Easy Brown Sugar Ham: A Show-Stopping Holiday Feast

Few dishes have the power to turn a simple meal into a grand celebration like a beautifully glazed ham. Easy Brown Sugar Ham is the epitome of holiday feasting—tender, juicy, and enveloped in a sticky-sweet glaze that sparkles with warm spices and fresh herbs. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a family gathering, this show-stopping dish will have your loved ones raving for weeks.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a centerpiece that looks and tastes like it took hours of work. Let’s explore how to make this foolproof holiday masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love Easy Brown Sugar Ham

• Simple Yet Impressive: With its golden caramelized crust, this dish is both elegant and approachable.
• Packed with Flavor: The sweet and tangy glaze, infused with spices and herbs, enhances the ham’s smoky richness.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While ideal for holidays, this ham is simple enough to make for a casual family dinner.
• Versatile Leftovers: The ham is just as delicious the next day in sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.
• Stress-Free Prep: The recipe requires minimal hands-on time, leaving you free to focus on other dishes.

Ingredients for Easy Brown Sugar Ham

Ingredient	Measurement
Bone-in smoked ham (fully cooked)	8 lbs
Brown sugar	1 cup
Honey	¼ cup
Pineapple juice	½ cup
Whole-grain mustard	1 tbsp
Ground cinnamon	½ tsp
Ground cloves	½ tsp
Fresh rosemary	1 tbsp, chopped
Fresh thyme	1 tbsp, leaves only
Freshly ground black pepper	To taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Brown Sugar Ham

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
2. Prep the Ham
   • Remove all packaging or plastic from the ham.
   • Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.
3. Score the Surface
   • Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This step ensures the glaze penetrates deep into the meat for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

1. Combine Ingredients
   • In a medium saucepan, mix the brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Cook the Glaze
   • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
3. Add Herbs
   • Remove the glaze from heat and stir in the chopped rosemary and thyme.
   • Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Apply the Glaze

1. Brush the Ham
   • Generously brush the ham with the prepared glaze, making sure to get it into the scored cuts.
2. Cover the Ham
   • Loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Ham

1. Calculate Cooking Time
   • Bake the ham for about 15–20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). For an 8-lb ham, this will take approximately 2 hours.
2. Baste Regularly
   • Every 30 minutes, remove the foil and brush the ham with more glaze. Re-cover it with foil after each basting.

Step 5: Caramelize the Glaze

1. Increase the Temperature
   • For the final 20–30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
2. Watch Closely
   • Let the glaze caramelize, forming a shiny, golden crust. Be vigilant to prevent the glaze from burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let It Rest
   • Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This step locks in the juices.
2. Garnish and Serve
   • Transfer the ham to a platter and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or pineapple slices for a festive touch.

Perfect Pairings for Brown Sugar Ham

• Classic Sides: Mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread complement the ham’s sweet and savory flavors.
• Salads: A fresh garden salad or citrus-based slaw adds brightness to the meal.
• Festive Desserts: Serve with pecan pie, apple crisp, or a rich chocolate tart to end the feast on a high note.

Tips for the Perfect Brown Sugar Ham

1. Use a Bone-In Ham
   • Bone-in hams are juicier and more flavorful than boneless varieties.
2. Don’t Skip Scoring
   • Scoring the ham allows the glaze to seep in, creating layers of flavor.
3. Baste Frequently
   • Regular basting ensures the ham stays moist and flavorful throughout cooking.
4. Monitor the Glaze
   • For a perfect caramelized crust, watch the ham closely during the final baking stage.
5. Save the Drippings
   • Use the drippings from the roasting pan to make a rich, flavorful sauce or gravy.

Creative Variations

1. Spicy-Sweet Glaze
   • Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the glaze for a kick of heat.
2. Maple Glazed Ham
   • Replace the honey with maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
3. Orange Zest Twist
   • Add the zest of one orange to the glaze for a citrusy flair.
4. Herb-Crusted Ham
   • Mix chopped fresh herbs with brown sugar and mustard to create a flavorful crust.
5. Bourbon Glaze
   • Replace the pineapple juice with bourbon for a rich, smoky glaze.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (4 oz)
Calories	280
Protein	22g
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	16g
Sugar	15g
Sodium	800mg

FAQs About Easy Brown Sugar Ham

1. Can I use a spiral-cut ham?

Yes, spiral-cut hams work well. Just be gentle when basting and glazing to prevent the slices from separating.

2. How do I store leftover ham?

Wrap leftovers tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the glaze up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.

4. How do I prevent the ham from drying out?

Covering the ham with foil during most of the cooking process helps retain moisture. Basting regularly also keeps it juicy.

5. Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh ones?

Yes, use half the amount of dried rosemary and thyme if fresh herbs aren’t available.

6. What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?

If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the ham is heated through and the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.

Why This Recipe is a Holiday Favorite

Easy Brown Sugar Ham is more than a dish; it’s a celebration. From the moment the glaze caramelizes in the oven, filling your kitchen with the scent of warm spices and smoky sweetness, you know this is something special. The result is a perfectly moist, flavorful ham that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Get Cooking Today!

Bring warmth and joy to your table with this stunning holiday centerpiece. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a feast that will be remembered for years to come.

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