This brown sugar honey glazed ham makes every meal special. Juicy, tender, and drizzled with a sweet and tangy glaze, it’s perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions. Easily prepare this crowd-pleaser in no time, and watch it become a new favorite!
Table of Contents
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Quick Overview
This recipe features a fully cooked, boneless spiral-cut ham, roasted to perfection. The combination of dark brown sugar, honey, and spices creates a sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully. You’ll love the sweet, savory flavor and delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes.
Why This Recipe Works
This brown sugar honey glazed ham is incredibly easy to prepare. With a few simple ingredients, you can serve a dish that tastes gourmet. The slow roasting ensures that the ham remains moist, while the final glazing process adds a crispy, caramelized crust. It’s a holiday essential that your loved ones will rave about!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (5- to 6-lb.) fully cooked boneless spiral-cut ham
- Water: ¼ inch in the roasting pan (approximately 2 cups)
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. ground allspice
Optional Ingredients
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding herbs or spices like cloves or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ham
Start by allowing the ham to sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. This helps it heat evenly. Preheat your oven to 300°F and position a rack in the lower third. Place the ham flat-side down in a roasting pan, adding water to a depth of ¼ inch. Cover the pan tightly with foil to trap moisture.
Making the Glaze
While the ham roasts, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and allspice in a small bowl. This glaze is what makes the ham shine with sweet and tangy flavor.
Roasting the Ham
Roast the ham for 12 to 15 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F. For a 6-lb ham, this usually takes about 1.5 hours. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
Glazing Process
Once the ham is heated through, remove it from the oven and uncover it. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Brush one-third of the glaze over the ham and roast for 10 minutes. Repeat this process two more times, applying the remaining glaze and roasting for an additional 15 minutes, until the glaze is sizzling and forms a delightful crust.
Resting and Serving
After roasting, let the ham rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Baste with pan juices during this time for added flavor and moisture. Then, slice and serve this delicious ham to your eager guests!
Tips for Perfect Results
Choosing the Right Ham
A fully cooked boneless spiral-cut ham is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use a bone-in ham to enhance flavor. Just remember that the cooking time may vary slightly.
Using a Slow Cooker
If you prefer using a slow cooker, it’s an excellent option for moist results. However, you will need to broil the ham briefly at the end for a caramelized crust.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen in 1-lb portions for up to 3 months. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option!
Variations to Try
Adding Spices
Consider experimenting with additional spices like cloves or nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile of your glaze.
Alternative Sweeteners
If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey. Each adds a unique flavor twist!
Serving Suggestions
Classic Side Dishes
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Roasted Carrots Honey Garlic Butter
- Honey Sriracha Salmon
These sides complement the sweet and savory notes of the ham perfectly, creating a balanced plate that everyone will love.
Leftover Ideas
Use leftover ham in sandwiches, salads, or omelets. These versatile meals are kid-approved and perfect for busy weeknights!
FAQs
What is the best way to glaze a ham?
The best way to glaze a ham is by applying a homemade mixture of brown sugar, honey, and spices multiple times during the roasting process. This builds layers of flavor and creates a beautiful, caramelized crust.
How long should I cook a brown sugar honey glazed ham?
Roast the ham for 12 to 15 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F. For a 6-lb ham, this takes about 1.5 hours.
Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bone-in ham instead of a boneless one, which will enhance the flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What sides pair well with brown sugar honey glazed ham?
Classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or honey garlic chicken complement the flavors of the glazed ham beautifully.
How do I store leftover glazed ham?
Store leftover glazed ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it in 1-lb portions for up to 3 months.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
Try this brown sugar honey glazed ham for your next special occasion. Its sweet, savory taste combined with a delightful glaze will impress your family and friends. For more delicious ideas, check out our Pinterest page for inspiration. Happy cooking!
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham
Equipment
- roasting pan
- aluminum foil
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 (5- to 6-lb.) fully cooked boneless spiral-cut ham
- 2 cups water ¼ inch in the roasting pan
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. ground allspice
Instructions
- Allow the ham to sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F, place the ham in a roasting pan, and add water.
- Roast the ham for 12 to 15 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F.
- Mix the brown sugar, honey, mustard, cinnamon, and allspice to create the glaze.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425°F, apply one-third of the glaze, and roast for 10 minutes.
- Repeat glazing and roasting two more times until the glaze is sizzling.
- Let the ham rest for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing.
