Baked ham with brown sugar glaze fills your kitchen with the most comforting aroma. Picture this: a warm, succulent ham draped in a glossy glaze, glimmering like a beacon at your holiday table. The sweet scent of brown sugar melting into butter, with a hint of citrus dancing in the air—it’s nothing short of heavenly. Each slice reveals layers of flavor, golden brown and caramelized, just waiting for you to dig in. It brings back childhood memories of family gatherings, where the laughter was loud and the baked ham was the star of the feast.

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

If you’re planning a special occasion or just want to elevate dinner on a weeknight, this baked ham with brown sugar glaze is your go-to recipe. With its simple preparation and impressive presentation, you’ll find yourself reaching for this dish time and time again. So, let’s get cooking and bring that delightful centerpiece to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep, this ham practically cooks itself over 2 ½ hours.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet, buttery glaze with hints of orange will have your taste buds singing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Gorgeous golden hues and a glossy finish make it a showstopper.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or even a cozy family dinner.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for healthier options without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 lb bone-in spiral cut ham: The spiral cut ensures even cooking and makes for effortless slicing. Look for a high-quality ham for maximum flavor.
1/2 cup butter: Adds richness to the glaze. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt levels.
1 cup brown sugar: This is the heart of your glaze; it caramelizes beautifully, creating that sought-after crust. Dark brown sugar will give a deeper flavor.
1/2 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed): Fresh juice elevates the flavor, making it vibrant and bright. You could use store-bought if you’re in a pinch, but fresh is best!
1 teaspoon orange zest: Zest brings an aromatic freshness that complements the sweetness of the glaze.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that rounds out the flavor of the glaze, adding a hint of warmth.
Pinch of nutmeg: Enhances the overall spice profile without overpowering.
Cooking spray: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Fresh herbs and fruit for garnish (optional): Adds a beautiful touch and freshness when serving!

How to Make Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While it warms up, grab a large baking pan and coat it generously with cooking spray to prevent any sticking. You want that beautiful ham to slide right out for serving!

Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place the pan over medium heat, stirring until the mixture is bubbly and syrupy—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. The glaze will smell divine as the butter and sugar meld together!

Prepare the Ham: Now it’s time to place the ham in the prepared baking pan. Pour half of your luscious glaze over the top, letting it seep into the crevices. Cover the ham tightly with foil to keep it moist while baking, and set aside the remaining glaze for later.

Bake and Uncover: Slide the ham into your preheated oven and bake it for 2 hours. During this time, the flavors will develop beautifully. After 2 hours, carefully remove the foil so you can see that tantalizing glaze. The ham should be glistening, and you can almost taste it from here!

Brush on Remaining Glaze: Take the reserved glaze and brush it generously over the ham. If it has thickened a bit, pop it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to loosen it. This final layer of glaze will create that coveted caramelized crust.

Increase Temperature: Turn up the oven to 400 degrees F. This bump in temperature helps to get that glaze bubbly and caramelized. Leave the ham uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, checking frequently. The glaze should turn a gorgeous golden brown! Aim for a bubbly, sticky coating yet keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the ham is beautifully caramelized, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish it with fresh herbs and fruit for an added pop of color. Spoon some of those tantalizing pan drippings over the top before slicing. Each bite should be succulent, sweet, and oh-so-delicious!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the baked ham cool completely. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two hours after cooking. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is an option! Just slice the ham, wrap it well, and freeze for about three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven at 325 degrees F until warmed through, usually 15-20 minutes is sufficient. The glaze may not be quite as sticky upon reheating, but a quick brush of warmed glaze can refresh it deliciously.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t rush the glaze-making process; let the brown sugar dissolve fully to ensure a smooth finish.
If your ham is pre-cooked, you only need to heat it through, so adjust your baking time accordingly!
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F for safe serving.
For more flavor, consider adding cloves or a splash of pineapple juice to the glaze mixture.
If you have leftovers, chop the ham for easy additions to soups, sandwiches, or casseroles!

Each bite of this baked ham with brown sugar glaze should tell a story—one of flavorful traditions and heartwarming dinners. It’s an opportunity to create joyous moments with family and friends over a beautifully set table. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the glaze or garnishes; let your creative flair shine. Enjoy every juicy, sweet slice, knowing you’ve crafted a dish that everyone will cherish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham?

Absolutely! While I recommend a bone-in spiral cut ham for its easy serving and flavor, you can use other cuts like boneless or even a city ham. Just ensure to adjust your cooking time as needed, since different ham types may vary in size and cooking requirements.

Can I make the glaze in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Warm it up before brushing it on the ham to keep the caramelization process smooth and effective!

What can I serve with baked ham?

This ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Traditional sides like macaroni and cheese or green bean casserole also complement the sweet glaze wonderfully.

How do I know when the ham is done?

The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham. The internal temperature should reach 140 degrees F if it’s fully cooked. If you’re reheating an already cooked ham, it just needs to be warmed through.