Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that brings warmth, sweetness, and effortless elegance to your table, look no further than this Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any special occasion, this recipe delivers a delightfully tender ham coated in a glossy, caramelized brown sugar glaze that’s utterly irresistible. With straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple preparation: Minimal ingredients and easy steps make cooking stress-free even for beginners.
- Sweet and savory balance: The brown sugar glaze perfectly complements the natural saltiness of the ham.
- Versatile for any occasion: Ideal for holidays, Sunday dinners, or festive celebrations with loved ones.
- Always juicy and tender: Baking the ham low and slow locks in moisture for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Delicious leftovers: Transforms into amazing sandwiches, soups, or casseroles the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze requires just a handful of pantry staples and a quality ham. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s building the rich sweetness or enhancing the caramelized finish of the glaze.
- Ham (pre-cooked, bone-in): Choose a good-quality ham around 5 to 7 pounds for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Brown sugar: Provides the deep caramel notes that create the irresistible glaze crust.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness for balance.
- Ground cloves: Offers warm aromatic undertones that elevate the glaze complexity.
- Pineapple juice or orange juice: Adds moisture and a subtle fruity brightness to the glaze.
- Honey or maple syrup (optional): For extra natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
Variations for Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Whether you’re tailoring flavors to dietary preferences or simply craving a twist, this recipe welcomes creativity. You can easily swap, add, or omit ingredients to suit your taste buds without losing the essence of this comforting dish.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle heat dimension.
- Fruit infusion: Swap pineapple juice with apple cider or cranberry juice for a different fruity note.
- Herbal touch: Mix fresh rosemary or thyme into the glaze for earthy aromatics.
- Low-sugar option: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or reduce brown sugar to lighten sweetness.
- Gluten-free: Ensure all added condiments like mustard and syrup are certified gluten-free.
How to Make Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep; this allows the glaze to seep in and caramelize beautifully during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Brown Sugar Glaze
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and your juice of choice with optional honey or maple syrup. Stir until smooth and glossy for an easy-to-spread glaze.
Step 3: Apply the Glaze
Place the ham on a roasting rack inside a baking pan. Brush the glaze generously over the entire ham, making sure it gets into the scored cuts for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 4: Bake the Ham
Bake the ham uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 20-30 minutes. This slow roasting allows the sugar to caramelize and form that signature sticky crust without burning.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to redistribute the juices. Slice and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
- Choose pre-cooked ham: This saves time and ensures the meat stays juicy as you focus on glazing and caramelizing.
- Score deeply but not too much: About 1/8-inch is perfect for glaze absorption without drying out the ham.
- Use a roasting rack: Elevates the ham allowing even cooking and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
- Monitor glaze closely: Baste multiple times and watch sugar caramelization carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest before slicing: Resting the ham ensures moist slices that hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the sliced ham for a vibrant pop of color and an herbal note that complements the sweet glaze beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this ham with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, roasted sweet potatoes, or a crisp Caesar salad to balance hearty and fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze into an appetizer by serving thin slices on crackers with a dollop of mustard or chutney, or create sliders with soft dinner rolls and horseradish sauce for party-ready treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze leftover ham slices in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Properly wrapped, ham freezes well for up to 2 months without losing taste or texture.
Reheating
Reheat ham gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) wrapped in foil to keep it moist, or warm slices in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of juice or broth.
FAQs
Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?
Yes, spiral-cut hams work wonderfully; just apply the glaze between the slices and bake as directed to infuse flavor throughout.
What if I don’t have pineapple or orange juice?
You can substitute with apple cider, cranberry juice, or even a bit of water with lemon juice to maintain moisture and add brightness to the glaze.
How long does it take to bake the ham?
The baking time generally ranges between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the size of your ham and how often you baste it to achieve the perfect caramelization.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! Make the glaze a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator to save time on the day of cooking.
Is this ham suitable for large gatherings?
Definitely! This easy recipe scales well, and the crowd-pleasing flavor makes it perfect for family dinners, holiday feasts, and celebrations.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a perfectly baked ham topped with a golden brown sugar glaze—it feels like comfort and celebration in every bite. This Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze recipe brings together simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and show-stopping flavor in one unforgettable dish. Whether it’s a holiday meal or just a cozy Sunday dinner, give this recipe a try and watch it become a family favorite for years to come.
