Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is one of those dishes that brings everyone together. Imagine the wonderful aroma wafting through your home, promising a feast that warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds. With its glossy, caramelized surface, this ham isn’t just a meal—it’s the star of the show, perfect for holiday gatherings or special weekends. Its rich flavor comes from a heavenly blend of brown sugar, honey, and spices that coat every juicy bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. You’ll love how effortlessly it transforms an ordinary dinner into something memorable. Get ready to impress your family and friends as you serve up slices of this delicious glazed ham!

What is Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a succulent holiday dish featuring a tender, juicy ham coated in a rich blend of brown sugar, honey, and spices. This simple yet delicious recipe turns an ordinary ham into a centerpiece that delights the taste buds and warms the heart.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is perfect for any festive gathering, providing a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. The ease of preparation, paired with the impressive results, makes it a go-to recipe for holiday celebrations, family dinners, or special occasions. With its inviting aroma and stunning presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients

• 8 lb bone-in spiral cut ham
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Cooking spray
• Cranberries and herbs for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). While it warms up, coat a large baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Create the Glaze

As the oven heats, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a pot, combine the butter, brown sugar, honey, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place the pot over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally while it cooks for about 5-7 minutes. You want to see the glaze thicken to a syrupy consistency, which brings all the flavors together beautifully.

Set the Ham

Now that the glaze is ready, place the spiral cut ham in the prepared baking pan. Pour half of the warm glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into all the crevices for maximum flavor. This is where the magic happens! Cover the ham with foil to keep the moisture in, allowing it to become tender and flavorful.

Bake the Ham

Put the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 2 1/2 hours. This long and slow cooking time works wonders. When the baking time is up, carefully remove the foil. This allows the surface to brown and create a stunning, charred look.

Add Final Touches to the Ham

Once the foil is off, it’s time to pour the remaining glaze over the ham. If the glaze has thickened too much while sitting, microwave it for a few seconds to loosen it up. Don’t be shy—this glaze is what brings that delicious, sweet element to the dish!

Finish Baking

Now, increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place the uncovered ham back in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze, giving it a beautifully rich color and flavor.

Garnish and Serve

When the ham is done baking, transfer it to a serving platter. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh herbs and cranberries. Spoon the pan drippings over the ham to enhance the flavors before slicing. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides for a delightful meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with traditional sides such as roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. A fresh green salad is a fantastic complement, especially if you want a bit of crunch and freshness. Consider adding baked macaroni and cheese or a tangy coleslaw to create a balanced and satisfying meal everyone will love.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the ham is fully thawed before cooking for even heating.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) for food safety.
• For extra flavor, let the ham sit with the glaze for a few minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to enhance further.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with different spices in the glaze, like cloves, ginger, or even a splash of bourbon for an adult twist. For a citrusy touch, adding orange juice or zest to the mixture can brighten the flavors and give your Brown Sugar Glazed Ham a unique and refreshing edge.

Storage Tips

You can store leftover glazed ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave or oven, ensuring they don’t dry out. If you have a lot left over, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Just remember to slice it first for easier thawing later!

Pairing Ideas

This delightful ham pairs well with sweet potato casserole, homemade cornbread, and a selection of fall flavors. To elevate your meal even more, complement the dish with a fruity wine or a refreshing holiday punch; both will enhance the eating experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of ham?
Yes, you can use a different type of ham, such as a boneless or ham steak; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. How do I store leftover Brown Sugar Glazed Ham?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

4. What sides pair well with Brown Sugar Glazed Ham?
Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.

5. Can I glaze the ham more than once?
Yes, you can reapply the glaze during the baking process for a more intense flavor.

This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham recipe invites joy and warmth into your celebrations. Its delightful sweetness, combined with the savory flavors of the ham, creates a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Perfect for any gathering, it’s a recipe that you and your loved ones will cherish, sharing around the table with smiles and satisfied bellies.

More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:

• Rotisserie Chicken Salad
• Ina Garten Roast Chicken
• Lamb Loin Chops with Garlic
• Meat Sauce

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Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

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This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a delightful centerpiece for any gathering, featuring a juicy ham with a sweet and savory glaze. It’s easy to prepare and incredibly rewarding, making it perfect for holidays and special occasions.

• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 lb bone-in spiral cut ham
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Cooking spray
• Cranberries and herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a baking pan with cooking spray.
• Combine butter, brown sugar, honey, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pot and simmer until thickened.
• Place the ham in the prepared pan and pour half of the glaze over it. Cover with foil.
• Bake for 2 1/2 hours, then remove the foil to allow browning.
• Pour remaining glaze over the ham, increasing the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes to caramelize.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and cranberries before serving.

Notes

Ensure the ham is fully thawed for even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Let the ham sit with the glaze for a few minutes before baking for enhanced flavor.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 14
• Sodium: 1200
• Fat: 20
• Saturated Fat: 8
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 18
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 25
• Cholesterol: 80