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Easy Brown Sugar Ham: A Show-Stopping Holiday Feast


  • Author: Annabel
  • Total Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12–16

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
  2. Remove all packaging or plastic from the ham and place it in a roasting pan, cut side down.
  3. 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

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat and stir in rosemary, thyme, and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 3: Apply the Glaze

  1. Brush the ham generously with the prepared glaze, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts.
  2. Loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil to keep it moist.

Step 4: Bake the Ham

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. For the final 20–30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Let the glaze caramelize, forming a shiny, golden crust. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

  1. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
  2. 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