Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

A Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a holiday classic, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations. This succulent ham is coated in a deliciously sweet, caramelized brown sugar glaze with hints of mustard and warm spices. As it bakes, the glaze creates a rich, glossy coating that brings out the natural flavor of the ham, making each bite a delightful mix of sweet and savory. This recipe is simple yet flavorful, letting the ham shine as the centerpiece of your meal. With minimal prep and straightforward ingredients, it’s a wonderful way to make a lasting impression without too much fuss.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ham: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife to help the glaze penetrate the meat.
2. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar (or orange juice). Add the cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, stirring until the sugar has dissolved, and the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
3. Apply the Glaze: Brush about half of the glaze over the ham, covering all sides. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting.
4. Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize fully. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and has a deep, caramelized crust. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve warm, with any remaining glaze drizzled over the slices for extra flavor. Enjoy this show-stopping, deliciously sweet and savory ham with your favorite holiday sides!