Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Holiday Ham

Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: the secret to transforming an ordinary ham into a show-stopping centerpiece that will have your guests begging for more! Have you ever wondered how to achieve that perfect balance of sweet and savory, that glistening, caramelized crust that makes a holiday ham truly unforgettable? Well, wonder no more! This recipe unlocks the magic, delivering a flavor explosion that will elevate your next gathering.

Ham, particularly when glazed, has a rich history, often associated with celebrations and feasts. From medieval banquets to modern-day holiday dinners, a beautifully prepared ham symbolizes abundance and good fortune. The addition of brown sugar to the glaze is a relatively modern twist, but it builds upon the tradition of using sweet elements like honey or fruit to complement the salty, smoky flavor of the ham. This particular brown sugar ham glaze recipe takes that concept to the next level.

People adore a good ham glaze for several reasons. The sweetness balances the saltiness of the ham, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The glaze also adds a beautiful sheen and a delightful textural contrast, with a slightly sticky, caramelized exterior giving way to the tender, juicy meat beneath. Plus, a well-made glaze, like this one, is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a convenient way to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience the ultimate ham transformation!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (10-12 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, for extra sweetness and tang)
• 1/4 cup water (if needed, to adjust consistency)
• Whole cloves (for studding the ham, optional)

Preparing the Ham:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature will ensure the ham heats through evenly without drying out.
2. Prepare the ham for glazing. Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any netting or plastic discs. Place the ham on a large roasting pan fitted with a roasting rack. The rack is important because it allows the heat to circulate around the ham, ensuring even cooking.
3. Score the ham (optional, but recommended). Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern. Make shallow cuts, about 1/4 inch deep, across the surface of the ham. Be careful not to cut too deep, as you only want to score the surface. Scoring helps the glaze adhere better and allows the flavors to penetrate the ham. The diamond pattern also looks beautiful when the ham is finished.
4. Stud the ham with cloves (optional). If you like the flavor of cloves, insert whole cloves into the points of the diamond pattern where the score lines intersect. This adds a festive touch and infuses the ham with a warm, aromatic flavor. Don’t overdo it, though; a few cloves per diamond is plenty.

Making the Brown Sugar Glaze:

1. Combine the glaze ingredients. In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pineapple juice (if using). Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar.
2. Simmer the glaze. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to burn the glaze.
3. Adjust the consistency (if needed). If the glaze becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue simmering for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.

Glazing and Baking the Ham:

1. Initial baking. Place the prepared ham in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound. For a 10-12 pound ham, this will be about 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours.
2. First glaze application. After the initial baking time, remove the ham from the oven. Using a pastry brush, generously brush about half of the brown sugar glaze over the entire surface of the ham. Make sure to get the glaze into all the crevices and score lines.
3. Return to the oven. Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
4. Second glaze application. Remove the ham from the oven again and brush with the remaining glaze.
5. Final baking. Return the ham to the oven for a final 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Keep a close eye on the ham during this final baking period to prevent the glaze from burning. If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Check the internal temperature. The ham is ready when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the ham, being careful not to touch the bone.

Resting and Carving the Ham:

1. Rest the ham. Once the ham is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil while it rests to keep it warm.
2. Carve the ham. To carve the ham, place it on a cutting board. If it’s a shank-end ham (the part of the ham closer to the leg), start by making a few slices parallel to the bone. Then, turn the ham and cut along the bone to release the slices. If it’s a butt-end ham (the part of the ham closer to the hip), you can simply slice it perpendicular to the bone.
3. Serve and enjoy! Serve the carved ham immediately and enjoy! It’s delicious with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls. Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture.
• Add fruit: Instead of pineapple juice, you can use orange juice, apple juice, or even cranberry juice in the glaze. You can also add some chopped dried cranberries or cherries to the glaze for extra flavor and texture.
• Bourbon glaze: For a more sophisticated flavor, add a tablespoon or two of bourbon to the glaze.
• Maple glaze: Substitute maple syrup for the honey in the glaze for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Mustard variations: Experiment with different types of mustard, such as whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard, to change the flavor profile of the glaze.
• Slow cooker option: You can also cook the ham in a slow cooker. Place the ham in the slow cooker, pour the glaze over it, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Glaze ahead: The glaze can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before using.
• Ham bone broth: Don’t throw away the ham bone! Use it to make a delicious and flavorful ham bone broth. Simply simmer the bone in a large pot of water with some vegetables (like carrots, celery, and onions) for several hours.

Serving Suggestions:

This brown sugar glazed ham is a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday meal or special occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your feast:

• Classic sides: Mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, corn on the cob, dinner rolls, cranberry sauce.
• Salads: A fresh green salad, a fruit salad, or a pasta salad.
• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
• Desserts: Pumpkin pie, apple pie, pecan pie, or a chocolate cake.

Storing Leftovers:

Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can also freeze leftover ham for up to 2 months. To reheat leftover ham, bake it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

• Calories: 350-450
• Fat: 20-30g
• Saturated Fat: 8-12g
• Cholesterol: 80-100mg
• Sodium: 1200-1500mg
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Sugar: 15-25g
• Protein: 25-35g

Enjoy your delicious brown sugar glazed ham! I hope this recipe helps you create a memorable meal for your family and friends.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another ham glaze recipe; it’s a gateway to a truly unforgettable holiday meal. The rich, caramelized sweetness of the brown sugar ham glaze, balanced with the subtle tang of Dijon and the warmth of spices, creates a symphony of flavors that will have your guests raving. Trust me, the aroma alone will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer and anticipation!

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s simple: it’s foolproof, incredibly delicious, and elevates even the most basic ham into a show-stopping centerpiece. The ingredients are readily available, the instructions are clear and concise, and the results are consistently impressive. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to achieve ham-glazing perfection with this recipe. It’s designed for everyone, from the novice cook to the experienced holiday host.

Beyond the sheer deliciousness, this glaze offers incredible versatility. Looking for serving suggestions? A classic pairing is alongside scalloped potatoes and roasted asparagus. For a more modern twist, try serving slices of glazed ham on mini brioche buns with a dollop of cranberry sauce and a sprinkle of arugula. The possibilities are endless!

And speaking of versatility, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! Want a little extra kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze. Prefer a more citrusy flavor? Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon. You could even try adding a splash of bourbon or rum for a deeper, more complex flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a fantastic base for your own culinary creativity. Think of it as a starting point, a canvas upon which you can paint your own flavor masterpiece.

I truly believe that this brown sugar ham glaze will become a staple in your holiday cooking repertoire. It’s a recipe that’s guaranteed to impress, and one that you’ll be proud to share with family and friends. The combination of sweet and savory, the ease of preparation, and the endless possibilities for customization make it a winner in my book.

Ready to give it a try?

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and share your thoughts, your variations, and any tips or tricks you discover along the way. Did you add a special ingredient that took the glaze to the next level? Did you pair it with a particularly delicious side dish? I’m eager to learn from your culinary adventures!

Let’s create a community of ham-glazing enthusiasts!

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a truly memorable holiday meal. I promise, this brown sugar ham glaze will be the star of the show. Happy cooking, and happy holidays! I’m excited to hear all about your glazed ham success stories! Don’t forget to take pictures and tag me in your social media posts – I can’t wait to see your creations!