A succulent brown sugar glazed ham on a serving platter.

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a delicious centerpiece perfect for any occasion. The sweet and savory glaze makes the ham tender and flavorful. It’s an impressive dish that brings warmth and joy to family gatherings, holidays, or simple weeknight dinners. Plus, leftovers make for tasty sandwiches and salads!

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

  • 4-6 kg / 8-12 lb bone in ham, rind and fat on (Note 1)
  • 2 cups water (Note 2)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey (or maple)
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (Note 3)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp All Spice
  • 3/4 tsp mustard powder (ordinary, not hot)
  • Ribbon
  • Few sprigs of rosemary (or other herb/leaves)

Directions:

  1. Take the ham out of the fridge 1 hour prior to cooking.
  2. Preheat the oven to 160°C / 320°F (standard) or 140°C / 285°F (fan). Arrange the shelf in the lower third of the oven so the ham will be sitting in the center.
  3. Remove the rind and score the fat on the ham in a diamond pattern.
  4. For the Brown Sugar Ham Glaze, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, and mustard powder in a bowl.
  5. Baste the ham with the glaze, making sure to get it into all the scored cuts.
  6. Place the ham in a roasting pan with 2 cups of water at the bottom.
  7. Cook the ham in the oven, basting every 30 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 70°C / 160°F. This usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
  8. For the last 30 minutes of cooking, increase the oven temperature to caramelize the glaze.
  9. Remove from the oven, and let it rest before transferring to a serving platter.
  10. Presentation & Serving: Garnish with a ribbon around the bone and add sprigs of rosemary for a festive look.
  11. Leftover Ham: Slice and store any leftovers in the fridge for later use.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is best served warm. Pair it with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. Use your favorite bread to make delicious ham sandwiches with the leftovers.

How to Store Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices of ham for longer storage. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

  • Make sure to baste often to promote an even glaze across the ham.
  • If you want a bit of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
  • Keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the meat.

Variation

For a different flavor, you can replace honey with maple syrup and add a touch of orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.

FAQs

Can I cook a frozen ham?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it in the fridge for a few days before cooking for even cooking.

How do I know when the ham is done?
The internal temperature should reach 70°C / 160°F for safe consumption.

Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can use light or dark brown sugar, but light brown will give a milder flavor while dark brown offers a richer taste.