The moment you step into a kitchen filled with the scent of a honey-glazed ham slowly baking in the oven, you know you’re in for something special. The golden, caramelized exterior shines in the light, hinting at the mouthwatering flavor that awaits. As the warm, savory aroma mingles with that sweet hint of brown sugar and orange, it feels like a big, cozy hug, a comforting embrace of memories tied to family gatherings and joyous celebrations. A Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze isn’t just a meal; it’s a centerpiece that brings loved ones together, sparking laughter and delight around the dinner table.

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

This dish holds a special place in my heart; it’s the star of every holiday feast in my family. As a child, I remember eagerly waiting by the oven, dreaming of the first sweet slice while the adults reminisced over shared stories. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, a beautifully glazed ham always seems to make the occasion a little more festive. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s prepare a Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze that will leave you and your guests smiling and wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 2.5 hours of cooking, you can create something magnificent.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and savory combination of brown sugar and orange juice makes each bite a delight.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This ham is not only delicious but also a show-stopper on any dining table.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for holiday feasts, family gatherings, or even weeknight dinners.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customizable for different dietary needs with a few simple ingredient swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 lb bone-in spiral cut ham: This cut is tender and already partial to slicing, making serving a breeze. Look for a high-quality ham for the best flavor.
1/2 cup butter: Unsalted butter creates a rich, buttery base for your glaze. Substitute with margarine or coconut oil for dairy-free options.
1 cup brown sugar: The key ingredient for that signature sweet glaze. Dark brown sugar will give a deeper flavor, but light brown sugar works just as well.
1/2 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best for vibrant flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
1 teaspoon orange zest: Adds a lovely citrus aroma and depth. If you don’t have fresh, a bit of dried zest or even lemon zest can substitute.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: This warm spice enhances the overall flavor profile. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a more straightforward glaze.
Pinch of nutmeg: Just a hint of nutmeg adds a warm, cozy depth to the glaze.
Cooking spray: To prevent sticking. You can also use olive oil or butter for greasing your pan.
Fresh herbs and fruit for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of parsley or slices of oranges can brighten up the presentation.

How to Make Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While that’s heating up, grab a large baking pan and give it a light coat of cooking spray. This prevents the ham from sticking and makes cleanup much easier later on.

Combine the Ingredients: In a saucepot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until combined, bringing it to a gentle simmer. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy, about 5-7 minutes. The scent will be heavenly!

Arrange the Ham: Place the spiral cut ham in the baking pan, cut side down. Carefully pour half of the warm glaze over the top, ensuring it seeps into the slices a bit. Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil to keep in the moisture. Reserve the remaining glaze for later. It’s essential to keep that juicy goodness in while it bakes!

Initial Bake: Slide the ham into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 2 hours. This allows the meat to get tender and absorb all that delicious glaze. When the time’s up, take off the foil carefully (watch out for steam!) to reveal that lovely, caramelized top.

Brush on the Remaining Glaze: Use a brush or a spoon to apply the rest of the glaze generously over the top of the ham. If the glaze has hardened a bit in the bowl, just pop it in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to loosen it up. This additional layer will create that gorgeous finishing touch.

Increase the Heat: Now, raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees F. This will help caramelize the glaze into that perfectly crisp, sticky coating we all love. Place the uncovered ham back in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning. You’ll see the glaze bubble and turn a beautiful golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Once done, carefully transfer your ham to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and slices of fruit for that extra pop of color. Spoon some of the delightful pan drippings over the slices before cutting, making each bite even more flavorful. Enjoy this stunning centerpiece with your loved ones!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about a week when stored properly. If you wish to keep it longer, slice your ham and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container; it can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop the slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds on high. If you’re reheating a larger piece, set your oven to 325 degrees F and cover the ham with foil, which helps to retain moisture while warming. Just remember, the texture might slightly change after freezing, but it will still taste fantastic!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid drying out the ham by ensuring you have a tight seal with the foil during the initial bake.
Let your ham come to room temperature before baking; this helps it cook evenly.
For a more robust flavor, try adding a splash of whiskey or bourbon to the glaze.
If the glaze is too thick, a little extra orange juice can help loosen it before you apply it to the ham.
If you have extra time, let the glazed ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing; this will help keep it moist.

The holiday season or any occasion is a perfect time to make this delicious Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze. Its sweet and savory notes are sure to impress all your guests, creating unforgettable meals and memories. Don’t hesitate to explore different flavor combinations; perhaps try adding some crushed pineapple in the glaze or toasted pecans for crunch. Cook with joy, and invite everyone to the table for a feast worth celebrating.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham?

Absolutely! While this recipe works deliciously with a bone-in spiral cut ham, you can also use a boneless ham or even a ham steak. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as smaller pieces will cook faster.

What can I serve with this ham?

This ham is versatile and pairs beautifully with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, or a light salad. Your choices can vary from hearty to light, complementing the richness of the glaze perfectly.

How do I know when the ham is done?

A fully cooked ham like this should reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees F when done; a meat thermometer is the best tool for this. The outer layer should be shiny and caramelized but not burned.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the brown sugar glaze a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Warm it up on the stove or in the microwave before using it to ensure it spreads nicely over the ham.