Brown Sugar Glazed Ham – Easy Holiday Ham with Honey and Spices

This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is the ultimate holiday showstopper — tender, juicy, and coated in a caramelized brown sugar and honey glaze. The sweet and savory balance makes every slice irresistible, filling your kitchen with that cozy, festive aroma everyone loves. Complete your holiday spread with a Sweet Potato Casserole — a warm, nutty side that pairs beautifully with glazed ham. For a classic holiday meal, add Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Sage & Sausage Stuffing. Finish your meal on a sweet note with Chocolate Fudge — simple, classic, and perfectly rich.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (8–10 lbs)

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup honey

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or orange juice

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Optional garnish: orange slices, rosemary sprigs, or cloves

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat to 325°F. Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Add a few tablespoons of water to the bottom of the pan to keep it moist.

2. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar (or orange juice), cinnamon, cloves, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, until smooth and slightly thickened.

3. Brush and bake: Brush half the glaze over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.

4. Glaze again: Remove foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Continue baking uncovered for 30–45 minutes, basting every 10 minutes until the surface is golden, sticky, and caramelized.

5. Rest and serve: Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle any remaining glaze or pan juices over the top for extra shine and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice for a fruitier glaze.

• For extra caramelization, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely!).

• Try a maple glaze by swapping honey for pure maple syrup.

• Use leftover ham for sandwiches, omelets, or soups the next day.

FAQ

Q: Should I use a bone-in ham or a boneless ham?

Bone-in ham has more flavor and moisture, but boneless works well if you prefer easy slicing.

Q: How do I keep the ham from drying out?

Cover it with foil for most of the baking time, then remove the foil to caramelize the glaze at the end.

Q: Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar?

Yes — honey, maple syrup, or pineapple juice all make delicious glaze variations.

Q: How long does ham take to cook?

Most fully cooked hams need 10–15 minutes per pound at 325°F.

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead?

Absolutely — prepare the glaze 1–2 days ahead and warm it before brushing it onto the ham.

Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a timeless holiday centerpiece that brings warmth, sweetness, and comfort to the table. The rich glaze caramelizes beautifully as it bakes, creating tender, juicy slices with irresistible flavor in every bite. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or special Sunday dinners, this ham is easy to prepare yet impressive enough for entertaining. If you’re looking for a classic main dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a recipe you’ll be proud to serve again and again.