Imagine walking into a warm kitchen, the inviting scent of sweet, caramelized brown sugar and citrus wafting through the air. You’re greeted by a stunning Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze, its glossy surface glistening under the soft light. The aroma is not just dinner; it’s a memory in the making—the kind that brings back family gatherings and laughter shared around the table.

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

As you slice into this divine ham, the deliciously tender meat gives way, revealing its melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the glaze bursts with rich flavor. This dish is perfect for the holidays, showcasing how something so simple can bring so much joy. Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Christmas, or just a special Sunday dinner, making this Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze will fill your home with warmth and love. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 2.5 hours of cooking, you can create a memorable meal effortlessly.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, orange juice, and spices creates a glaze that’s both sweet and zesty, perfectly complementing the savory ham.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This ham is a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to impress guests and family alike!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday feasts, family dinners, or even as leftovers for sandwiches; it’s versatile for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable, this dish can be made gluten-free if your ingredients are properly selected.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 lb bone-in spiral cut ham: The star of your meal! A bone-in ham ensures moisture and flavor while cooking. Look for one that’s pre-cooked.
1/2 cup butter: This adds richness to the glaze. For a dairy-free option, you can use vegan butter, although the flavor will differ slightly.
1 cup brown sugar: Dark brown sugar works best for a deeper flavor. You could substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
1/2 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed): Fresh juice gives a brighter taste than bottled. If you’re in a bind, an all-natural bottled juice is okay, but skip the concentrates.
1 teaspoon orange zest: This enhances the orange flavor in the glaze. If you don’t have fresh oranges, a small amount of bottled orange extract can work in a pinch.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: It adds warmth and depth. Feel free to adjust based on your preference; nutmeg or clove can be substituted for variation.
Pinch of nutmeg: Just a hint to enhance the spice profile—think holiday warmth.
Cooking spray: For the baking pan, ensuring the ham doesn’t stick. You can use olive oil or butter if preferred.
Fresh herbs and fruit for garnish (optional): Not only does this add color, but fresh herbs like parsley or fruits like oranges can brighten the dish visually and in flavor.

How to Make Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Grab a large baking pan and coat it generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial! It helps ensure your glaze doesn’t scorch while the ham cooks.

Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Keep stirring for about 5-7 minutes until the glaze thickens and turns syrupy. The aroma will fill your kitchen with anticipation!

Prepare the Ham: Once your glaze is perfect, carefully place the ham in the coated baking pan and pour half of the glaze over it. Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. The reserved glaze will be used later, so don’t forget to keep that aside!

Bake the Ham: Transfer the pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while the ham heats up. The kitchen will start to smell heavenly, with that brown sugar glaze caramelizing over the ham.

Brush the Ham: After 2 hours, remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. If it’s hardened, just pop it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to loosen it. This will create a delicious caramelized crust on top of your ham.

Increase the Heat: Crank up the oven to 400 degrees F. This extra heat is key for creating that golden-brown finish. Leave the ham uncovered and bake for another 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on it until the glaze is beautifully caramelized. You’ll want to see it bubbling and glistening!

Transfer and Garnish: When satisfied with the color of your ham, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle some pan drippings over it for additional flavor, and if you want to make it pretty, garnish with fresh herbs and slices of fruit. Slicing the ham will be a pleasure—just wait for that juicy texture!

Storing & Reheating

To store your delicious Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze, let it cool at room temperature for no more than two hours. After that, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator—this will keep it fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze any leftovers, slice the ham and store it in an airtight container, where it can last up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 325 degrees F until warmed through, which should take about 20-30 minutes. Note that freezing may change the texture a bit, but refreshing it with a splash of orange juice can help revive some moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on your ham while it’s caramelizing; it can go from gorgeous to burnt quickly!
Room temperature ingredients matter: If your butter is cold, it won’t melt and mix well with the sugars—you’ll want it softened for a smooth glaze.
Timing is key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F for safe and perfect serving.
Don’t skip the glaze: It’s what turns an ordinary ham into an extraordinary centerpiece. Adjust the spices to suit your taste!
Make ahead: You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge for convenience.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham?

Absolutely! While this recipe works wonderfully with a bone-in spiral cut ham, you can also use a boneless ham or a different cut altogether. Just adjust cooking times depending on the size and type. Your goal is a juicy outcome, so keep an eye on it!

What can I serve with this ham?

The possibilities are endless! This ham is perfect alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a vibrant salad. For something a bit different, try pairing it with roasted sweet potatoes or a festive cranberry sauce—it’ll complement the glaze beautifully.

How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your ham is perfectly cooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 140 degrees F. It’s a good idea to check a little early to avoid overcooking and drying it out.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the glaze and store it in your fridge a day in advance, and you can also bake the ham the day before and reheat it on the day you plan to serve it. Just remember to add some extra glaze or juice when reheating to maintain moisture.

This Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition waiting to blossom in your kitchen. With every slice, you’ll share warmth and joy with loved ones. Grab your ingredients, and let’s make this celebration one to remember!

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Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2.5 hours
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze offers an irresistible blend of sweet and zesty flavors, making it perfect for holiday feasts or family dinners.

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 your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a baking pan with cooking spray.
In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, orange juice, zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Simmer until thickened.
Place the ham in the pan and pour half of the glaze over it. Cover with foil.
Bake in the oven for 2 hours.
Remove foil and brush remaining glaze over the ham. Increase oven to 400 degrees F and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with herbs and fruit.

Notes

The ham can be served with various sides like mashed potatoes or salads.
Leftovers can be stored properly for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Feel free to adjust spices in the glaze to suit your taste.