I love the holidays because of all the good food and family time. It is a chance to prepare a grand feast, which must include this Brown Sugar Glazed Ham!
Believe it or not, baking a whole ham is very easy. It is much simpler than roasting a whole turkey, that is for sure!
The flavors in this smoked ham and easy brown sugar glaze are unbeatable. Today I’m sharing all my tips and tricks to make the best glazed ham ever!
This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is the star of the show at any holiday dinner. It is beautifully caramelized, impressive, and absolutely delicious!
The pre-smoked ham and glossy brown sugar glaze are a delicious combination. The glaze is brushed on the ham and baked until caramelized to perfection. This year, we are skipping the Thanksgiving turkey and making ham instead.
This ham always turns out moist and tender. The secret is to cook it in a covered roasting pan with water at the bottom, which traps steam and keeps it moist.
I also like how easy it is to make. There is very little prep work required for this recipe. While it does take about 2 hours to make, most of it is just oven time.
If you’re looking for additional holiday main dishes, try this Cranberry Orange Ham, Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, Brined Turkey Breast, and Turkey Roulade.
Why we love this brown sugar glazed ham:
- It’s a showstopper! Cooked until golden brown and beautifully caramelized.
- We use a fully-cooked smoked ham. This way, there is no need to worry too much about strictly reaching a specific internal temperature.
- Easy peasy! It’s such a low maintenance glazed ham recipe. Most of it is oven time.
- The brown sugar glaze is very easy to make. Takes just 10 minutes to make the glaze. It’s got the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Jump to:
The Brown Sugar Glaze
The brown sugar glaze for ham I use in this recipe is very simple. It’s got the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, which is what you want in a glaze. It takes just 10 minutes on the stovetop.
Brown sugar (light or dark) adds the perfect amount of sweetness and molasses-y texture. I also add maple syrup for extra sweetness and a thick, syrupy, glossy finish.
For flavor, I add lots of spices and a fresh sprig of rosemary! You’re going to love it. You can even make the glaze ahead of time.
What Type of Ham to Use
Get a fully-cooked bone-in smoked ham, preferably spiral-sliced to make it easier to serve. Most holiday hams sold at grocery stores are fully cooked, but double check the packaging to be sure.
I’d recommend getting a half-ham, which weighs about 8-10 pounds. It will feed about 16 to 20 people. I honestly don’t even know if you can even buy a whole ham these days…that would be massive!
Bone-in vs boneless? Definitely go for bone-in! It will keep the ham extra moist and flavorful.
I always look for applewood smoked ham. Applewood just adds the best flavor. I usually get it at Costco and it already comes spiral-sliced so I don’t have to carve it.
Recommended Equipment
Before you start, make sure you have the right equipment and tools:
- Roasting pan with a roasting rack: Ideally, use a large roasting pan with a rack. This will allow you to add water at the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist as it bakes.
- Aluminum foil: To wrap the roasting pan tightly, and ensure that the steam does not escape. You want to keep the moisture trapped inside.
- A silicone brush: For applying the glaze.
- A small saucepan: To simmer the glaze.
Ingredient Notes
Here are a few helpful ingredient notes from recipe testing. As always, the ingredient quantities can be found in the recipe card down below.
- Ham: An 8 to 10 pound fully-cooked, bone-in ham (preferably spiral sliced). It’s usually called a “half-ham.” Check the packaging to make sure it’s a fully cooked ham.
- Water for the pan
- Light brown sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness, and caramelizes very well.
- Maple syrup: Not only does it add extra sugar, but also that syrupy, glossy consistency.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds that perfect level of acidity and flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Helps with flavor and consistency.
- Fresh rosemary: Just 1 spring to infuse the brown sugar glaze with aromatic flavors.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon.
- Salt: Just a small amount. You can also add ground black pepper if desired.
Step-by-Step Tutorial
Although this recipe does take about 2 hours, most of it is oven time. Super easy and simple, believe it or not. Here’s a tutorial on how to make it.
Step 1 | Take ham out 1 hour prior
Before you start, remove the ham from its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for one hour. This will make the ham not so cold from sitting in the fridge and easier to cook.
Step 2 | Prepare and cook ham
Because the smoked ham is already fully cooked, you’re essentially “reheating” it.
Grab a large roasting pan with a rack. Place the ham on top of the roasting rack, flat side down. You can place foil underneath the ham if you want. Add water to the bottom of the roasting pan (about ½ inch of water). Then, wrap the pan tightly with aluminum foil, and cook in the oven at 325 degrees F for 1.5 hours.
If you don’t have a roasting pan, use a large baking pan and crumpled aluminum foil on the bottom of the pan to elevate the ham and create room for the water.
Step 3 | Make brown sugar glaze
About 20 minutes before the ham is ready, make the glaze. In a saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients and whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer, and simmer over low heat for about 6 to 8 minutes, whisking, until the glaze is thickened and slightly reduced.
Adjust the flavor profile to taste: For example, add more vinegar for extra acidity…or more brown sugar for extra sweetness.
Step 4 | Glaze
Remove the ham from the oven and remove the foil. Increase the temperature to 400 degrees F.
Brush the ham with the glaze and return to the oven (uncovered). Repeat about 2 times every 6 minutes until caramelized. The brown sugar glazed ham will be ready once it reaches 140 degrees F in the thickest part. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
How Long to Cook Ham
The best internal temperature for baked ham is about 140 degrees F. Cook in the oven for about 10-12 minutes per pound.
My ham was 9 pounds, so it took about 1.5 hours in the oven, and then another 20 minutes for the glaze.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
This brown sugar glazed ham is such a showstopper, and side dishes are a must to complement it!
Glazed ham goes so well with a variety of holiday-inspired dishes, which are great for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Cornbread Stuffing
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts
- Lemon Green Beans or Green Beans with Bacon
- Red Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
If you have a huge family and need to cook additional main dishes, give these a try:
Recipe FAQs
An 8 to 10 pound fully-cooked bone-in ham, preferably spiral sliced to make it easier to serve.
Ideally yes. A rack elevates the ham and creates room for the water in the bottom to steam and keep the ham moist as it cooks. If you don’t have one, use a large baking pan and crumpled aluminum foil on the bottom of the pan to elevate the ham and create room for the water.
Yes. Wrap the pan tightly with foil during the first 1.5 hours. This will help trap the steam and moisture from the water inside.
About 10 to 12 minutes per pound.
This recipe was originally published in 2021 and updated in November 2023.
Tips for Success
- The brown sugar glaze will thicken as it cools, so if you make it in advance, simply reheat it over the stovetop to make it easier to brush.
- Use a roasting pan with a roasting rack. This will help elevate the ham so that the water at the bottom of the pan, which helps to create steam and keep the ham moist, does not touch it.
- If you don’t have a roasting pan, use crumpled up aluminum foil to elevate the ham.
- Although smoked hams are fully cooked, they should be baked (essentially “reheated”) until it reaches at least 140 degrees F for best flavor and texture.
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Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 pound fully-cooked bone-in ham - thawed if previously frozen, see notes
- Water for the pan
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1 spring fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Remove the ham from its packaging. Let it rest for 1 hour at room temperature.
- Grab a big roasting pan with a rack. Place the ham on the rack, flat side down. You can put foil under the ham if you want. Add water to the bottom of the pan (about ½ inch). Wrap the pan tightly in aluminum foil. Cook in the oven for 1.5 hours. The trapped steam inside will keep the ham moist.
- About 20 minutes before the ham is done, make the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all the glaze ingredients, stirring to combine. Adjust the flavors to taste as needed. Reduce to low heat, and simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s a bit thickened, stirring often to make sure it doesn't burn. Set aside.
- Remove the ham from the oven and remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
- If needed, reheat the glaze so it's loose and easier to brush. Brush the ham with glaze, and then return to the oven for about 6 minutes, uncovered. Repeat this step 2 more times until caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes before serving. Slice and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ham: Get a fully-cooked bone-in smoked ham, preferably spiral-sliced to make it easier to serve. I used an applewood smoked fully-cooked bone-in ham, and it was spiral sliced already.
- Prep ahead: The glaze can be prepared the day before and reheated on the stovetop to loosen it. It will harden when stored.
- Freezing: Cooked ham can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat in the oven or in the microwave oven.
- An 8-10 pound ham should be enough for 16 servings.
- Maple syrup: Honey.
- Apple cider vinegar: White vinegar.
- Light brown sugar: Dark brown sugar will work as a substitute. Do not use granulated sugar, as this will affect the consistency of the glaze (it will harden).
- Add-ins for the glaze: Ground nutmeg, ground cloves, orange zest, fresh herbs.
SumBunny says
This was the best ham glaze I’ve ever had. It’s the only glaze I will ever make again. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us!
Karla Johnson says
Wow this was just outstanding. I made this for Easter and everyone loved it! I had a smaller ham so cut the sauce into but left the baking times the same!!! Winner Winner a must make again!
Denise Germroth says
Looks delicious! Can you use an electric roaster ?
thanks!
Denise Germroth