Irresistible Brown Sugar Glazed Ham: The Perfect Centerpiece for Any Celebration

Photo byAngie Bright

There's nothing quite like the aroma of a succulent, slow-baked ham to bring warmth to any celebration. Whether it's a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a special gathering, a Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is the ultimate showstopper. Its sweet and savory flavors create a balance that pleases everyone at the table, making it a dish worth savoring and sharing.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can transform an ordinary ham into a mouthwatering masterpiece. The glaze, made from brown sugar and pineapple juice, infuses the meat with a rich sweetness, while hints of cinnamon and cloves add an aromatic spice that enhances every bite.

A Spiral-Cut Delight Using a bone-in, fully cooked spiral-cut ham makes this recipe even easier. The pre-cut slices allow the glaze to penetrate deep into the meat, ensuring that every slice is infused with flavor. The process of baking the ham gently warms the meat while giving the glaze a chance to caramelize, creating a sticky, irresistible coating that complements the smoky undertones of the ham.

Recipe: Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in fully cooked spiral cut ham (about 10 lbs/4.5 kg)
• 1 cup pineapple juice (240ml)
• ½ cup brown sugar (90g)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves

Instructions:

1. Take the ham out of the refrigerator about 2 hours before baking to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it fat-side up in a deep baking dish.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid reduces by half and becomes thick and syrupy.
4. Using a brush, apply half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into the folds of the spiral cuts. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
5. Place the ham in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) and bake for 1½ hours.
6. After this initial baking period, carefully remove the ham from the oven and brush the rest of the glaze over the meat.
7. Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Once finished, allow the ham to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

A Sweet and Savory Experience The Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. As you slice into the tender meat, you'll notice how the sweet glaze contrasts beautifully with the smoky, savory ham. This dish is perfect for pairing with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh salad. The leftovers, if there are any, make fantastic sandwiches or can be added to breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs or frittatas.

Whether you're cooking for a large family dinner or a small gathering of friends, this Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is sure to impress. The simple preparation, combined with the deep, flavorful glaze, makes it a recipe worth keeping in your collection for all your special occasions.

Here are some helpful sources for making a delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Ham:

1. Spend with Pennies offers a classic take on a brown sugar glaze using pineapple juice and brown sugar, providing a recipe that results in a perfectly caramelized finish​Spend With Pennies.
2. RecipeTin Eats shares tips on balancing sweetness with sourness in the glaze, incorporating vinegar and mustard for a more complex flavor, and emphasizes proper basting techniques to achieve a glossy, caramelized crust​RecipeTin Eats.
3. Southern Living gives a step-by-step approach, using dark brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard for a rich glaze, along with tips for achieving a moist and tender ham by baking it in a water bath and covering it with foil during the initial cooking period​Southern Living.
4. The Cookie Rookie focuses on a method that involves basting the ham multiple times during baking to keep it juicy, and highlights how to avoid overcooking by using an instant-read thermometer​The Cookie Rookie®.

These sources provide valuable insights on making the best brown sugar glazed ham, from selecting ingredients to perfecting the glazing process. You can follow the links for more detailed recipes and tips.