Baked Ham (with Brown Sugar Glaze) Recipe

I discovered a baked ham with brown sugar glaze that transforms holiday dinners. The mix of orange juice, honey, and spices delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that make every bite tender and irresistible. I appreciate how a classic twist meets modern convenience for a delicious meal.

I love makin this Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze because its the perfect mix of sweet and savory for a holiday dinner. I use a fully cooked bone-in ham about 8 to 10 lbs that already has good protein content.

I like how the glaze, made with 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice, and 1/2 cup of honey, adds flavor without too many extra calories. I also add in just a pinch of ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon so that the spices enhance the natural flavors of the ham.

In my experience, this recipe is a hit becuse it bakes in only 90 minutes, which makes it a quick and efficient option even though it feels like a luxurious dish. Its a great option when you want something hearty for Christmas or any family dinner where everyone feels welcome.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the mix of sweet and savory is just perfect for me. The brown sugar, honey, and orange juice come together in a way that makes every bite delicious. I also love that it’s super easy to follow and you can make it in just about 90 minutes, so i can enjoy a great meal without spending the whole day in the kitchen. Another reason i like it is because watching the glaze get all sticky and caramelized in the last few minutes makes it feel like im really cooking something special. Plus, it always turns out amazing for family dinners or holiday meals, so it has become a dependable go-to for me.

Ingredients

• Ham: A tender protein-packed ham that adds robust savory flavor and filling character.
• Light brown sugar: Offers natural, caramelized sweetness and trace minerals for extra depth.
• Fresh orange juice: Provides tangy zest, vitamin C boost and a fresh citrus kick.
• Honey: Gives smooth natural sweetness, helps glaze browning and adds sticky richness.
• Ground cloves: Adds warm spice notes that balance sweetness and enhance flavor complexity.
• Ground cinnamon: Gives earthy, warm aroma complementing savory and sweet glaze perfectly.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty warmth that rounds off the spice blend nicely.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8 to 10 lbs)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• A pinch of ground nutmeg

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a large roasting pan with foil.

2. Place the fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 lbs) in the pan and use a sharp knife to lightly score the surface in a diamond pattern.

3. In a small saucepan, combine the 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup honey, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg.

4. Heat the saucepan over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture becomes smooth.

5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a couple minutes so it isn’t too hot when applying to the ham.

6. Brush a generous amount of the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scores you made.

7. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake it in the oven for 90 minutes, basting the ham every 30 minutes with extra glaze if needed.

8. In the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil so the glaze can caramelize and get a nice sticky finish.

9. Check the ham to make sure its nicely glazed and heated through.

10. Take the ham out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve hot. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven preheated to 325°F
2. Large roasting pan lined with foil
3. Sharp knife for scoring the ham
4. Small saucepan for making the glaze
5. Measuring cups and measuring spoons
6. Basting brush for applying the glaze
7. Foil to cover the ham when baking
8. Timer to keep track of the cooking and basting intervals
9. Carving knife and cutting board for slicing the ham

FAQ

• How can I tell when the ham is fully heated through?
  
  Usually its heated through when it reaches about 140°F in the centre. Just use a meat thermometer to be sure its ready.
• Can I use a boneless ham instead?
  
  Yes you can, but the cooking time might be shorter. Also a bone-in ham gives extra flavor so its best if you can.
• Do I need to baste the ham while baking?
  
  Its a good idea to baste the ham with the brown sugar glaze every 20 minutes or so. This helps to keep it moist and adds more flavor.
• Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
  
  Sure, you can mix all the glaze ingredients in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
• What are good side dishes to serve with baked ham?
  
  Popular sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, and even a simple salad. Its really up to your tastes and what you have on hand.

Baked Ham (with Brown Sugar Glaze) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have light brown sugar, you can use dark brown sugar or even muscovado sugar which gives a deeper flavor.
• If you are out of fresh orange juice, you can try apple cider or pineapple juice which work pretty well too.
• If you dont have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute though the taste may be a bit different.
• If you dont have ground cloves, a pinch of allspice might do in a pinch for that warm, spicy kick.
• If you’re out of ground cinnamon, you can always go with a light sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for a nice twist.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you let your glaze cool for a minute or two before basting the ham so it doesnt start cooking the sugar on contact.
2. When scoring your ham, try to press your knife deep enough that the glaze gets to really sink in, but dont go too far or you might lose the ham’s juices.
3. Baste the ham every 30 minutes – this not only adds flavor but also gives it a sticky, caramelized finish thats just perfect.
4. In the last part of baking, take off the foil to let the glaze crisp up; its a neat trick for getting that extra layer of flavor and texture.
5. Once you take the ham out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing so all the juices can settle in, making every bite moist and tasty.