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.
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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.
Why You'll Love This Oven Baked Ham
- Simple Prep: Thanks to the precooked spiral-cut ham, this recipe is incredibly easy to make with minimal effort.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This brown sugar ham recipe is great for any meal, from holiday feasts to Sunday dinners.
- Packed With Flavor: Smoky, tender ham paired with a sweet, tangy glaze creates the perfect combination of flavors.
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.
- Step 1: Prepare the ham. Place the ham flat-side down in the greased baking dish, and pour the orange juice over it.
- 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.
- Step 3: Make the glaze. Add the glaze ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together until well combined.
- 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.
Hint: Check the temperature.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is cooked until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145°F.
Expert Tips
- Room Temperature Ham: Allow the ham to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Keep it covered: Covering the ham during the initial baking time helps lock in the moisture from the orange juice and prevents it from drying out.
- Adjust the Thickness: For a thicker glaze, simmer it on the stovetop for about 5 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Brush Generously: Fully coat the ham with the glaze, ensuring it gets into all the spiral cuts for the best flavor.
- Keep an eye on the glaze: Depending on your oven, caramelization can happen quickly, so be sure to watch the ham closely during the final roasting stage to prevent the glaze from burning.
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 garlic 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.
More Meaty Main Dishes
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Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6-8 pound spiral-cut ham
- ¼ cup orange juice
Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray a 9 X 13 baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray.
- Remove the plastic disc and place the ham flat-side down in the prepared baking dish. Then, pour orange juice over the ham.
- Cover with aluminum foil and roast for 12-15 minutes per pound or according to the package directions. Make sure to cook to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F.
- In a small bowl, add glaze ingredients and whisk until well combined.
- Raise heat to 425℉ and remove ham. Brush brown sugar glaze all over the ham and cook uncovered for 15 minutes or until bubbling and caramelized.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ham: Allow the ham to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Keep it covered: Covering the ham during the initial baking time helps lock in the moisture from the orange juice and prevents it from drying out.
- Adjust the Thickness: For a thicker glaze, simmer it on the stovetop for about 5 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Brush Generously: Fully coat the ham with the glaze, ensuring it gets into all the spiral cuts for the best flavor.
- Keep an eye on the glaze: Depending on your oven, caramelization can happen quickly, so be sure to watch the ham closely during the final roasting stage to prevent the glaze from burning.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
This is such a yummy ham and perfect for the holidays.