Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

A glistening brown sugar and honey-glazed ham effortlessly commands attention as the star of any holiday feast. Whether it’s paired with buttery mashed potatoes or caramelized vegetables, this centerpiece brings warmth, flavor, and tradition to the table. This glaze, a tantalizing mix of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a subtle splash of apple cider vinegar, elevates even the simplest store-bought ham into a show-stopping dish.

Making your own glaze is a game-changer. While pre-packaged glazes are convenient, they lack the depth and vibrancy of a homemade version. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes this glaze an indispensable part of your holiday culinary repertoire.

The Secret to a Perfectly Balanced Ham Glaze

The beauty of this glaze lies in its harmonious combination of flavors. The sweet notes from brown sugar and honey are perfectly counterbalanced by the tang of Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. The result is a flavor profile that enhances the smoky, salty essence of a baked ham without overpowering it. By waiting until the last 30 minutes of baking to apply the glaze, each slice is coated in a glossy, flavorful layer that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Key Ingredients for the Ultimate Glaze

Every ingredient in this glaze works together to create a stunningly delicious result:

• Honey: The natural sweetness and sticky texture of honey ensure the glaze clings to the spiral-cut slices.

• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a rich molasses undertone, deepening the flavor.

• Dijon Mustard: This ingredient introduces a subtle tanginess, providing a savory contrast to the sweetness.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of vinegar balances the sweetness with a hint of acidity.

• Unsalted Butter: A touch of butter adds richness and helps meld the ingredients together.

Simmering these ingredients on the stovetop thickens and intensifies the flavor, creating a silky, syrupy glaze that’s easy to brush onto the ham.

How to Achieve the Best Glazed Ham

To ensure your holiday ham is moist, flavorful, and perfectly glazed, follow these simple steps:

1. Wrap and Bake: Start by wrapping the ham tightly in aluminum foil to seal in moisture. Bake it at your chosen temperature until it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F.

2. Prepare the Glaze: Simmer the brown sugar, honey, mustard, butter, and vinegar until the mixture reduces and thickens.

3. Apply the Glaze: Unwrap the ham and generously brush the glaze over the surface, making sure to get between the slices for maximum flavor.

4. Finish Baking: Return the uncovered ham to the oven and bake until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, allowing the glaze to caramelize.

   
   

Expert Tips for Glazing Success

• Timing Is Everything: Always wait until the final stages of baking to glaze the ham. This prevents the sugars from burning and ensures a glossy, caramelized finish.

• Thickening the Glaze: Allow the glaze to simmer and reduce by about one-third before applying. This step enhances the flavor and helps the glaze adhere better.

• Uncover After Glazing: For that perfect golden-brown sheen, keep the ham uncovered during the last phase of baking.

  
  

Cooking Times for Spiral-Cut Ham

Cooking times depend on your oven temperature:

• 275°F: Bake for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or 2 to 2 ½ hours for an average-sized ham.

• 350°F: Bake for about 10 minutes per pound, or 1 to 1 ½ hours for a standard ham.

Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 120°F to 140°F, ensuring the ham is warm and perfectly cooked.

A Holiday Tradition Worth Sharing

Brown sugar and honey-glazed ham is more than just a dish—it’s a tradition that brings people together. The combination of flavors, the simplicity of the process, and the visual appeal of a perfectly glazed ham make it a timeless choice for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or an intimate celebration, this centerpiece guarantees smiles, second helpings, and cherished memories.

Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (8- to 10-pound) bone-in, spiral-cut ham (no added water or juices)

• 2 cups packed light brown sugar

• 1 cup honey

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham: Preheat your oven to 275°F and position the rack in the center. Line a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet with two large pieces of aluminum foil to wrap the ham. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it cut-side down in the pan. Wrap the foil tightly around the ham to seal.

2. Bake: Bake the ham for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center (but not touching the bone) reads at least 120°F. Start checking the temperature after 1 1/2 hours (about 15–20 minutes per pound).

3. Make the Glaze: While the ham bakes, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, butter, and apple cider vinegar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until smooth and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and darkened. Set aside.

4. Glaze and Finish: With 30 minutes of bake time remaining, remove the ham from the oven and carefully unwrap it. Brush the glaze generously over the surface, making sure to get between the slices. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F to 140°F.

5. Carve and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Use a long knife to cut around the bone and along the natural fat lines to separate the spiral slices. Serve warm.

   
   

Notes

• Make Ahead: Prepare the glaze up to 5 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat before using.

• Storage: Refrigerate leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Pro Tip: To prevent drying, tightly wrap the ham in foil while baking, and glaze only in the final 30 minutes for the best texture and flavor.

What To Pair It With

This Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham pairs beautifully with classic side dishes that complement its sweet and savory flavors. Creamy scalloped potatoes with a hint of garlic or buttery roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts make excellent companions, soaking up the rich glaze for an added burst of flavor. For a touch of freshness, a crisp green bean almondine or a tangy cranberry sauce provides balance, cutting through the richness of the ham. Bread lovers will enjoy pairing it with soft dinner rolls or a warm cornbread for a cozy, satisfying meal. Don’t forget a glass of sparkling apple cider or a bold red wine to tie all the flavors together for a truly festive dining experience.