Perfect Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze: Your Ultimate Holiday Centerpiece
Elevate your holiday feast with this absolutely delightful baked ham, featuring a rich and sweet brown sugar glaze. This classic dish transforms a simple spiral ham into a show-stopping main course, baked to perfection and coated in a homemade glaze of brown sugar, tangy mustard, and aromatic cloves. It’s an incredibly straightforward recipe that guarantees a remarkably satisfying, succulent, and flavor-packed experience, perfect for any festive gathering.
When it comes to crafting memorable meals, especially during the holidays, I’m always drawn to those impressive, meaty mains. While they’re not the *only* thing I eat, they certainly hold a special place in my culinary heart. I love preparing dishes that feel grand and celebratory, yet are surprisingly simple to execute. Think of favorites like Instant Pot Whole Chicken, a juicy Air Fryer Steak, the flavorful Honey Sriracha Air Fryer Salmon, or a classic Juicy Roast Turkey. These might sound like dishes fit for a king’s feast, but the secret is their ease of preparation. They’re my go-to for creating a “fancy meal” experience without all the arduous work typically involved.
There’s truly nothing better than treating your family (and yourself!) to a stellar dinner that looks and tastes incredible, all while keeping your time in the kitchen manageable. Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy cooking, but I also cherish those moments where I can take a breather. This baked ham recipe is precisely one of those delightful breaks. It allows me to indulge in a truly magnificent meal without the usual stress, making any holiday dinner feel much smoother and more enjoyable. Whether it’s for Easter, Christmas, or a special Sunday gathering, a perfectly cooked glazed ham is always a crowd-pleaser.
Why This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a Must-Make for Your Holidays
A beautifully baked ham with a sweet and savory glaze is a timeless holiday staple. Its rich flavor, tender texture, and stunning presentation make it the ideal centerpiece for any festive occasion. What makes this particular recipe stand out is its simplicity combined with an absolutely irresistible flavor profile. The brown sugar glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a slightly crisp, sweet crust that perfectly complements the salty notes of the ham.
Choosing the Right Ham: Spiral-Sliced Perfection
For this recipe, we recommend using a fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham. Here’s why:
- Pre-cooked Convenience: Most hams sold in stores are already fully cooked, meaning your primary goal is to heat it through and develop that delicious glaze, not to cook it from raw. This drastically cuts down on cooking time and effort.
- Spiral-Sliced Advantage: Spiral-sliced hams are pre-cut around the bone, making serving incredibly easy. The slices also create perfect crevices for the brown sugar glaze to seep into, ensuring every bite is infused with flavor and moisture.
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: While a boneless ham might seem easier, a bone-in ham often provides more flavor and moisture. The bone helps to insulate the meat, resulting in a more succulent final product. Plus, the bone can be used later for making ham stock or soup!
How to Make This Irresistible Baked Ham: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this baked ham with brown sugar glaze is surprisingly simple, allowing you to focus on other holiday preparations or simply enjoy the company of your loved ones. Follow these detailed steps for a perfectly cooked and glazed ham:
- Prepare the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures the ham cooks evenly from the start. While the oven preheats, if your ham comes with any seasoning packets, you can discard them as we’ll be making our own superior glaze.
- Initial Bake & Prep the Ham: Place your spiral-sliced ham face down in a sturdy roasting pan. This helps keep the ham moist and allows the drippings to collect easily. If your ham is very salty, give it a quick rinse under cold water and then pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels before placing it in the pan. Bake the ham for an initial 30 minutes. This gives it a head start on heating through before the glaze is applied.
- Craft the Glaze: While the ham is in its initial bake, combine all the remaining ingredients for the glaze in a small bowl: brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, whole cloves (or ground if preferred for easier application), and low-sodium chicken stock. Whisk everything together until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is well combined. There’s no need to cook this glaze on the stovetop, as it will thicken and caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Glaze and Baste: After the initial 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven. Carefully pour a generous amount of your homemade brown sugar glaze over the baked ham, ensuring it seeps into all the spiral slices. Use a basting brush or spoon to spread it evenly. Return the ham to the oven.
- Continue Baking and Basting: Continue baking the ham for approximately 10 minutes per pound. For a 9-10 lb ham, this would be about 90-100 minutes total after the initial bake. Crucially, baste the ham with the pan drippings and any remaining glaze every 20 minutes. This continuous basting is key to keeping the ham moist and building up that gorgeous, caramelized crust.
- Check for Doneness: The ham is fully cooked when its internal temperature, measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding the bone), reaches at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60°C). Once it reaches this temperature, remove the ham from the oven.
- Rest and Serve: Let the baked ham rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and succulent result. Then, slice and serve with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your perfectly glazed and incredibly delicious baked ham!
Pro Tips for Achieving the Perfect Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Making a show-stopping baked ham doesn’t have to be complicated. These expert tips will help you achieve a moist, flavorful ham with a perfectly caramelized glaze every time.
Achieving the Golden Brown Glaze
The beauty of this baked ham lies in its sticky, sweet, and slightly tangy brown sugar glaze. As the ham bakes and you baste it, the sugars in the glaze caramelize, forming a beautiful, irresistible crust. Don’t be shy with the glaze – ensure it gets into the crevices of your spiral ham for maximum flavor. If you find your glaze getting too dark too quickly, you can tent the ham loosely with foil for the remaining cooking time.
Preventing Dry Ham: The Basting Secret
One of the biggest concerns when cooking a large cut of meat like a ham is preventing it from drying out. The trick, as mentioned in the instructions, is consistent basting. Every 20 minutes, open your oven and generously ladle some of the rich pan drippings and glaze over the entire surface of the ham. This not only keeps the ham moist but also infuses it with more flavor and helps to build that delicious, caramelized crust. You can even increase the frequency of basting if you feel your ham needs more moisture.
Knowing When It’s Done: Temperature is Key
Since most spiral hams are already fully cooked, you’re primarily reheating it to a safe serving temperature and developing the glaze. The most accurate way to ensure your baked ham with brown sugar glaze is perfectly heated through is by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, being careful to avoid the bone. Once it registers at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60°C), your ham is ready to be removed from the oven and rested.
To Cover or Not to Cover?
Whether to cover your ham during baking is a common question. I generally prefer to cook my ham uncovered, especially in the initial stages and when applying the glaze. This allows for optimal caramelization and makes the basting process much easier. I rarely have issues with the ham drying out when I baste regularly. However, if you are cooking a particularly large ham (over 10 pounds) or notice it drying out towards the end of the cooking time, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the latter half of the baking period. This helps to lock in moisture without completely sacrificing that beautiful crispy glaze.
Rinsing the Ham for Ideal Flavor Balance
Hams can sometimes be quite salty due to the curing process. To achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile that highlights the sweet glaze without being overly salty, it’s a good practice to give your ham a quick rinse under cold water before baking. After rinsing, be sure to pat the ham completely dry with paper towels. A dry surface allows the glaze to adhere better and caramelize more effectively, resulting in a superior crust.
Mastering the Brown Sugar Glaze: Sweet, Savory, and Spicy Variations
The brown sugar glaze is the star of this baked ham, providing that irresistible sticky-sweet coating. It’s incredibly easy to make and doesn’t require pre-cooking on the stovetop, as it will thicken and meld flavors beautifully in the oven.
The Sweet & Savory Balance
Our glaze recipe, with its combination of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, and chicken stock, strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory. The sweetness from the sugars is cut by the sharp tang of Dijon mustard, while the cloves add a warm, aromatic spice. The chicken stock helps to thin the glaze slightly, allowing it to penetrate the ham slices and keep the ham moist. The longer the glaze sits on the ham and bakes, the more it will caramelize and thicken into a delicious sticky coating.
Customizing Your Glaze
While the classic brown sugar glaze is fantastic, feel free to customize it to your liking:
- Add a Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the glaze can add a delightful spicy counterpoint to the sweetness.
- Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of orange juice or pineapple juice can add a bright, fruity note to the glaze, which pairs wonderfully with ham.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute some or all of the honey with maple syrup for a distinct, rich flavor.
- Other Spices: Experiment with other warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a different aromatic profile.
- Vinegar for Tang: A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar can deepen the glaze’s complexity.
What to Serve with Your Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
A magnificent main course like this baked ham deserves equally delicious accompaniments. The good news is that classic side dishes are almost always the best option, complementing the rich flavors of the ham without overpowering them.
Classic Side Dishes
For a traditional holiday spread, consider these beloved classics that pair perfectly with glazed ham:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food, perfect for soaking up any extra glaze or pan drippings.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: A sweeter alternative that harmonizes beautifully with the ham’s glaze.
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Layers of tender potatoes and creamy cheese make for an indulgent side.
- Creamed Corn: Sweet and rich, a favorite for many holiday tables.
- Creamed Spinach: A sophisticated green vegetable side that adds a touch of elegance.
- Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans: Simple, crisp, and vibrant, offering a lovely textural contrast.
- Dinner Rolls: Essential for wiping up every last bit of delicious glaze and ham juice.
Fresh & Light Options
If you’re looking to balance the richness of the ham, consider some lighter, fresher sides:
- Garden Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterpoint.
- Fruit Salad: Melons, berries, and grapes offer a sweet and juicy contrast.
- Apple Sauce: A traditional pairing that adds a tart and sweet element.
Leftovers and Storage: Enjoying Your Ham Beyond the Feast
One of the best things about cooking a large ham is the delicious leftovers! With a little planning, you can enjoy your brown sugar glazed ham for days after your main meal.
Storing Your Cooked Ham
Once your ham has cooled, slice any remaining meat off the bone and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Properly stored, cooked ham will last for 3-5 days. If you have a large amount, you can also freeze ham for up to 1-2 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in freezer-safe bags before freezing.
Creative Leftover Ham Recipes
Don’t let any of that delicious ham go to waste! Here are some ideas for transforming leftovers:
- Ham and Cheese Sandwiches: A classic for a reason! Pair with a good mustard and your favorite cheese.
- Ham and Bean Soup: Use the ham bone (if you had one) to make a flavorful stock, then add diced ham, beans, and vegetables for a hearty soup.
- Ham and Egg Breakfast Burritos: Dice the ham and scramble it with eggs, cheese, and your favorite veggies for a quick breakfast.
- Ham and Potato Casserole: Layer diced ham with potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce for a comforting meal.
- Split Pea Soup: Another classic that benefits immensely from leftover ham and its bone.
- Ham Fried Rice: A quick and easy weeknight meal, using diced ham in place of other proteins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Ham
Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?
While a fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham is recommended for its convenience and ability to absorb the glaze, you can adapt this recipe for other types of ham. If using a whole bone-in or boneless ham that isn’t pre-sliced, you might want to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern before applying the glaze. This will help the glaze adhere and penetrate the meat better. Adjust cooking times based on the ham’s weight and whether it’s fully cooked or requires more extensive cooking.
How long does it take to cook a 10lb ham?
For a fully cooked 10-pound spiral-sliced ham, you’ll generally bake it for about 10 minutes per pound. This means roughly 100 minutes of baking time (plus the initial 30 minutes before glazing). Always rely on an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) to confirm doneness, as oven temperatures and ham characteristics can vary.
What if my glaze is too thin or too thick?
If your glaze seems too thin after mixing, you can let it sit for a bit longer, or for a quick fix, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat until it thickens slightly (don’t boil). If it’s too thick to spread, add a tablespoon or two of chicken stock or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, the glaze will also thicken and caramelize as it bakes in the oven.
Can I prepare the ham the day before?
You can certainly prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This saves a step on the day of cooking. While you can rinse and pat dry the ham the day before, it’s best to apply the glaze and bake on the same day for the freshest taste and best caramelization.
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Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
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Ingredients
- 9-10 lb fully cooked spiral sliced ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 6 cloves
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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Place the ham face down in a roasting pan and cook for 30 minutes.
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While the ham cooks, combine the brown sugar, honey, chicken stock, cloves, and dijon mustard in a small bowl.
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Ladle some of the glaze and ham drippings over the ham and place it back in the oven. Make sure the glaze gets into every slice of the ham. You want to do this every 20 minutes.
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Cook the ham for 10 minutes per pound or until the ham registers 140 degrees F.
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Enjoy!
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Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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