Description
Sweet, smoky, and infused with warm spices, Easy Brown Sugar Ham is a holiday favorite that’s as impressive as it is simple to make. This show-stopping dish combines the natural richness of bone-in smoked ham with a flavorful glaze of brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, and fresh herbs. The result? A perfectly caramelized, juicy centerpiece for your holiday table. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a family gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to leave your guests raving.
Ingredients
-
For the Ham:
- 1 (8-lb) bone-in, fully cooked smoked ham
-
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
- Remove all packaging or plastic from the ham and place it in a roasting pan, cut side down.
- Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut too deeply.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
- In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in rosemary, thyme, and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 3: Apply the Glaze
- Brush the ham generously with the prepared glaze, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts.
- Loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil to keep it moist.
Step 4: Bake the Ham
- Place the roasting pan in the oven and bake for approximately 15–20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). For an 8-lb ham, this will take about 2 hours.
- Every 30 minutes, remove the foil and brush the ham with additional glaze. Re-cover with foil after each basting.
Step 5: Caramelize the Glaze
- For the final 20–30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Let the glaze caramelize, forming a shiny, golden crust. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Slice the ham and serve on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or pineapple slices for a festive touch.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the ideal internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- If the glaze thickens too much while resting, reheat it gently on the stovetop before applying.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American