Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Brown sugar ham is a timeless centerpiece that turns any meal into a celebration. The sweet caramelization of brown sugar paired with the smoky, savory flavor of ham creates an irresistible glaze that’s glossy, flavorful, and absolutely mouthwatering. I made this for Easter one year, and my family still talks about it — that sticky, golden crust and tender, juicy meat are unforgettable. It’s simple enough for a weekend dinner yet impressive enough for holiday gatherings. Whether served hot from the oven or sliced cold for sandwiches, this ham delivers classic flavor with a touch of sweetness that everyone loves.
Brown Sugar Ham: Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Glazed for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Brown Sugar Ham is a classic holiday centerpiece featuring a tender, juicy ham coated in a rich brown sugar and honey glaze. It caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sweet, sticky crust that pairs perfectly with the smoky, savory ham — a true crowd-pleaser for any festive table.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup orange juice (or apple juice)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Whole cloves (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and position rack in the lower third of the oven.
- Line a roasting pan with foil and place a roasting rack inside. Set the ham on the rack, fat side up.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, about 1/4 inch deep. (Optional: stud with whole cloves where the lines cross.)
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.
- Brush half of the glaze evenly over the ham.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 1/2 hours (about 15 minutes per pound if smaller), basting with glaze every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and brush with the remaining glaze. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes, until the glaze caramelizes and the ham is glossy.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the glaze.
- Leftover ham is perfect for sandwiches, omelets, or soups.
- If using a spiral-cut ham, reduce baking time by 20–30 minutes to prevent drying out.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bone-in ham (fully cooked) — The star of the dish; bone-in provides extra flavor and moisture.
Brown sugar — Creates the sweet, caramel-like crust and beautiful glaze.
Honey or maple syrup — Adds smooth sweetness and helps the glaze cling to the ham.
Dijon mustard — Balances the sweetness with tangy depth.
Apple cider vinegar or orange juice — Adds acidity and brightness to the glaze.
Cloves (optional) — For that warm, aromatic holiday touch.
Butter — Enriches the glaze and helps it caramelize evenly.
Pineapple juice (optional) — For a tropical sweetness that complements the ham beautifully.
Whole cloves (optional for garnish) — Add classic presentation and aroma.
Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham, cut side down, on a rack in a large roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern about ¼ inch deep and, if desired, stud with whole cloves.
In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and butter. Heat over medium-low heat until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
Brush half of the glaze evenly over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.
After the first hour, remove the foil and brush with more glaze every 20 minutes for the next 60–90 minutes, until the ham is heated through (internal temperature should reach 140°F / 60°C) and the glaze is golden and caramelized.
Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle extra glaze over the top before serving for added shine and flavor.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 10–12. Preparation takes 15 minutes, cooking about 2 to 2½ hours. Total time: about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil and a splash of water or juice to keep it moist. Leftover ham is delicious in sandwiches, soups, or breakfast scrambles.
Variations and Customizations
Maple Brown Sugar Ham — Use pure maple syrup instead of honey for a richer, deeper sweetness.
Pineapple Glazed Ham — Add pineapple juice or crushed pineapple to the glaze for a classic twist.
Spiced Holiday Ham — Add cinnamon, allspice, or ground cloves to the glaze for festive flavor.
Orange Honey Ham — Replace vinegar with orange juice and zest for a citrusy note.
Bourbon Glazed Ham — Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon for a smoky, sophisticated kick.
Cranberry Glaze — Mix in cranberry sauce for tart-sweet flavor and holiday color.
Mustard-Glazed Ham — Add extra Dijon or whole-grain mustard for more tang.
Smoky Chipotle Version — Add a pinch of chipotle powder or smoked paprika for subtle heat.
Herb-Infused — Stir rosemary or thyme into the glaze for an aromatic touch.
Brown Sugar Crust — Sprinkle extra brown sugar on top before broiling for a caramelized finish.
FAQs
What’s the best ham to use?
A fully cooked, bone-in ham provides the best flavor and presentation.
Do I need to remove the rind before baking?
You can leave it on during the first bake to retain moisture, then trim before glazing.
How do I know when the ham is done?
It’s fully heated when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Can I use spiral-cut ham?
Yes, just brush glaze between the slices to keep it juicy.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Apply glaze in layers and keep an eye on it during the final baking stage.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated before use.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — cook on low for 4–6 hours, adding the glaze during the last hour.
What sides go best with brown sugar ham?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or green bean casserole pair beautifully.
Can I use white sugar instead of brown?
Brown sugar gives richer flavor, but white sugar works in a pinch with a touch of molasses.
Can I skip the cloves?
Yes, they’re optional but add a traditional holiday aroma.
Conclusion
Brown sugar ham is a showstopping dish that embodies classic comfort and holiday cheer. With its glossy caramelized crust and juicy, tender meat, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just want an impressive dinner centerpiece, this ham delivers rich flavor and timeless appeal. Once you make it, it’ll become your go-to for special occasions — simple, elegant, and irresistibly delicious every single time.
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