A Family Favorite: Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Every family has those recipes that signal celebration—a dish that instantly sparks memories of crowded tables, laughter in the kitchen, and the irresistible aroma of something delicious baking away. For us, that recipe is classic baked ham with brown sugar glaze. I’ll never forget the first time I helped my mom prepare this holiday ham. The warm scent of brown sugar and orange juice bubbling together was my first real “wow” moment in the kitchen. (And, let’s be honest—sneaking extra spoonfuls of the sweet, sticky glaze was the best part!) Now, it’s my turn to pass on those flavors and traditions, right down to the last slice.
Why You’ll Adore This Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Honestly, there are a ton of reasons to fall head over heels for this easy baked ham recipe, but if I had to pick just a few:
- It’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s Easter brunch or a simple Sunday supper, I’ve never seen anyone pass up a juicy slice of ham with that craveable caramelized brown sugar glaze (hello, main dish hero).
- It’s incredibly easy. This baked ham practically cooks itself—just a handful of staple ingredients and a little patience for basting.
- That mouthwatering glaze. The combo of honey, brown sugar, and orange juice is everything—sticky, sweet, and perfectly tangy.
- Leftovers = happiness. Trust me, sandwiches and breakfast omelets get a major upgrade with leftover honey glazed ham (think spiral cut ham magic).
Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Let’s gather up everything you need for this classic glazed ham. Here’s what I use and a few tips for picking the best:
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1 spiral cut ham (precooked)
Go for a good-quality, fully cooked ham. Spiral cut makes serving super easy, and it soaks up the glaze beautifully. -
1 cup packed brown sugar
Light or dark brown sugar both work for that deep, molasses sweetness (I’m partial to dark for a little extra richness). -
1/2 cup orange juice
Freshly squeezed is best for bright, zesty flavor, but bottled works in a pinch. -
1/2 cup honey
Any floral or clover honey will add a silky, golden sweetness to the glaze—it’s also what helps get that glossy, caramelized finish.
These pantry staples come together to create the ultimate brown sugar glaze for baked ham—simple and unfussy!
Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Here’s how I tackle this ham every single time (with a few family-tested tips along the way):
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
(I like to tidy up the kitchen while it heats so I can focus on basting later!) -
Place the ham in a roasting pan.
If you’ve got a rack, use it—otherwise, any sturdy pan works fine. Score the ham’s surface in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife (about 1/4-inch deep); this helps the glaze soak right in. -
Mix up the magic glaze.
In a bowl, combine your brown sugar, honey, and orange juice. Stir until it’s thick and smooth. Try not to eat it all with a spoon. (It’s tempting!) -
Brush the ham generously with glaze and cover tightly with foil.
This keeps the ham juicy and lets those flavors really mingle. -
Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Every 30 minutes, carefully baste the ham with the pan juices and more glaze. This builds that gorgeous sticky coating you’re after. -
Uncover for the final 30 minutes to let the glaze caramelize.
Watch it closely—this is where that signature glossy crust forms! -
Rest, slice, and serve.
Give it about 10-15 minutes to rest before serving (to lock in all those juices).
My Secret Tips and Tricks for Baked Ham Success
You want your honey glazed ham to absolutely shine. Here’s what’s worked for me (and a few “learned the hard way” moments!):
- Don’t skip scoring. Those little cuts mean more surface area for the brown sugar glaze to cling to—hello, extra flavor!
- Keep basting! Each time you brush on glaze, you’re building that irresistible sticky layer. If the glaze thickens up in the bowl, give it a quick microwave zap.
- Watch for burning. Sugar burns fast. Once the foil comes off, check every 10–15 minutes to avoid over-caramelizing.
- Temperature matters. If you like a hot ham, use a meat thermometer to make sure the center hits at least 140°F (since spiral hams are pre-cooked, you just need to reheat).
- Leftover glaze hack: If there’s extra in the pan, drizzle it over green beans or roasted carrots for an easy, sweet-and-savory side.
Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps
Love to experiment? Try these fun twists and fit this baked ham with brown sugar glaze into your unique menu:
- Maple brown sugar glaze: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a rich, woodsy depth.
- Pineapple glaze: Substitute orange juice with canned pineapple juice (and throw on a few pineapple rings for a tropical vibe).
- Spiced version: Whisk in a splash of Dijon mustard, crushed garlic, or a pinch of ground cloves for a little bite.
- Low-sugar/low-carb: Use sugar-free honey substitutes and brown sugar alternatives like Swerve for a diabetic-friendly ham.
- Ham steak shortcut: Use thick ham steaks instead of a full spiral ham and bake them with the glaze—perfect for feeding a smaller crowd.
How to Serve and Store Your Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
This easy baked ham loves to steal the show at big gatherings, but it’s also perfect for weeknight leftovers.
Serving ideas:
- Pile thick slices onto a holiday platter with roasted veggies, scalloped potatoes, and extra pan sauce on the side.
- Use leftovers in sandwiches (trust me, try it with brioche buns and grainy mustard) or slice thin for omelets.
- For brunch, serve ham cubes alongside scrambled eggs and cheesy grits (a southern classic main dish).
Storing tips:
- Wrap cooled leftover ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge (it’ll keep for up to 5 days).
- Freeze extra slices for quick weeknight meals—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Don’t toss the bone! It’s gold for bean or split pea soup (hello, bonus meal).
FAQs: Your Top Questions About Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze Answered
Q: Can I prep the glazed ham ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Mix the brown sugar glaze up to a day ahead, and store the ham and glaze separately in the fridge. Glaze and bake when you’re ready (so easy for entertaining).
Q: What’s the best way to keep ham moist in the oven?
A: Cover the ham with foil for most of the bake time, and baste every 30 minutes with the honey glaze and pan juices. This locks in moisture and keeps the spiral ham from drying out.
Q: Can I use a different cut of ham?
A: For sure! While spiral cut is super convenient (already sliced!), you can use a whole ham or even thick ham steaks—just adjust the cooking time as needed. The brown sugar glaze works beautifully on all cuts.
Q: How do I reheat leftover ham?
A: Place ham slices in a baking dish with a splash of water or leftover glaze, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until just heated through.
Q: Is this glaze too sweet?
A: Not at all! The balance of orange juice keeps things tangy, but if you want less sweetness, reduce the sugar or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra zip.
If you give this baked ham with brown sugar glaze a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—tag me or leave a note below with your favorite tips or family traditions. There’s nothing better than sharing great food, good stories, and a little extra glaze with the people you love. Happy cooking!
