The aroma of a Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze wafting through the kitchen is enough to draw anyone from their cozy spot in the living room. Picture this: a golden-brown ham gleaming with a sweet, caramelized glaze, the light catching just right to make it look almost too good to eat. As you slice into it, the tender meat shines, and the sweet smell of brown sugar mixed with warm spices fills the air. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for gatherings and holiday celebrations, evoking warmth and togetherness.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish. Family and friends crowded around the dining table, their smiles widening as they took in the sight of my delicious ham. It was a sweet success that marked the beginning of a beloved tradition. This Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze has become a staple in my home, a dish that brings back fond memories and laughter. If you’re looking to create a memorable meal that will leave everyone raving for more, you’re in for a treat! Let’s get started on making something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, mouthwatering flavor that perfectly balances sweet and savory.
Simple & Quick: Whip it up in about 10 minutes of prep and let the oven do the heavy lifting!
Eye-Catching Appeal: The glistening glaze and beautiful presentation makes it a showstopper on any table.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a Sunday family dinner, this ham fits right in.
Impress Your Guests: Homemade always beats store-bought, giving you bragging rights all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 lb bone in spiral cut ham: This type of ham is ideal as it cooks evenly and is easy to slice. Look for a quality ham from your local butcher or grocery store.
1/2 cup butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the glaze. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, consider using margarine or a dairy-free substitute.
1 cup brown sugar: The star of our glaze! Brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, creating that irresistible crust. Feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a more natural option.
1/2 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed): Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness and acidity balancing the sweetness of the glaze. Store-bought works in a pinch, just choose a pure version without added sugars.
1 teaspoon orange zest: This little touch amplifies the citrus flavor and freshness without overwhelming the dish. You can replace it with lemon zest for a different twist.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: It brings warmth and spice, enhancing the overall flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a hint of clove or allspice.
Pinch of nutmeg: Just a touch adds complexity. Too much can be overpowering, so a pinch is perfect.
Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier; you can also use olive oil or butter to grease your pan.
Fresh herbs and fruit for garnish (optional): Sprigs of rosemary or thyme, or slices of orange or apple add a lovely touch of color and freshness for presentation.

How to Make Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While it’s heating, grab a large baking pan and coat it with cooking spray to prevent the ham from sticking. This simple step ensures a perfect release later when you serve your delicious dish. You’re preparing the stage for the star of the meal!

Cook the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, add the butter, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir the mixture until combined, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to thicken to a syrupy consistency—watch for the bubbling around the edges and the enchanting scent that fills your kitchen!

Glaze the Ham: Place your spiral cut ham into your prepared baking pan, carefully pouring half of the glaze over the top. Make sure it’s evenly distributed. Cover the ham tightly with foil to keep moisture in and reserve the other half of your luscious glaze for basting later. This will help create a beautiful caramelized finish!

Bake the Ham: Now, pop the ham into your preheated oven and bake it for about 2 hours. During this time, the flavors meld and the ham warms through. After the initial baking period, carefully remove the foil. This is when the magic really starts to happen—it’s time for that glaze to shine!

Brush with More Glaze: Take the remaining glaze and brush it generously over the exposed ham. If you find that the glaze has thickened, a quick 30-45 seconds in the microwave will make it easier to spread. Don’t be shy; this is where the flavor builds! Then, increase your oven temperature to 400 degrees F for that final boost.

Carmelize to Perfection: Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and allow it to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep a close watch during this time—you’re looking for a beautifully caramelized and deep golden-brown exterior. The glaze bubbling around the edges will be your indicator that it’s nearly done!

Serve and Enjoy: Once done, carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter. If you like, garnish it with fresh herbs, such as rosemary, and slices of orange or apple for that lovely pop of color. Drizzle with pan drippings for added flavor before you slice it. Gather your friends and family, and watch as they flock to this beautiful centerpiece, eager to dig in!

Storing & Reheating

Once your delicious Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is enjoyed, leftovers can be stored at room temperature for a couple of hours, but ideally refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Properly stored, your ham can last up to 4 days in the fridge. Feel free to freeze any leftover ham for up to 3 months—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When it’s time to enjoy again, reheat slices in the oven at 325 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Keep in mind that reheating might change the texture slightly, but refreshing it with a splash of orange juice can help revive those flavors!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking: Since ham is already cooked, keep an eye on time to prevent drying it out.
Room temperature: Let your ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
Make-ahead option: Consider preparing the glaze the day before, storing it in the fridge, then just brush it on when you’re ready to bake.
Flavor variation: Experiment with adding a splash of your favorite whiskey or bourbon to the glaze for a deeper flavor.
Transform leftovers: Use any remaining ham in sandwiches, omelets, or casseroles to make the most of your meal!

As you can see, making a Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. This dish is bound to create cherished memories around your dining table, whether it’s a festive holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner. Embrace the flavors, enjoy the aromas, and allow yourself to experiment with the glazes and garnishes that make this dish uniquely yours.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?

Absolutely! While an 8 lb bone-in spiral cut ham is recommended for its ease of slicing and even cooking, you can use a boneless ham or a ham that is not spiral cut. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so always check your internal temperature to ensure it reaches 140 degrees F.

How do I know when my ham is done?

The best way to check your ham is with a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees F. If you’re cooking a larger ham or a different style, be sure to adjust your cooking times as needed.

Can I prepare the ham the night before?

Yes! You can prep the ham and glaze the night before, then store it in the fridge covered. The next day, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the ham heat evenly and reduces baking time.

What can I serve with this Baked Ham?

This dish pairs beautifully with a range of sides! Consider classic options like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Baked beans, scalloped potatoes, or corn pudding also complement the sweet and savory ham nicely.

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Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze features a mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors, tender meat, and its beautiful presentation makes it ideal for family dinners or holiday celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

8 lb bone in spiral cut ham
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed)
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
Cooking spray
Fresh herbs and fruit for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking pan with cooking spray.
In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Place ham in the prepared baking pan and pour half the glaze over it. Cover with foil and save the rest of the glaze.
Bake the ham for about 2 hours. Afterward, remove foil and brush with remaining glaze.
Increase oven temperature to 400°F and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until caramelized.
Serve garnished with fresh herbs and enjoy.

Notes

Let the ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
Make the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it to save time on the day of baking.
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven with a splash of orange juice to revive flavors.