A beautifully caramelized Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is one of the most iconic centerpieces of any holiday table. With its irresistible glossy finish, tender slices, and sweet-savory flavor, this classic ham recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or a weekend family dinner, this simple glazed ham delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
What makes this ham truly standout is the rich, buttery glaze made with brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and warm spices. As it bakes, the glaze forms a sticky, caramelized crust that enhances every slice. The combination of sweetness, tanginess, and subtle spice brings out the natural flavor of the ham without overwhelming it, creating a balanced dish that appeals to all ages.
This recipe is also incredibly forgiving and easy to prepare, even if you’re cooking for a large group. Using a pre-cooked spiral ham means most of the work is already done for you—you simply warm it through, brush on the glaze, and let the oven create its magic. With a few simple tips, you’ll achieve perfectly juicy, tender meat every single time.
Whether you’re planning an elegant holiday feast or searching for a reliable recipe for leftovers and sandwiches throughout the week, this Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is the ultimate go-to. The aroma that fills your kitchen, the golden caramel sheen, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a recipe worth repeating year after year. Serve it with your favorite sides, and watch it become a new family tradition.
Print
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is tender, juicy, and coated in a caramelized sweet-savory glaze made with brown sugar, honey, and warm spices. Perfect for holiday dinners, Sunday gatherings, or any time you want an effortless show-stopping centerpiece.
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 14 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Ham
- 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup water or apple juice (for roasting pan)
For the Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice or orange juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
Instructions
1. Prep the Ham
-
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
-
Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan.
-
Pour water or apple juice into the bottom of the pan and cover tightly with foil.
2. Warm the Ham
-
Bake for 1 hour, covered.
3. Make the Glaze
-
In a saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, butter, pineapple juice, cinnamon, and cloves.
-
Bring to a simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Glaze & Caramelize
-
Remove foil from the ham.
-
Brush generously with glaze.
-
Continue baking uncovered for 45 minutes, brushing with glaze every 15 minutes.
-
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization (optional).
5. Serve
-
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Cooking Tips
-
Cover during the first hour to keep the ham juicy and prevent drying out.
-
Use pineapple or orange juice for added flavor depth and acidity that balances the sweetness.
-
Brush the glaze repeatedly—glazing 3–4 times builds that perfect sticky crust.
-
Broil carefully for a glossy, caramelized finish—watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
-
For a non-spiral ham, score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate.
Variations
🍯 Maple Brown Sugar Ham
Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness.
🍊 Citrus Ham
Add 1–2 tbsp of orange zest and replace pineapple juice with orange juice.
🔥 Spicy-Sweet Ham
Add 1–2 tbsp hot honey or ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.
🍍 Hawaiian-Style Ham
Top with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries during the final 30 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 26g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 32g




