Brown Sugar Ham Recipe (Simple Vacation Spiral Ham)
Brown Sugar Ham is tender and juicy, coated in a sticky glaze that caramelizes fantastically because it bakes. It smells unbelievable within the oven and comes out shiny and golden, able to steal the highlight on the desk. It’s an ideal alternative for a vacation dinner whenever you need one thing traditional and comforting.

That is my go-to ham recipe. It feels particular, however doesn’t require a lot prep. You stir collectively a fast glaze, brush it on, and let the oven do the remaining. Simple! I take advantage of spiral-sliced ham, so it’s already lower, making serving a breeze.
You may additionally like this Christmas Ham.
stacie’s observe
I swear this glazed ham has some type of magic to it. Even Veldon, who isn’t an enormous ham individual in any respect, at all times goes again for seconds once I make this recipe. He’ll decide at it at first, then all of the sudden there’s one other slice on his plate, and he’s asking if there’s extra glaze. That’s how I do know it’s a keeper.
It doesn’t cease being good as soon as dinner is over, both. The leftovers by no means final lengthy round right here as a result of ham sandwiches the subsequent day are unreal, particularly with a little bit of mustard or leftover glaze. I’ve caught myself sneaking slices straight from the fridge, which in all probability tells you all the things it is advisable find out about how addictive this one actually is.
Components
The complete printable recipe card with measurements and directions is discovered on the backside of the publish.
- Absolutely cooked spiral sliced ham: Select an excellent high quality ham with even slices so the glaze can drip down between them. Spiral-sliced means no carving on the desk, making serving a lot simpler.
- Brown sugar: Pack it firmly within the measuring cup so your glaze has sufficient sweetness and thickness to essentially cling to the ham.
- Honey: This provides shine and helps the glaze caramelize. In case your honey is thick or crystallized, heat it barely to assist it mix easily.
- Dijon mustard: In case you’re not a fan of robust mustard taste, don’t fear. It mellows because it cooks.
- Apple cider vinegar: A small quantity goes a good distance.
- Floor cinnamon: Measure fastidiously so it stays within the background.
- Floor cloves: Cloves are robust, so keep on with the quantity listed.
- Garlic powder: Simply sufficient so as to add savory taste.
- Black pepper: A little bit pepper helps lower by means of the sweetness and rounds out the flavour of the ham.

Easy methods to Make Brown Sugar Ham
- Step One: Warmth oven to 325°F. Line a roasting pan with foil for simple cleanup and place the ham cut-side down within the pan.
- Step Two: In a small saucepan over medium warmth, whisk collectively brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, garlic powder, and pepper. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes till clean and barely thickened.
- Step Three: Brush half the glaze everywhere in the ham, letting it drip down between the slices. Cowl loosely with foil to stop drying out.
- Step 4: Roast the ham for about 1 ½ hours (10 minutes per pound), basting with pan juices a couple of times.
- Step 5: Take away the foil and brush with the remaining glaze. Improve oven temperature to 400°F and roast uncovered for 15 to twenty minutes, till caramelized and shiny.
- Step Six: Let the ham relaxation for 10 to fifteen minutes earlier than serving. Drizzle with further glaze or pan juices when serving.

Variations and Substitutions
- Use maple syrup as an alternative of honey: Swap the honey for actual maple syrup for a barely deeper, extra traditional taste that works particularly nicely for vacation dinners.
- Strive yellow or spicy brown mustard: In case you don’t have Dijon readily available, yellow mustard works in a pinch and retains issues delicate. Spicy brown mustard provides slightly further kick.
- Add citrus: Exchange the apple cider vinegar with orange juice or pineapple juice for a brighter, barely sweeter glaze. A little bit of zest provides further taste if you wish to lean into it.
- Make it sweeter: If your loved ones loves a sweeter ham, add an additional two to 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and simmer the glaze a couple of minutes longer.
- Skip the cloves: Not a clove fan? Go away them out or substitute with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a softer spice observe.
- Use a boneless ham: A boneless ham works simply nice if that’s what you’ve gotten. You might want to scale back the cooking time barely, so regulate it.
- Add pineapple or cherries: Tuck pineapple rings or maraschino cherries between the slices over the last a part of baking for a extra conventional presentation.

Storage Directions
- Fridge: Let the ham cool fully, then retailer it in an hermetic container or wrap it tightly in foil. It should maintain nicely within the fridge for as much as 4 days.
- Freezer: Leftover ham might be frozen for as much as 2 months. Slice it first and retailer it in freezer-safe luggage or containers so it’s straightforward to seize what you want. Add slightly further glaze or pan juices earlier than freezing to assist maintain it moist.
- Reheating: Heat leftover ham within the oven, lined, at 300°F till heated by means of. You may also reheat particular person slices within the microwave, lined, to stop drying out.
- Make Forward: You can also make the glaze a day or two upfront and retailer it within the fridge. Rewarm it gently earlier than brushing on the ham.

Recipe Ideas and Tips
- Let the glaze work its approach into the slices: When brushing on the glaze, take a second to softly separate the slices so it drips down inside. That’s the place a number of the flavour comes from.
- Baste evenly: One or two bastes in the course of the lengthy bake is lots. An excessive amount of dealing with may cause the slices to separate and dry out.
- Relaxation earlier than serving: Letting the ham sit for 10 to fifteen minutes earlier than serving helps the juices settle and makes it simpler to serve clear slices.
- Save the pan juices: These juices are gold. Spoon them over the ham on the desk or save them to drizzle on leftovers and sandwiches.
Ham Leftover Concepts
- Traditional ham sandwiches: Pile slices onto tender rolls or sandwich bread with mustard or slightly leftover glaze. They’re easy and so good the subsequent day.
- Ham and cheese sliders: Layer ham with cheese on dinner rolls, brush the tops with butter, and bake till heat and melty. Excellent for a simple lunch or informal dinner.
- Breakfast concepts: Chop leftover ham and add it to omelets, scrambled eggs, or breakfast casseroles. It pairs particularly nicely with cheese and potatoes.
- Soups and casseroles: Cube the ham and stir it into soups, scalloped potatoes, or pasta bakes for a simple meal that makes use of up leftovers quick.
- Freezer-friendly parts: Freeze small quantities of chopped ham so you’ll be able to pull it out later for fast meals with out thawing the entire thing.
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Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Ham
Candy and savory Brown Sugar Ham with a sticky glaze that caramelizes fantastically. Simple to make, good for holidays, and nice for leftovers.
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Warmth oven to 325°F. Line a roasting pan with foil for simple cleanup and place the ham cut-side down within the pan.
-
In a small saucepan over medium warmth, whisk collectively brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, garlic powder, and pepper. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes till clean and barely thickened.
-
Brush half the glaze everywhere in the ham, letting it drip down between the slices. Cowl loosely with foil to stop drying out.
-
Roast the ham for about 1 ½ hours (10 minutes per pound), basting with pan juices a couple of times.
-
Take away the foil and brush with the remaining glaze. Improve oven temperature to 400°F and roast uncovered for 15 to twenty minutes, till caramelized and shiny.
-
Let the ham relaxation for 10 to fifteen minutes earlier than serving. Drizzle with further glaze or pan juices when serving.
- Verify the label: Since spiral hams are already totally cooked, you’re simply reheating and glazing. Don’t overbake, or it may dry out.
- For a thicker glaze: Simmer an additional 5 minutes till syrupy earlier than brushing on.
- Make it citrusy: Swap vinegar for orange juice and add some zest for a vacation twist.
- Serving concept: Pair with scalloped potatoes, roasted carrots, or dinner rolls for a traditional unfold.
Energy: 1738kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 144g | Fats: 112g | Saturated Fats: 40g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 12g | Monounsaturated Fats: 53g | Trans Fats: 0.001g | Ldl cholesterol: 413mg | Sodium: 7977mg | Potassium: 1954mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 6mg
The data proven is an estimate supplied by a web based vitamin calculator. It shouldn’t be thought-about an alternative choice to knowledgeable nutritionist’s recommendation.
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