Get ready to transform your ordinary holiday meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Brown Sugar Glazed Ham recipe! Imagine a perfectly cooked ham with a glistening, caramelized exterior that's simultaneously sweet, tangy, and absolutely irresistible. This isn't just another ham recipe – it's a guaranteed showstopper that will have your family and friends swooning with every delectable bite. Whether you're preparing for a festive gathering or a special Sunday dinner, this American classic will elevate your cooking game and create memories that last long after the last slice is devoured.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Remove the ham from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to accommodate the large ham.
- Place the ham fat-side up in a large roasting pan. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating 1-inch diagonal cuts. This helps the glaze penetrate and caramelize.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well combined to create the glaze.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, or about 15 minutes per pound.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and begin brushing the ham generously with the prepared brown sugar glaze every 10 minutes. This creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Check the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked ham.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter, and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor and shine.
- Slice the ham against the grain and serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- • Room Temperature Magic: Always let your ham sit out for an hour before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.• Scoring Technique: Create diamond-shaped cuts in the fat layer to help the glaze penetrate and caramelize beautifully.• Glaze Application: Be generous but strategic – brush the glaze every 10 minutes during the final cooking stage for a stunning, glossy finish.• Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your ham reaches the perfect 140°F, ensuring it's heated through without drying out.• Resting Period: Allow the ham to rest 15-20 minutes after cooking. This crucial step helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.• Make-Ahead Tip: This ham can be prepared in advance and gently reheated, making it perfect for busy holiday cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
