisture
Put the ham flat side down in a roasting pan and pour in 3 cups of water. Cover the pan tightly with foil to lock in moisture. Roast the ham for about 12 minutes per pound, ensuring tender and juicy meat. The water creates steam that keeps the ham succulent as it cooks.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the ham roasts, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, butter, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, cinnamon, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until bubbling, then reduce to low and simmer for a few minutes. Although the glaze will seem runny at first, it thickens as it cools, ready to coat the ham with a luscious shine.
Step 5: Glaze and Continue Roasting
After the first hour, take the ham out and spread about one-third of your glaze over the surface. Return it to the oven uncovered to let the glaze set and caramelize, infusing the ham with that signature sticky sweetness.
Step 6: Repeat Glazing
Once another hour passes, remove the ham again and brush on another third of the glaze. This layering ensures the flavor builds up gradually, creating that irresistible glaze thickness and deep color.
Step 7: Final Glaze Application
For the final stretch, spread the last portion of the glaze generously over the ham. Let it continue cooking for the remaining time based on your ham’s weight, allowing the glaze to fully penetrate and form a perfectly caramelized crust.
Step 8: Rest Before Carving
Once out of the oven, it’s crucial to let your ham rest for at least 15 minutes. This rest period lets the juices redistribute, making each slice moist and tender instead of dry.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation is everything when serving your glazed ham. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a lovely fragrance and pop of color. You can also scatter whole cloves across the ham for an aromatic touch that looks classic and elegant.
Side Dishes
This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe pairs magnificently with creamy mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts. Sweet cranberry sauce or a tangy mustard dip also work beautifully to complement the honey-sweet glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, carve the ham into neat slices and fan them out on a large platter surrounded by orange or pineapple slices. You can even drizzle some extra glaze over the slices just before serving to keep things glossy and flavorful. Setting the ham center-stage on a bed of greens makes your table instantly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days while maintaining its rich flavors and texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep the ham for longer, slice it and place the pieces in airtight freezer bags. Properly stored, the ham will last up to 2 months in the freezer without losing that delightful texture or taste.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the ham with foil and warm it gently in an oven at 275°F until heated through. You can brush on a little extra glaze before reheating to refresh its sticky sweetness and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use a pre-cooked ham for this Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe?
Yes! Most store-bought hams are pre-cooked, which means you are really just reheating and glazing. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since the goal is to warm through and caramelize the glaze without drying out the meat.
What type of ham is best?
A bone-in ham with a good fat layer works best to keep the meat juicy and flavorful. The bone also adds richness during cooking and helps the ham hold its shape.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made 1 or 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just warm it gently before brushing onto the ham for easy prep on the day of your feast.
Is it possible to substitute ingredients in the glaze?
Yes, you can swap Dijon mustard for yellow mustard for a milder taste, and maple syrup is a lovely alternative to honey. Just keep the balance of sweet to tangy for the best flavor.
How do I know when the ham is done?
The ham is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (for pre-cooked) or 145°F (for fresh ham). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part to be sure.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about serving up a beautifully glazed, tender ham that’s been lovingly prepared with simple ingredients and a touch of patience. This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe combines sweet, tangy, and spicy notes into one unforgettable package. I encourage you to try it at your next celebration or cozy dinner—once you do, it will surely become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
