Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is one of those quintessential dishes that tends to make its way to family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its delightful sweetness from the brown sugar but also in the tender, juicy meat that is beautifully caramelized under that layer of golden glaze. With its aromatic notes of orange zest and spices, each bite offers a burst of flavor that begs to be savored.

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

I first discovered the joys of Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze while preparing for a family reunion. The warm, inviting aroma wafting through the kitchen as the ham baked made everyone’s mouth water in anticipation. The end result was nothing short of spectacular. With just a few handpicked ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe transforms an ordinary ham into a standout centerpiece that garners compliments from everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this easy recipe is great for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, orange juice, and spices creates a glaze that’s both sweet and aromatic.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The glistening caramelized finish makes this dish a showstopper on any table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or even a cozy Sunday lunch, it pairs beautifully with various sides.
Diet-Friendly Options: While traditional, you can modify the glaze ingredients to suit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 lb bone in spiral cut ham: Perfect for even cooking and easy slicing; spiral-cut hams are flavorful and tender. You can substitute with a boneless ham if preferred, but cooking times may vary.
1/2 cup butter: Adds richness to the glaze and helps it bond to the ham. Always use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.
1 cup brown sugar: This is the star that gives the glaze its signature sweetness. Light or dark brown sugar works well; dark will produce a deeper flavor.
1/2 cup orange juice fresh squeezed: Freshly squeezed juice brightens up the glaze compared to store-bought juices. If you don’t have oranges, using bottled juice is a fine substitute.
1 teaspoon orange zest: Provides a punch of citrus flavor, enhancing the orange juice’s freshness. Be sure to zest the orange before juicing.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm, comforting spice that enhances the flavor profile. If you like a bolder spice, feel free to add a touch more.
Pinch of nutmeg: This adds depth and a subtle warmth to the glaze; it’s a small amount but makes a big impact.
Cooking spray: Prevents the ham from sticking to the pan, making cleanup easy.
Fresh herbs and fruit for garnish (optional): A touch of rosemary or parsley adds a nice visual appeal and enhances freshness!

How to Make Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This is crucial for properly cooking the ham without drying it out.

Prepare the baking pan: Coat a large baking pan with cooking spray. This ensures your ham doesn’t stick and makes for an effortless clean-up.

Make the glaze: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on it and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and has a syrupy consistency.

Place the ham in the pan: Once your glaze is ready, you can move to the next step. Put the ham into the baking pan and pour half of the glaze over the top, making sure it’s well-coated. Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in, reserving the remaining glaze for later.

Bake the ham: Slide the ham into your preheated oven and bake for 2 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a tender delight.

Uncover and glaze again: After the initial baking period, carefully uncover the ham. Brush the remaining glaze over the top to give it that signature caramelization. If it’s hardened a bit, a quick 30-45 seconds in the microwave will help return it to a pourable consistency.

Increase the heat: Now, turn the oven temperature up to 400 degrees F. This increase is essential for that perfect caramelized finish.

Final bake: Place the uncovered ham back in the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye during this time — you want the glaze to be bubbling and caramelized but not burnt.

Serve: Once done, transfer the ham to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and optional fruits for an inviting presentation. Spoon some of the delightful pan drippings over the top for extra flavor, slice, and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

Once you’ve devoured your Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you prefer freezing, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for about three months. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 325 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes, drizzling a bit of water or orange juice over to keep them moist. Just remember, reheating can sometimes alter the texture, so enjoy fresh slices for the best experience!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Consistency is key! Make sure to pour the glaze evenly for consistent flavor on your ham.
Avoid overcooking; the ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
If you find the glaze is too thick, a splash of orange juice can help loosen it up.
Consider making the glaze a day ahead; letting it rest allows flavors to deepen.
Serve with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to balance the sweetness of the ham.

Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that invites conversation and laughter around the dinner table. Each slice carries with it the essence of heartfelt gatherings and celebrations with loved ones. Feel free to make it your own by experimenting with different spices or glazes. The warmth of this dish extends beyond the plate — it spills into the very spirit of togetherness. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the magic that awaits!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?

Absolutely! While a bone-in spiral-cut ham is ideal for flavor and ease of slicing, you can also use a boneless ham. Just be aware that cooking times may need to be adjusted based on weight and thickness.

How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Your ham should reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees F for safe eating. If it’s been pre-cooked, as many hams are, this ensures it’s heated through adequately.

Can I make the glaze in advance?

Yes! Making your glaze a day ahead is a great time-saving tip. Just store it in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to use it, reheat it gently on the stovetop before applying it to the ham.

What side dishes pair well with Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze?

This delicious ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, or a refreshing green salad. Feel free to mix and match to create a meal that everyone will enjoy!

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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

This Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is a delightful dish that brings together mouthwatering flavors. With its sweet and citrusy glaze made from brown sugar and fresh orange juice, it’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Prepare easily and enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love!

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 and coat a large baking pan with cooking spray.
In a pan, combine butter, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg, heating over medium until it simmers, then cook for 5-7 minutes until syrupy.
Place the ham into the pan and pour half of the glaze over it, covering tightly with foil. Reserve the rest of the glaze for later.
Bake the ham for 2 hours. Afterward, uncover it and brush with the remaining glaze. If needed, microwave the glaze for 30-45 seconds to loosen it.
Raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees F and bake the ham uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and browns.
Transfer the ham to a serving platter, garnish with fresh herbs and fruit, spoon the pan drippings over it, slice, and serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding cloves or garlic to the glaze.
Make sure to use fresh orange juice for the best results.
Allow the ham to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain moisture.