Okay, real talk—nothing says holiday dinner is about to be amazing like a big, glossy brown sugar glazed holiday ham sitting front and center. That smell? Sweet, smoky, a little caramel vibe… yeah, it hits different. I remember the first time I made one—honestly, I was nervous. But wow, once that glaze bubbled up and got sticky? Game over. Everyone went back for seconds (and thirds… no judgment).
Let me walk you through how I make this easy baked ham with brown sugar glaze—simple steps, big flavor, zero stress.
Why This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Works Every Time
I keep this recipe super straightforward because, let’s face it, holidays are already chaotic enough.
- The brown sugar glaze melts into the ham and forms that sticky crust
- The ham stays juicy thanks to slow baking
- It pairs with basically everything—mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls… you name it
And yeah, leftovers? Even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what I grab (nothing fancy, just solid basics):
- 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (about 7–10 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional but soooo good)
Tip: If you’re not into cloves, skip it—it’s still amazing.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Holiday Ham
Step 1: Prep the Ham
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Cover it loosely with foil.
Honestly, this part feels too easy… but trust me, it matters.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan, mix:
- brown sugar
- honey
- mustard
- vinegar
- cloves
Heat it over medium until smooth and slightly thick. It should look glossy and smell like the holidays just walked into your kitchen.
Step 3: Bake and Glaze
Bake the ham for about 10–12 minutes per pound. Every 20 minutes, brush on that glaze.
Yeah, this is where the magic happens—the layers build up, and that golden crust forms.
Step 4: Caramelize the Top
In the last 15 minutes, remove the foil and crank the heat to 400°F.
Watch it closely! The glaze will bubble and caramelize—this is that sticky, shiny finish everyone loves.
Pro Tips (From My Kitchen to Yours)
- Don’t skip basting – it keeps the ham moist and flavorful
- Use a meat thermometer – aim for 140°F internal temp
- Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing (juices stay locked in)
And hey, if it looks a little messy coming out? That’s normal. It’ll still taste insane.
What to Serve with Holiday Ham
Let’s be honest, the sides matter just as much:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole
- Buttery dinner rolls
- Roasted veggies
- Mac and cheese (always a win, right?)
Leftover Ham Ideas (Don’t Waste It!)
This might be my favorite part—leftovers.
- Ham sandwiches with mustard
- Breakfast omelets
- Ham and potato soup
- Sliders for game day
Seriously, it just keeps giving.
Final Thoughts
If you want a holiday ham recipe that’s easy, sweet, and totally crowd-approved, this brown sugar glazed version is it. It’s one of those dishes that looks like you spent all day… but you didn’t. And honestly, that’s the best kind of cooking.
So yeah—grab that ham, mix that glaze, and let your oven do the work. You’ve got this.
Brown Sugar Glazed Holiday Ham
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat Oven
- Set oven to 325°F. Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Cover loosely with foil.
- Make the Glaze
- In a saucepan, mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, and cloves. Heat until smooth and glossy.
- Bake the Ham
- Bake for 10–12 minutes per pound. Brush glaze over the ham every 20 minutes.
- Caramelize the Top
- Remove foil during the last 15 minutes. Increase heat to 400°F and let the glaze bubble and caramelize.
- Rest & Serve
- Let ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
