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Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
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This Easy Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze features a juicy, tender ham coated with a sweet and savory caramelized brown sugar glaze. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or special occasions, this recipe is simple to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to impress with its moist texture and glossy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • Pre-cooked ham (bone-in or boneless), about 6-8 lbs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Optional Ingredients for Glaze

  • 6–8 whole cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice or orange juice (optional)

Optional Variations and Additions

  • Dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for spice
  • Apple cider or additional pineapple juice for fruit-infused glaze
  • Smoked paprika or liquid smoke for smoky flavor
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme for herb garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove all packaging from the pre-cooked ham and place it in a shallow roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and caramelize beautifully.
  2. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and any optional spices and juices until smooth and glossy to create a sticky, flavorful coating.
  3. Apply the Glaze and Bake: Brush a generous amount of the glaze all over the scored ham surface. Loosely cover the pan with foil to retain moisture. Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting the ham with more glaze every 20-30 minutes to maintain moisture and build flavor.
  4. Final Broil for Caramelization: During the last 5-10 minutes, remove the foil and set the oven to broil. Watch carefully as the glaze bubbles and caramelizes into a shiny, sticky, golden crust. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked ham to save time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Scoring the ham allows glaze absorption and enhances appearance.
  • Baste regularly to keep ham moist and flavor layered.
  • Broil only briefly at the end to avoid burning the glaze.
  • Allow ham to rest before slicing for tender, juicy pieces.
  • Using a roasting pan with a rack prevents the ham from sitting in juices and ensures even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ham, brown sugar glaze, holiday ham, easy ham recipe, glazed ham, pre-cooked ham

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/easy-baked-ham-with-brown-sugar-glaze/