Description
This Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is a simple yet show-stopping centerpiece that combines sweet and savory flavors for a tender, juicy ham coated in a sticky, caramelized glaze. Perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any special occasion, this recipe is effortless to prepare and sure to impress your guests with its moist texture and glossy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Ham
- Pre-cooked Ham (bone-in or boneless, approximately 6-8 pounds)
Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 2 tablespoons Honey or Maple Syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
For Baking
- 1 cup Water or Pineapple Juice (to add to the roasting pan)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the pre-cooked ham in a roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate deeply.
- Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, ground cloves, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Apply the Glaze: Brush a generous amount of the brown sugar glaze over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the scored cuts. Reserve some glaze for later use.
- Bake the Ham: Pour water or pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the ham moist. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1 ½ to 2 hours, basting the ham with reserved glaze every 20 minutes to build layers of sticky sweetness.
- Final Glaze and Brown: Remove the foil during the last 20 minutes of baking to let the glaze caramelize and form a beautiful, glossy crust. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the ham rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and juicy.
Notes
- Score the ham deeply to allow the glaze to soak in and flavor the meat thoroughly.
- Baste regularly by applying the glaze multiple times during baking to enhance caramelization and taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when reheating a pre-cooked ham.
- Cover loosely with foil to keep moisture locked in while allowing the glaze to caramelize.
- Choose a good-quality pre-cooked ham for best tenderness and flavor.
- The brown sugar glaze can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator—warm it slightly before applying.
- Leftover ham can be refrigerated for 3 to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C), covered with foil to keep moisture; avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked ham, brown sugar glaze, holiday ham, easy ham recipe, glazed ham, baked ham with glaze