Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is a classic dish that brings warmth and joy to any dining table. The combination of a tender, succulent ham and a luscious, sweet glaze creates a harmony of flavors that is hard to resist. The spiral cuts in the ham not only make for easy slicing but also allow the glaze to soak into every bite, ensuring each piece is a delightful explosion of taste. This recipe is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or even a cozy Sunday dinner. It’s an effortless dish that feels celebratory!

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

My first encounter with baked ham was during a family holiday dinner, where it quickly became the star of the show. The aroma wafting from the oven, the caramelization of the glaze, and the rich, savory scents intermingling with a hint of citrus were simply unforgettable. This recipe has become a tradition in my home, and every bite takes me back to those joyful gatherings. If you want to impress your guests or simply indulge in a comforting meal, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze a try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just ten minutes of prep and minimal effort, you’ll have a stunning centerpiece ready for your feast!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, butter, and fresh orange juice creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The spiral cut and golden glaze make this ham a showstopper on any table.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for holidays, family dinners, or casual gatherings, it can be enjoyed hot or cold in sandwiches.
Diet-Friendly Options: While traditionally rich, you can easily modify the glaze ingredients for special dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 lb bone-in spiral-cut ham: This is key for even cooking and flavor absorption. If you can’t find spiral-cut, choose a bone-in ham for optimal moisture.
1/2 cup butter: Adding richness and aiding in the glaze creation. Feel free to substitute with a plant-based butter if you prefer.
1 cup brown sugar: Provides sweetness that caramelizes when baked. Dark brown sugar offers a deeper flavor than light brown.
1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice: Its acidity balances the sweetness and enhances the glaze. Fresh juice is best for flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
1 teaspoon orange zest: This adds a fragrant and flavorful boost that brightens the glaze. Always opt for fresh zest for the best results.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the sweet and savory notes of the ham.
Pinch of nutmeg: Adds complexity to the glaze; use freshly grated for a more intense flavor.
Cooking spray: To prevent sticking on your baking pan. You can use olive oil or butter if you prefer.
Fresh herbs and fruit for garnish (optional): This adds color and freshness to your presentation. Think sprigs of rosemary or slices of orange!

How to Make Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your ham begins to cook evenly as soon as it’s in the oven. Take a spacious baking pan and coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed orange juice, 1 teaspoon of orange zest, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir gently as the mixture melts, bringing it to a gentle simmer for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a syrupy consistency that smells heavenly!

Coat the Ham: Once your glaze is prepared, it’s time to add the ham. Place the ham in the baking pan and pour half of the glaze over it. Make sure every portion is coated nicely. Then, cover the ham tightly with foil, sealing in all those flavorful juices. Set the remaining glaze aside for later.

Bake the Ham: Slide the covered ham into the preheated oven and let it bake for 2 hours. After this initial baking period, carefully remove the foil to allow the ham to brown and caramelize.

Brush the Glaze: After uncovering the ham, brush the remaining glaze over the top, ensuring it’s evenly spread. If your glaze has thickened, you can microwave it for 30-45 seconds to make it easier to pour. This step is crucial for that perfect caramelized finish!

Increase Temperature: Now, raise your oven temperature to 400 degrees F. By increasing the heat, you help to caramelize the glaze, making it bubbly and beautifully browned. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s golden and fragrant, making your mouth water just by looking at it.

Serve with Style: Carefully transfer the gorgeous ham to a serving platter. Feel free to garnish it with fresh herbs and slices of fruit for a festive touch. Don’t forget to spoon some of the pan drippings over the ham for extra flavor. Slice it up and enjoy this beautifully baked dish with your loved ones!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the ham cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container. Refrigerated ham will remain delicious for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it in foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. For reheating, place the slices in a preheated oven at 325 degrees F for approximately 15-20 minutes until warmed through. The flavor may intensify during storage, and you may want to refresh it with a little splash of orange juice before serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoiding Dry Ham: Make sure to baste your ham with the glaze halfway through cooking to keep it moist.
Temperature Matters: It’s recommended to let your ham sit at room temperature for an hour before baking—it helps in even cooking.
Timing Is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F. This is essential for food safety.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different spices like ginger or cloves to the glaze for a unique twist.
Make Ahead: If you’re planning a big feast, consider preparing the glaze a day ahead. Just reheat it before applying!

This Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, blending traditions with your own unique touch. It’s a recipe that invites creativity, whether you choose to add different spices or garnishes. Embrace the process, enjoy the aroma wafting through your home, and savor each slice. Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own—because food is just as much about personal expression as it is about nourishment!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham?

Absolutely! While a bone-in spiral-cut ham is ideal, you can use any type of ham you prefer, such as a boneless ham. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so ensure you adjust accordingly.

How do I know when the ham is done?

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness. The internal temperature should reach 140 degrees F for safe consumption. Additionally, the glaze should be bubbly and caramelized.

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Yes, the glaze can be made a day ahead! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before using it. This not only saves time but allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I serve with baked ham?

Baked ham pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or a bright salad. It’s a versatile dish that complements many sides, making it perfect for any gathering!

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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

Enjoy a mouthwatering Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze that boasts an irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for family gatherings, this recipe is simple yet rewarding, featuring key ingredients like ham, brown sugar, and fresh orange juice to create a delicious glaze.

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. Coat a large baking pan with cooking spray.
Combine butter, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a pan. Place over medium heat.
Simmer the mixture and cook for 5-7 minutes until the glaze becomes syrupy.
Place the ham in the pan and pour half of the glaze on top, then tightly cover the ham with foil, reserving the rest of the glaze for later.
Bake the ham for 2 hours, then uncover it.
Brush the remaining glaze over the ham. If needed, microwave the glaze for 30-45 seconds to loosen it.
Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
Bake the uncovered ham for an additional 15-20 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and browned.
Transfer the ham to a serving platter, garnish with fresh herbs and fruit, spoon pan drippings over it, slice, and serve.

Notes

For a more intense flavor, let the ham sit in the glaze for a few hours before baking.
Ensure the ham is fully heated through to an internal temperature of 140 degrees F before serving.
Consider using a meat thermometer for accuracy.