Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

This brown sugar glazed spiral ham is a comforting, crowd-pleasing centerpiece that brings warmth and joy to holiday celebrations or relaxed family meals. The sweet and tangy glaze, made with brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and cozy spices, caramelizes slowly to create tender, flavorful slices that everyone will love. Paired with your favorite hearty side dishes, it's sure to become a memorable recipe year after year.

I first made this for a large family reunion, and every single person asked for the recipe. Now it's our go to dish for every holiday feast.

Ingredients

• Ham: One fully cooked spiralsliced ham weighing between eight and ten pounds for easy serving and juicy flavor
• Dark brown sugar: One cup to sweeten and deepen the glaze opt for packed and moist sugar for best results
• Honey: One cup to add natural sweetness and a smooth texture wildflower honey works beautifully here
• Dijon mustard: Quarter cup to balance sweetness with sharpness choose a quality brand with good tang
• Apple cider vinegar: Two tablespoons to provide bright acidity and cut through richness
• Ground cinnamon: Half teaspoon for warmth and subtle spice use fresh ground if possible
• Ground cloves: Quarter teaspoon optional for a deeper spiced aroma omit if you prefer a milder taste
• Garlic powder: Half teaspoon to add savory depth
• Onion powder: Half teaspoon for layered flavor
• Unsalted butter: Two tablespoons to enrich the glaze and add silkiness
• Orange juice: Three tablespoons optional to thin the glaze slightly and brighten flavors fresh squeezed is best
• Fresh parsley: For garnish to add a pop of color and freshness

Instructions

Initial Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit which is perfect for gently warming the ham without drying it out. Unwrap the spiral ham carefully and place it in a large roasting pan or baking dish to catch all the drippings.

Creating the Perfect Glaze:

Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and combine dark brown sugar honey Dijon mustard apple cider vinegar cinnamon cloves if using garlic powder onion powder unsalted butter and orange juice if you want a thinner glaze. Stir constantly to blend the ingredients evenly. The glaze will turn smooth and slightly thickened in about five minutes. This process builds a rich harmonious flavor base for your ham.

Initial Ham Baking:

Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. This traps moisture so the ham reheats evenly without drying. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour aiming for about ten to twelve minutes per pound. This gently warms the ham without cooking it further.

Apply the Glaze:

Remove the ham from the oven and uncover it. Generously spoon the glaze over the entire ham especially between the spiral slices to infuse flavor throughout. Return the ham to the oven uncovered. Baste it every fifteen minutes with more glaze allowing the sugars to caramelize slowly and create a beautifully sticky crust. Continue this for about thirty to forty five minutes or until the glaze is glossy and caramelized.

Rest and Garnish:

Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for ten to fifteen minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute keeping each slice moist and tender. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish and serve warm with your favorite sides.

The fresh sparkle from the apple cider vinegar really stands out in this glaze. My favorite part is the slow caramelization—watching the sugar bubble and coat the ham feels almost magical. I remember the first time I made this for a holiday and the glaze was so luscious that everyone came back for seconds and thirds.

Storage Tips

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Warm gently in the oven to preserve moisture and flavor when reheating. You can also slice and freeze portions tightly wrapped for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Pure maple syrup can replace honey to add a smoky sweetness and richer flavor depth. Balsamic vinegar works instead of apple cider vinegar for a sweeter more complex glaze. For a bold twist use bourbon instead of orange juice to introduce smoky caramel notes into the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Try this ham with creamy mashed potatoes roasted asparagus and a tart cranberry relish to balance all the sweet and savory flavors. A bright fruit chutney adds a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully. Serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread perfect for soaking up any extra glaze and juices.

This brown sugar glazed spiral ham is a showstopping centerpiece that's easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings. Leftovers make quick flavorful meals throughout the week.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I thicken the glaze if it's too thin?

Simmer the glaze a bit longer to reduce and concentrate it, or stir in an extra tablespoon of brown sugar for added thickness.

→ Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Yes, the glaze can be made a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Warm gently before applying for best consistency.

→ How can I prevent the ham slices from drying out?

Keep the ham initially covered with foil to trap moisture and baste frequently during glazing to maintain tenderness.

→ Is it necessary to use cloves in the glaze?

Cloves add warmth and depth but can be omitted if preferred without greatly affecting the overall flavor.

→ Can leftover ham be frozen for later use?

Yes, cool leftovers completely, store in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.