Perfect Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe

I love crafting this Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham because it uniquely fuses tangy Dijon, sweet honey, and rich brown sugar into a caramelized masterpiece. Every bite delivers a balanced flavor profile with crispy edges and tender meat. This recipe is my ultimate go-to for cozy dinners and joyful celebrations.

I recently came across the Perfect Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham recipe and it quickly became one of my all-time favorites. I used an 8-10 lb fully cooked bone in ham, and the glaze made with 1 cup packed dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar created a tangy and sweet flavor profile that reminds me of a classic honey baked ham recipe.

The addition of 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves along with a pinch of salt and black pepper really boosts its taste without overpowering the natural pork flavors. I love how this ham dinner brings together the ease of ham recipes baked at home with great nutritional value since it provides a high quality protein source.

This method produces a ham with a crisp edge and incredible flavor that will easily secure its place in your list of go-to baked ham recipes.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it maeks the ham super flavorful. The glaze is such a perfect blend of sweetness from the brown sugar and honey with a tangy kick from the mustard and vinegar; every bite feels like a flavor explosion in my mouth. I also like how the ham turns out tender on the inside with a crispy edge on the outside which gives it that awesome contrast in texture. Another reason i enjoy this recipe is that it’s really simple to follow even if you’re not a master chef, and the combination of ingredients just works so well together. Finally, everytime i make it i feel proud knowing it’s a crowd pleaser and that i made something that everyone really enjoys.

Ingredients

• Bone-in Ham: Packed with protein and gives a hearty, meaty flavour that makes the dish super filling.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Provides natural sweetness with a rich molasses twist that really brings out the glaze.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy tone and slight kick that wakes up the overall taste.
• Honey: Offers smooth sweetness that balances the savory notes and makes the glaze extra sticky.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Contributes a mild tang and acidity, cutting through the rich flavors nicely.
• Ground Cloves: Brings in a warm spice hint that complements the other ingredients real well.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 lb)
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• A pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the ham in a roasting pan with the cut side facing up.

2. In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of packed dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper.

3. Score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern then brush the sugar mustard glaze generously over the entire ham.

4. Cover the ham loosely with foil and pop it in the oven.

5. Bake for about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 20 minutes with any extra glaze in the bowl.

6. When you near the last 20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil so the glaze can get nice and crispy.

7. If you like a really crispy edge, turn the oven up a bit or use the broiler for few minutes, but watch carefully so it doesnt burn.

8. When the ham is heated through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized, take it out of the oven.

9. Let the ham rest for 10 to 15 minutes before you start slicing.

10. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect mix of crispy and tender in every bite.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – for preheating to 325°F and baking the ham.
2. Roasting pan – to hold the ham with the cut side facing up.
3. Large mixing bowl – for stirring the dark brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, salt, and pepper.
4. Basting brush – to apply the glaze generously over the ham.
5. Aluminum foil – to cover the ham during most of the baking process.
6. Knife – to score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern.
7. Carving fork and carving knife – to safely serve and slice the ham after it rests.
8. Timer – to keep track of the baking time and when to baste every 20 minutes.

FAQ

Perfect Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Dark brown sugar: You can use light brown sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses if you dont have dark brown sugar on hand.
• Dijon mustard: Try swapping it out for a spicy brown mustard or even yellow mustard if you need something a little different.
• Honey: If you’re out of honey, a bit of maple syrup or agave nectar works well in its place.
• Apple cider vinegar: White wine vinegar or even a squeeze of lemon juice can give a similar tangy kick.
• Ground cloves: A pinch of allspice or a tiny bit of cinnamon can be used if you cant find ground cloves.

Pro Tips

1. When you’re scoring the ham, be sure not to go too deep, but really let that glaze seep in to really amp up the flavor. Use a sharp knife so you don’t end up with ragged, uneven cuts.

2. While basting, use a good quality brush to spread the leftover glaze evenly. It goes a long way in making sure every bite has that perfect mix of sweetness and tanginess.

3. Watch the oven in the last part of cooking if you decide to broil for extra crispiness. Sometimes broilers can burn things real quick, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it every minute or two.

4. Let the ham rest before slicing it up. I know it’s hard to wait, but letting it sit for a bit totally makes a difference in keeping it juicy and tender throughout.