Description
This Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze recipe creates a beautifully glazed, tender spiral-cut ham perfect for holiday feasts or special gatherings. The glaze combines sweet honey and brown sugar with tangy Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar, simmered to a rich, thick consistency, then basted onto the ham for a flavorful, caramelized finish. Slow-baked at a low temperature, the ham remains moist and juicy with a deliciously sticky glaze that complements every slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Ham
- 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham, 8 to 10 pounds
Glaze
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat it to 275°F. Line a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet with 2 sheets of aluminum foil large enough to wrap around the ham.
- Position the Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and place it cut-side down in the prepared pan. Fold the foil around the ham tightly to create a sealed pouch to help retain moisture during baking.
- Bake the Ham: Place the foil-wrapped ham in the oven and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours total, or about 15 to 20 minutes per pound. After 1 1/2 hours, start checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. The ham is ready for glazing when it reaches 120°F internally.
- Make the Glaze: While the ham bakes, combine 2 cups light brown sugar, 1 cup honey, 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently, bringing the mixture to a simmer to dissolve lumps, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it gently simmer for about 20 minutes until reduced by one-third, thickened and darkened. Remove from heat.
- Glaze the Ham: With about 30 minutes remaining of baking time, remove the ham from the oven and carefully open the foil. Generously baste the warm glaze over the ham, especially working it into the slices. Return the ham uncovered to the oven and continue baking for the final 30 minutes until the temperature reaches between 120°F and 140°F.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a long, thin knife to carefully cut around the bone and separate the spiral-cut slices along the natural fat lines for serving.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to accurately monitor the ham’s internal temperature and prevent overcooking.
- Make sure to baste the ham thoroughly to get the glaze deep into the cuts, ensuring maximum flavor.
- Leftover glaze can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated for serving alongside the ham.
- This method keeps the ham moist and tender by baking it low and slow wrapped in foil before finishing uncovered to caramelize the glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ham glaze, spiral ham recipe, honey brown sugar glaze, holiday ham, baked ham glaze
