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Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

By Lisa Martinez | June 05, 2026
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Chops & Roasts

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Prep20 min
Cook120 min
Total140 min
Serves8
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Sweet and savory Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

I still remember the first time I made a Brown Sugar Glazed Ham for my family's holiday dinner. The combination of the sweet and sticky glaze with the tender, juicy meat was a huge hit, and it's been a staple of our family gatherings ever since.

There's something special about a beautifully glazed ham, with its shiny, caramelized crust and its tender, pink interior. It's a dish that's sure to impress your guests, and it's surprisingly easy to make.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, with a sweet and sticky glaze, and tender, juicy meat. We'll start with a simple glaze made from brown sugar, mustard, and spices, and then we'll apply it to a beautifully cooked ham.

This recipe is perfect for holidays and special occasions, but it's also great for a simple Sunday dinner. The best part is that it's easy to make ahead of time, so you can prepare it in advance and then just heat it up when you're ready to serve.

So if you're looking for a delicious and impressive main course, look no further than this Brown Sugar Glazed Ham recipe. It's sure to become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe is easy to make ahead of time, so you can prepare it in advance and then just heat it up when you're ready to serve.
  • The glaze is sweet and sticky, with a balance of flavors that complement the ham without overpowering it.
  • The ham is tender and juicy, with a beautiful, caramelized crust.
  • This recipe is perfect for holidays and special occasions, but it's also great for a simple Sunday dinner.
  • The recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores.
  • The dish is impressive and sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is to cook the ham low and slow, so that the meat stays tender and juicy. This is because cooking the ham at a low temperature helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it more tender and easier to slice.

Another important factor is the glaze. A good glaze should be sweet and sticky, with a balance of flavors that complement the ham without overpowering it. In this recipe, we'll use a simple glaze made from brown sugar, mustard, and spices, which provides a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Finally, it's important to let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing it, so that the juices can redistribute and the meat stays tender. This is an important step that many people skip, but it makes a big difference in the final product.

By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Ham that's sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including a bone-in ham, brown sugar, mustard, and spices. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as olive oil, salt, and pepper.

When shopping for the ham, look for a bone-in ham with a good layer of fat, as this will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful. You can also use a boneless ham, but a bone-in ham is preferred for this recipe.

  • 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in hamLook for a ham with a good layer of fat, as this will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugarThis will provide the sweetness and caramelization for the glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustardThis will add a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the glaze.
  • 1 teaspoon ground clovesThis will add a warm, aromatic flavor to the glaze.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamonThis will add a sweet, spicy flavor to the glaze.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepperThis will add a subtle, peppery flavor to the glaze.
  • 1/4 teaspoon saltThis will enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and add depth to the glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oilThis will be used to brush the ham during cooking, helping to keep it moist and flavorful.
  • 1/4 cup honeyThis will add a sweet, floral flavor to the glaze.
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegarThis will add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyThis will be used as a garnish, adding a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Equipment You’ll Need

Large roasting panOven thermometerInstant-read thermometerWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsSharp knife

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

  1. 1
    Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. 2
    In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, mustard, cloves, cinnamon, pepper, and salt until well combined.
  3. 3
    Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. Score the fat in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
  4. 4
    Brush the ham with the olive oil, making sure to get some oil into the scored lines.
  5. 5
    Roast the ham in the preheated oven for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
  6. 6
    While the ham is cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture until well combined.
  7. 7
    After the ham has cooked for 15 minutes per pound, brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get some glaze into the scored lines.
  8. 8
    Continue cooking the ham for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
  9. 9
    Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  10. 10
    Slice the ham thinly and serve with the pan juices spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

  • Make sure to score the fat on the ham in a diamond pattern, as this will help the glaze to penetrate the meat and add flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
  • Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing, as this will help the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice the ham thinly, as this will help to prevent the meat from tearing.
  • Serve the ham with the pan juices spooned over the top, as this will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, as this will add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish.
  • Consider serving the ham with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, for a well-rounded and flavorful meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not scoring the fat on the ham, which can prevent the glaze from penetrating the meat and adding flavor.
  • Not using a meat thermometer, which can result in undercooked or overcooked ham.
  • Not letting the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing, which can cause the meat to be tough and dry.
  • Not using a sharp knife to slice the ham, which can cause the meat to tear and be uneven.
  • Not serving the ham with the pan juices spooned over the top, which can result in a dry and flavorless dish.
  • Not garnishing with chopped fresh parsley, which can add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Consider adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the pan with the ham for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Use a different type of sugar, such as turbinado or demerara, for a slightly different flavor and texture.
  • Add some dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the glaze for added depth and complexity.
  • Use a different type of vinegar, such as balsamic or white wine, for a slightly different flavor and texture.
  • Consider serving the ham with a side of mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a comforting and filling meal.
  • Add some chopped fresh fruit, such as apples or pineapple, to the glaze for a sweet and tangy flavor.
  • Use a different type of mustard, such as whole-grain or spicy, for added depth and complexity.

What to Serve With Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is perfect for serving at a special occasion or holiday meal. Consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, for a well-rounded and flavorful meal.

You could also serve the ham with a side of mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes for a comforting and filling meal. Alternatively, consider serving it with a side of cooked greens, such as kale or spinach, for a healthy and nutritious option.

Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrotsMashed potatoes or sweet potatoesCooked greens, such as kale or spinachFresh fruit, such as apples or pineappleCheese and crackersBread and butter

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze the ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below for up to 3 months.

To reheat the ham, simply place it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You can also reheat the ham in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

It's also a good idea to let the ham come to room temperature before reheating, as this will help it to cook more evenly and prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ham is best for this recipe?

A bone-in ham with a good layer of fat is best for this recipe, as it will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Can I use a boneless ham?

Yes, you can use a boneless ham, but a bone-in ham is preferred for this recipe.

How do I know when the ham is done?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat the ham?

To reheat the ham, simply place it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

What type of glaze is best for this recipe?

A sweet and sticky glaze made from brown sugar, mustard, and spices is best for this recipe, as it will add a rich and complex flavor to the ham.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can use a different type of sugar, such as turbinado or demerara, for a slightly different flavor and texture.

How do I score the fat on the ham?

Use a sharp knife to score the fat on the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze to penetrate the meat and add flavor.

The Full Recipe
Recipe Card
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Learn to make a delicious Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, perfect for holidays and special occasions, with a sweet and sticky glaze, and tender, juicy meat.

Prep20 min
Cook120 min
Total140 min
Serves8
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, mustard, cloves, cinnamon, pepper, and salt until well combined.
  3. Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. Score the fat in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
  4. Brush the ham with the olive oil, making sure to get some oil into the scored lines.
  5. Roast the ham in the preheated oven for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
  6. While the ham is cooking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture until well combined.
  7. After the ham has cooked for 15 minutes per pound, brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get some glaze into the scored lines.
  8. Continue cooking the ham for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
  9. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  10. Slice the ham thinly and serve with the pan juices spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

540Calories
35gProtein
25gCarbs
30gFat