Brown sugar glazed ham is the glossy, caramelized, sweet-and-savory centerpiece that makes holiday dinners unforgettable. A simple glaze of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and warm spices coats the ham in a sticky, mahogany-colored crust, while the meat inside stays tender and juicy.
This easy brown sugar glazed ham recipe starts with a fully cooked, spiral-cut ham, so you are really just warming it gently and glazing it. Baking it covered keeps it moist, and brushing on the glaze in the last 30 minutes builds layers of caramelized flavor without burning the sugar.
It is perfect for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving alongside turkey, and any big family gathering. A ham is easy to serve to a crowd, and the leftovers are incredible in sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, soups, and casseroles for days afterward.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Category: Dinner / Main Course
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
- Sticky, caramelized sweet and tangy glaze
- Juicy, tender ham that is never dry
- Only 15 minutes of prep
- Feeds a crowd with plenty of leftovers
- A classic holiday centerpiece
Ingredients You’ll Need for Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
- 1 fully cooked spiral-cut bone-in ham (8 to 10 pounds)
- 1 cup water or apple juice, for the pan
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Orange slices and fresh rosemary, for garnish
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
- Take the ham out of the refrigerator 1 hour before baking and preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Place the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan and pour the water or apple juice into the bottom of the pan.
- Cover the ham tightly with foil and bake for about 12 minutes per pound, until the center reaches 130°F.
- While the ham bakes, combine the brown sugar, Dijon, honey, butter, vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper in a saucepan.
- Simmer the glaze over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring, until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Remove the foil, brush half the glaze all over the ham, working it between the slices, and return it to the oven uncovered.
- Bake 15 minutes, brush on the remaining glaze, and bake 10 to 15 minutes more until the glaze is bubbly and the ham reaches 140°F.
- Rest the ham for 15 minutes, spoon the pan juices over the top, and serve with orange slices and rosemary.
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
- Start with a fully cooked ham. You are only reheating it, so the key goal is gentle warming that keeps it juicy.
- Cover it for the first part of baking. Foil traps steam, which keeps the ham moist.
- Add the glaze near the end. Sugar burns easily, so glaze in the last 30 minutes for a caramelized finish.
- Use a meat thermometer. Heat to 140°F for a fully cooked ham and pull it before it dries out.
- Rest the ham before slicing so the juices stay in the meat.
Variations to Try
- Add pineapple juice and rings for a tropical flavor
- Swap honey for maple syrup
- Stir bourbon into the glaze
- Use orange marmalade in place of the honey
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a sweet-heat glaze
How to Store It
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Slice it before storing so it is easy to use.
Freeze leftover ham for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and use it in sandwiches, soups, and casseroles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you bake a spiral ham?
Plan on about 10 to 12 minutes per pound at 325°F, covered, until the center reaches 130°F, then glaze and bake until 140°F.
How do I keep the ham from drying out?
Add liquid to the pan, cover with foil, bake low and slow, and don’t overheat it past 140°F.
Can I use a boneless ham?
Yes. A boneless ham works well but cooks a little faster, so check it earlier with a thermometer.
Can I make the glaze ahead?
Yes. Make the glaze up to 3 days ahead, refrigerate it, and warm it gently before brushing.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan with the liquid and cover with foil.
- Bake at 325°F for about 12 minutes per pound until 130°F.
- Simmer the glaze ingredients for 5 minutes.
- Brush on half the glaze and bake uncovered 15 minutes.
- Tip: Glaze late so the sugar doesn't burn.
- Brush on the rest, bake until 140°F, and rest 15 minutes.
Notes
Leftovers freeze for up to 2 months.