Looking for a centerpiece that will dazzle your holiday guests? This Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is guaranteed to impress! A tender spiral-cut ham is brushed with a sweet, tangy glaze made from brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and juice, then baked to perfection with a caramelized finish. Whether for Christmas, Easter, or any special gathering, this easy-to-follow recipe will make your meal memorable.

Why This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a Must-Try :

1. Perfect for Special Occasions: This beautifully glazed ham is a show-stopper for holiday feasts.
2. Sweet and Tangy Flavor: The rich glaze combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the tanginess of mustard and fruit juice for an irresistible coating.
3. Easy to Make: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is both accessible and foolproof.
4. Customizable: Adapt the glaze to your flavor preferences with variations like maple, honey, or citrus.

Ingredients for Your Brown Sugar Glazed Ham :

For the Ham:

• 1 spiral-cut ham (7-9 pounds) (fully cooked)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup pineapple juice or orange juice

For the Brown Sugar Glaze:

• ½ cup pineapple juice or orange juice
• ½ cup light or dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Essential Baking Equipment :

• Roasting pan with rack
• Aluminum foil
• Pastry brush for glazing
• Meat thermometer
• Small saucepan

How to Bake a Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze: Step-by-Step Instructions :

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Ham

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the ham from its packaging. If there’s a plastic disk on the bone, discard it.
3. Place the ham flat-side down in a roasting pan with a rack.

Step 2: Brush with Mustard and Juice

1. In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard and juice until smooth.
2. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the entire surface of the ham with the mustard mixture.
3. Cover the ham tightly with foil to retain moisture during baking.

Step 3: Bake the Ham

1. Bake the ham for 12-15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (avoiding the bone) to check.

Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

1. While the ham bakes, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let the glaze cool slightly.

Step 5: Glaze and Caramelize the Ham

1. When the ham’s internal temperature reaches 125-130°F, remove it from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
2. Generously brush the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring it gets into the spiral cuts.
3. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender and flavorful ham.
2. Slice and serve with extra glaze drizzled over the top.

Tips for the Best Baked Ham :

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your ham is heated to the perfect temperature without overcooking.
2. Keep It Moist: Covering the ham with foil during baking helps retain its natural juices.
3. Generously Glaze: Apply the glaze liberally for a rich, caramelized coating.
4. Score the Ham: For uncut hams, score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate deeper.
5. Rest Before Slicing: Allow the ham to rest before carving for maximum juiciness.

Glaze Variations for Your Ham :

• Maple-Dijon Glaze: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup and add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky-sweet flavor.
• Honey-Mustard-Orange Glaze: Use orange juice instead of pineapple juice and add 2 tablespoons of honey for a citrusy twist.
• Spiced Glaze: Add ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon or cloves for a warm, holiday-inspired flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

1. How Long Does It Take to Bake a Ham?

Plan for 12-15 minutes per pound at 325°F for a fully cooked spiral-cut ham. For a 7-9 pound ham, this typically takes 1.5-2.5 hours.

2. Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before applying to the ham.

3. What Type of Ham Should I Use?

This recipe is designed for fully cooked spiral-cut hams. If using an uncooked ham, follow package instructions for cooking times and temperatures.

Serving Suggestions and Leftover Ideas :

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this glazed ham with classic holiday sides like:

• Scalloped Potatoes
• Green Bean Casserole
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Cranberry Sauce

Leftover Ideas:

1. Ham Sandwiches: Use slices for hearty sandwiches with mustard and pickles.
2. Breakfast Casserole: Add diced ham to an egg and cheese bake.
3. Ham and Bean Soup: Use leftover ham for a comforting bowl of soup.
4. Omelets: Add small cubes of ham to your morning omelet or scrambled eggs.

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Yield: 12

Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Print

Make the perfect Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham for your holiday table! Sweet, tangy, and caramelized to perfection, this easy recipe will wow your guests.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Ham:
• 1 spiral-cut ham (7-9 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup pineapple juice or orange juice
• For the Glaze:
• ½ cup pineapple juice or orange juice
• ½ cup light or dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Brush ham with Dijon mustard and juice. Cover with foil and bake 12-15 minutes per pound or until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
2. While baking, prepare the glaze by heating juice, brown sugar, Dijon, ginger, and cornstarch in a saucepan until thickened.
3. When the ham reaches 125-130°F, remove from oven and increase temperature to 425°F.
4. Brush glaze generously over ham and bake for 10-15 minutes, uncovered, until caramelized.
5. Rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving):Calories: 320 | Protein: 24g | Carbs: 16g | Fat: 10g

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