Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

If you’re searching for a comforting, show-stopping main dish that’s both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, look no further than the Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze. This recipe delivers a perfect harmony of sweet and savory with a sticky, caramelized crust that will make every bite irresistible. Whether it’s a holiday feast, weekend gathering, or just a special family dinner, this dish brings warmth and joy to the table with minimal fuss and maximum taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Requires just a handful of ingredients and simple steps to create a delicious meal.
• Delightfully Sweet and Savory: The brown sugar glaze perfectly balances rich ham flavors with a touch of sweetness.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether a casual dinner or a festive celebration, this baked ham fits right in.
• Impressive Presentation: The glossy, golden brown glaze creates a picture-perfect centerpiece.
• Great Leftovers: Enjoy the flavors the next day in sandwiches, salads, or breakfast dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one brings something special: sweetness, depth, or that irresistible caramelized finish.

• Pre-cooked Ham: Choose a spiral-sliced or bone-in ham for juiciness and ease of serving.
• Brown Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze on top.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle tang that cuts through the sweetness.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Boosts the natural sugars and enhances browning during baking.
• Ground Cloves: A pinch adds warmth and depth without overpowering.
• Pineapple Juice or Orange Juice: Adds a fruity hint and keeps the ham moist.
• Butter: Helps the glaze set and adds richness.

Variations for Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

One of the best parts of this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to add a personal touch or cater to dietary preferences, you’ll find it easy to switch things up.

• Pineapple Twist: Add pineapple rings and cherries on top for a tropical presentation and extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a little cayenne or chili powder to the glaze for heat.
• Maple Glaze: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a richer, woodsy sweetness.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar without sacrificing taste.
• Herb-Infused: Mix fresh rosemary or thyme into the glaze to introduce aromatic herbal notes.

How to Make Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Your Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the ham from packaging and place it on a roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup. If it’s a spiral ham, keep the slices intact for neat serving.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), butter, ground cloves, and pineapple or orange juice. Stir until smooth and the sugar dissolves slightly.

Step 3: Score the Ham

Using a sharp knife, gently score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate and caramelize beautifully.

Step 4: Apply the First Glaze Layer

Brush half of the brown sugar glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to get into the scored cuts for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

Place the ham in the oven uncovered and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, brushing the remaining glaze over the ham every 20-30 minutes to build a thick, sweet crust.

Step 6: Final Browning

In the last 10 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) to finish with a beautiful glossy finish on the glaze. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender and juicy.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

• Choose the Right Ham: Spiral-cut hams are easiest to serve and already cooked, which saves time.
• Do Not Skip Scoring: Scoring allows the glaze to seep deep into the ham, enhancing every bite.
• Use Foil for Easy Cleanup: Line your pan with foil to catch drips and make post-cooking cleanup a breeze.
• Glaze Often: Basting multiple times builds a thick, shiny crust that’s irresistible.
• Watch Browning Closely: The final broil or high-temp baking step is quick, so stay nearby to prevent burning.

How to Serve Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a pop of green and freshness. For a festive touch, try adding pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top of the ham after baking.

Side Dishes

This ham pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For holiday meals, also consider classic sides like scalloped potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or buttery dinner rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

Carve the ham into thick slices and arrange it on a platter with decorative fruit like pomegranate seeds or citrus wedges. Another fun idea is to serve it alongside sliders or hearty sandwiches for casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked ham slices in a freezer-safe bag for 2 to 3 months. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

Reheat ham gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C), covered with foil, until warmed through. This method keeps it moist without drying out the meat.

FAQs

Do I need to cook the ham before glazing?

Most store-bought hams are pre-cooked, so the baking process mainly warms the ham and caramelizes the glaze. Always check the packaging to be sure.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the glaze up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature and stir before using.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can substitute yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard; each will add a slightly different flavor but still work well in the glaze.

How long should I bake the ham?

Generally, plan on about 10-12 minutes per pound at 325°F, but since most hams are pre-cooked, focus on glaze application and heating through rather than cooking raw meat.

Can I use this recipe for a fresh, uncooked ham?

This recipe is designed for pre-cooked ham. If using a fresh ham, cook it fully according to its weight and follow food safety guidelines before applying the glaze near the end of cooking.

Final Thoughts

Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is an absolute joy to make and share. Its irresistible sweetness paired with savory ham makes for a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re feeding family on a Sunday or impressing guests at a celebration, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple. Give it a try and let the warm, sticky glaze bring smiles to your table!

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