Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday table, especially Christmas dinner. This recipe features a bone-in ham coated in a sweet, tangy, spiced brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it roasts. Not only is it simple to prepare, but the leftovers are just as delightful, perfect for sandwiches, casseroles, or soups. Check out our Maple Glazed Ham for another option this holiday season!

Brown Sugar Glazed ham on a platter with other sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe uses a bone-in ham for its rich flavor and a brown sugar glaze that balances sweetness with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. Maple syrup adds a glossy finish, while a touch of Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar brings a tangy depth to the glaze. It’s easy to prepare and adaptable to your preferences.

Ingredient Tips & Substitutions

Ham: A bone-in ham is recommended, though spiral-sliced or boneless hams work as well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Brown Sugar: Essential for the caramelized glaze. It adds sweetness and depth.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup enhances the glaze’s texture and shine. Honey is a great alternative, though it alters the flavor slightly.
Mustard: Dijon mustard provides tanginess and spice. Yellow mustard can be used in a pinch but won’t have the same complexity.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings balance to the glaze. Substitutes include white wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar.
Spices: Ground cloves and cinnamon round out the flavor profile, complementing the savory ham.

Make the Glaze Ahead

Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance! Combine the ingredients in a saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before using it on the ham.

Tips for Basting

Basting the ham as it roasts helps the glaze caramelize evenly. A silicone basting brush works best, as it won’t shed bristles. No brush? A spoon or balled-up paper towel can also do the trick—just dab the glaze gently over the surface for even coverage.

Storing Leftover Ham

Refrigeration: Cool the ham to room temperature before storing. Slice or portion it for easier use, then place it in airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Freezing: Freeze leftover ham for up to 1–2 months. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and label with the date.

How to Defrost Frozen Ham

Safe defrosting methods include:

Refrigerator: Allow 4–6 hours per pound for slow, even thawing.
Cold Water: Submerge the ham in an airtight bag, changing the water every 30 minutes. Use immediately after thawing.
Microwave: Use the defrost setting but plan to cook the ham right away after thawing.

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 2

Resting Time 15

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a sweet, tangy, and spiced holiday classic, perfect for Christmas dinner and delicious in leftover recipes!

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Ingredients

▢ 1 whole ham 8–9 pounds, bone-in
▢ ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
▢ ¼ cup maple syrup
▢ 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
▢ 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
▢ ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
▢ ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F.
Place the ham on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the top of the ham by making shallow cuts about ¼ to ½ inch deep in the fat or skin. Create a diamond or checkerboard pattern by spacing the cuts 1–2 inches apart in a diagonal or crisscross direction.
Place the scored ham in a roasting pan with the scored side facing up.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Stir frequently and cook until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly.
Pour half of the glaze over the ham, reserving the rest. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
Roast the ham for 2 hours, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes.
A few minutes before removing the ham from the oven, warm the reserved glaze in the saucepan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes.
Remove the ham from the oven and pour the warmed glaze over the top before serving.

This Recipe is adapted from Iamhomesteader’s Brown Sugar Glazed Ham.

More Holiday Recipes

Dessert

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls

Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls: soft, spiced rolls with cream cheese frosting—perfect cozy treat for the holidays!

Main Course

Maple Glazed Ham

Indulge in a mouthwatering Maple Glazed Ham, a festive centerpiece for your Holiday dinner! This bone-in ham is topped and roasted with a delectable sweet, tangy, citrusy, and spiced maple glaze, resulting in a caramelized coating that’s simply irresistible.