Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

This Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is guaranteed to be the star of your holiday table! Tender, juicy spiral-cut ham is baked with orange juice and coated in a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes to perfection, creating a mouthwatering main dish that's sure to impress.

If you're looking for a delicious, yet easy main course idea for your holiday menu this year, this brown sugar glazed ham is exactly what you need!

Packed with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, this holiday ham recipe is incredibly simple to prepare in just minutes. While the ham bakes, you'll have plenty of time to make the sides or spend some time with the family. Trust us, it doesn't get much easier than this!

For more ham recipes, check out these Ham and Cheese Sliders and these Ham and Cheese Crescent Rolls next.

Ingredients

Here's a look at the simple ingredients you'll need to make this glazed ham recipe.

• Spiral-Cut Ham: Available at almost any grocery store, this precooked ham typically comes with a glaze packet, which you can just discard. 
• Orange Juice: Adds brightness and helps keep the ham moist during cooking.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps it caramelize. Feel free to use light or dark brown sugar.
• Yellow Mustard: Adds a level of tanginess that balances the sweetness in the glaze. You can use another type of mustard like dijon or spicy brown if that's what you've got on hand, but note that this will change the flavor slightly.
• Honey: Enhances the sweetness, and its sticky texture helps the glaze cling to the ham.
• Spices: A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger add a warm, festive flavor to the glaze.

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Add Orange Zest: Mix some freshly grated orange zest to enhance the orange flavor in the juice.
• Use Maple Syrup: Swap the honey for maple syrup to change up the flavor profile.
• Try Some Bourbon: Stir a bit of bourbon into the glaze for a rich flavor that beautifully complements the brown sugar and spices.

How to Make Baked Ham

Below are the directions for making the best baked ham and baked ham glaze. Get started by preheating your oven to 325°F and coating a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. You'll also want to remove and discard the plastic piece from the ham after opening the package.

1. Step 1: Prepare the ham.  Place the ham flat-side down in the greased baking dish, and pour the orange juice over it.

2. Step 2: Bake. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 12-15 minutes per pound or according to the directions on the package. 

3. Step 3: Make the glaze. Add the glaze ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together until well combined.

4. Step 4: Add the glaze and finish cooking. Remove the ham from the oven and raise the temperature to 425°F. Use a basting brush to coat the entire ham with the glaze. Roast uncovered for 15 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized.

Storage Directions 

• Refrigeration: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze leftovers in freezer-safe bags or containers.for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat ham slices in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, in 30-second intervals until warmed through. The ham can also be reheated in a 325° oven, covered with foil, or in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil if needed.
• Make Ahead:  Prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance, and keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, reheat it on the stovetop over low heat to make it easier to brush onto the ham, as it will thicken in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

• Make this baked ham the centerpiece of your holiday feast and serve with your favorite side dishes like red skin mashed potatoes, sausage stuffing, cheesy funeral potatoes, and baked macaroni and cheese.
• Pair this sweet and smoky ham with some freshly baked dinner rolls, homemade biscuits, or brioche dinner rolls.
• Use leftover ham to make these ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian bread or ham and cheese crescent rolls.
• Don't forget dessert! Finish off your meal with a scrumptious slice of Apple Pie or Pumpkin Pie.

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