Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is more than just a dish; it’s a heartwarming centerpiece that transforms any gathering into a celebration. The aroma of sweet, caramelized brown sugar melded with the zesty brightness of orange juice and warm spices fills your kitchen and draws everyone to the table. As you slice through the tender, juicy layers of ham, the glaze bubbles and glistens, promising every bite to be a delightful burst of flavor that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

I first stumbled upon this recipe during the holidays when I needed an elegant yet simple main dish to impress my family. It quickly became a beloved go-to, making appearances at family dinners, holiday parties, and even casual get-togethers. The beauty of this Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is its adaptability; whether it’s a festive celebration or a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish never fails to bring smiles and satisfaction. You simply must try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 2 hours of baking, you’ll have a stunning meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, orange juice, and warm spices creates a sweet and tangy glaze that enhances the savory ham.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The shiny, caramelized glaze makes this ham visually impressive, perfect for any occasion.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for festive holidays, family dinners, or a weekend feast, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Accommodates Leftovers: The ham is delicious cold or reheated, making leftovers just as exciting!

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 lb bone in spiral cut ham: The star of the dish, a bone-in spiral cut ham ensures juicy slices and rich flavor.
1/2 cup butter: Adds a luxurious richness to the glaze, enhancing the overall mouthfeel.
1 cup brown sugar: This sweetener caramelizes beautifully, creating that signature glaze.
1/2 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed: Brightens the glaze with acidity and natural sweetness; bottled juice isn’t the same.
1 teaspoon orange zest: Infuses the glaze with fresh citrus aroma, enhancing its flavor.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth to the glaze, pairing perfectly with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Pinch of nutmeg: A dash of nutmeg brings depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
Cooking spray: Prevents sticking as the ham roasts, ensuring it comes out beautifully.
Fresh herbs and fruit for garnish (optional): Elevates presentation; consider fresh rosemary or orange slices for a pop of color.

How to Make Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F. This ensures an even bake, creating perfectly roasted ham.

Prepare the Baking Pan: Coat a large baking pan with cooking spray to prevent the ham from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.

Create the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until the mixture is well blended and brings it to a simmer for 5-7 minutes until the glaze thickens.

Position the Ham & Apply Half the Glaze: Carefully place your 8 lb bone-in spiral cut ham into the prepared pan, cut side down. Pour half of the glaze generously over the top, allowing it to seep into the layers. Cover the ham tightly with foil for the first part of the baking process and set aside the remaining glaze for later.

Bake the Ham: Place the covered ham in the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours. The low and slow cooking helps to keep the meat juicy while the initial cover with foil traps moisture.

Uncover & Glaze Again: After 2 hours, carefully remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the surface. If the glaze has thickened, a quick 30-45 seconds in the microwave will bring it back to a pourable state.

Increase the Heat: After glazing, raise the oven temperature to 400°F. This is where the magic happens— caramelization!

Final Bake: Return the ham to the oven without the cover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the glaze is beautifully caramelized and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Serve with Flair: Once done, transfer the ham to a serving platter. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs or fruit for an extra dash of color. Drizzle some of the flavorful pan drippings over the sliced ham before serving, and watch your guests’ eyes light up with anticipation!

Storing & Reheating

To store your delicious ham, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the ham for up to three months; just slice it first and wrap portions well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, covered with foil. This prevents the ham from drying out, but expect slight variations in texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on the ham while it bakes to prevent it from drying out. It should be warm and still juicy at serving.
Keep ingredients fresh: Use fresh-squeezed orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
Let it rest: After baking, allow the ham to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing to maintain juiciness.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to suit your personal taste. Adding a dash of cloves can also add a unique flavor.
Make-ahead option: You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day of serving.

What more can you ask for than a glorious Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze that brings warmth and joy to your table? It’s comforting, satisfying, and, best of all, an enchanting centerpiece to any meal. Whether it’s your first time making this dish or you’re revisiting it, remember there’s no right or wrong here—just delicious results waiting to happen.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the glaze a day in advance and refrigerate it. The ham itself can be cooked and sliced ahead of time, then warmed through when needed.

Can I use a different type of ham?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for a bone-in spiral cut ham, any similar size ham will work. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary slightly.

How do I keep the ham moist while baking?

Covering the ham with foil during the initial baking helps retain moisture. Be careful not to dry it out during the final baking step by watching it closely to ensure it caramelizes beautifully without burning.

What sides pair well with this ham?

This ham is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, fresh green salads, or even sweet potato casseroles. Don’t forget crusty bread or dinner rolls for soaking up all that tasty glaze!