Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is nothing short of a celebration on a plate. This dish features a bone-in spiral cut ham drenched in a luscious brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully, creating a sweet crust that contrasts perfectly with the savory ham. The sweetness, combined with a hint of citrus from fresh orange juice and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, elevates this dish beyond the ordinary. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create a show-stopping main course that will have your dinner guests raving.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

When I first made this impressive Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze for a family gathering, I was amazed at how quickly it became the star of the evening. The ease of preparation paired with the magnificent aroma wafting through my kitchen was an unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect solution for holiday meals, celebrations, or simply treating your loved ones to something special. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how it transforms your next gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This dish takes just 10 minutes of prep and 160 minutes in the oven, allowing you to relax while it bakes.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet caramelized glaze complements the savory ham, creating a flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its beautiful golden-brown exterior makes it a stunning centerpiece for any table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday dinners, family reunions, or Sunday lunches; it’s a classic everyone loves.
Gorgeous Leftovers: The leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, or breakfast casseroles, making it a versatile option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 lb bone-in spiral cut ham: The star of the show! A bone-in ham ensures moisture and flavor. If you’re serving a smaller crowd, you can opt for a 4-5 lb ham.
1/2 cup butter: Adds richness to the glaze and helps it adhere to the ham.
1 cup brown sugar: This provides sweetness and helps form a delightful caramelized crust. Light brown sugar works well, but dark brown sugar will intensify the flavor.
1/2 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed): Fresh orange juice brightens up the glaze and complements the ham beautifully. You can substitute this with apple juice if needed.
1 teaspoon orange zest: This adds a concentrated burst of flavor that pairs nicely with the other ingredients.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the flavors in the glaze.
Pinch of nutmeg: A subtle touch that deepens the glaze’s complexity and aroma.
Cooking spray: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Fresh herbs and fruit for garnish (optional): Add a colorful touch that elevates the presentation.

How to Make Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is important for even cooking. While the oven heats, grab a large baking pan and coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Create the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Place it over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.

Prepare the Ham: Carefully place the ham in the prepared baking pan. Pour half of the warm glaze over the top of the ham, ensuring every slice is coated. Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil, which helps retain moisture during baking. Set aside the remaining half of the glaze for later.

Bake the Ham: Slide the ham into the oven and let it bake for 2 hours. The smell will be heavenly! After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil, allowing the ham to bask in the heat.

Glaze Again: Brush the remaining glaze over the exposed surface of the ham. If your glaze has thickened, don’t worry! A quick 30-45 seconds in the microwave will loosen it up nicely.

Increase the Heat: Turn up the oven temperature to 400 degrees F. This will ensure that the glaze caramelizes beautifully. Bake the ham uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the glaze is caramelized and deep golden brown.

Serve and Enjoy: Once baking is complete, carefully transfer the ham to a serving platter. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh herbs and slices of fruit. Drizzle some of the pan drippings over the ham for extra flavor, then slice and serve to your delighted guests!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, slice the ham and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the slices in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to keep it from drying out. The flavor may mellow slightly, but those caramelized edges will still be heavenly!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be mindful not to overcook the ham during the first stage of baking; it’s pre-cooked, so it just needs to heat through.
If your glaze starts to harden as it cools, a quick zap in the microwave will loosen it right up.
To elevate the flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to your glaze for some tang.
If you notice the glaze coloring too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning while the ham continues to cook.
This dish can be prepared a day in advance; just glaze and bake it right before serving.

There’s something so comforting about Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze that makes it perfect for family gatherings and special occasions. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it also fills your home with an inviting aroma that draws everyone to the kitchen. I encourage you to experiment with the glaze or add your favorite spices to make it your own. Enjoy each delicious bite, and let this dish create lasting memories at your table!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?

Absolutely! While a bone-in spiral cut ham is recommended for its flavor and moisture, you can use a precooked ham, or even a boneless ham. Just adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure it’s heated through.

How do I know when the ham is done?

Ham is pre-cooked, so you only need to heat it through to 140 degrees F. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before applying it to the ham.

What can I serve with Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze?

This dish pairs beautifully with sides like roasted asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. It also works well with bread rolls or a festive grain salad!

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Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 160 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze features a delightful blend of brown sugar and orange for an exquisite flavor. A perfect choice for special occasions or family dinners, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients

Scale

8 lb bone in spiral cut ham
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup orange juice fresh squeezed
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
cooking spray
fresh herbs and fruit for garnish optional

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a large baking pan by coating it with cooking spray.
In a pan, combine the butter, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium heat.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Position the ham in the prepared pan and drizzle half of the glaze over it. Cover the ham with foil, saving the remaining glaze for later.
Bake the ham for 2 hours, then carefully remove the foil.
Brush the remaining glaze over the ham. If it has thickened, use a microwave for 30-45 seconds to reheat and loosen it.
Raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
Return the uncovered ham to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and golden brown.
Once done, move the ham to a serving platter, garnishing with fresh herbs and fruit, and pour pan drippings over it before slicing and serving.

Notes

Ensure the ham is fully cooked before seasoning and glazing.
If you like additional zest, consider adding more orange zest or some lemon juice for extra brightness in the glaze.