The holiday season is just around the corner, and the thought of gathering friends and family around a beautifully glazed ham warms my heart. Imagine walking into your home, where the sweet, inviting aroma of brown sugar and apple cider fills the air, signaling that something special is on the table. This Classic Brown Sugar Glazed Baked Ham is much more than a meal; it’s a centerpiece that transforms any occasion into a memorable feast.
Whether it’s Easter brunch or a festive dinner, this recipe strikes the perfect harmony between sweet and savory, creating tender, juicy slices with a sticky, caramelized finish that everyone will rave about. And the best part? It requires minimal effort! All you need is time, patience, and a little love to bring this mouth-watering dish to life. Let’s dive into how to cook a ham that will become the star of your holiday spread!
Why is How To Cook A Ham So Easy?
Flavor Explosion: The combination of brown sugar, apple cider, and Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy glaze that takes your taste buds on a delightful journey.
Visual Appeal: With its rich golden-brown exterior, this ham is a feast for the eyes, making it an impressive centerpiece for any table.
Simple Steps: You don’t need to be a culinary expert—this recipe is designed for everyone, featuring simple instructions that yield phenomenal results.
Great for Gatherings: Perfect for holidays or family gatherings, it feeds a crowd and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Easy Storage: Leftovers? No problem! They keep well, making future meals just as flavorful without any extra work.
Enjoy making your holiday gatherings unforgettable with this delicious dish!
How To Cook A Ham Ingredients
For the Ham
• Bone-in or Boneless Ham – Choose bone-in for remarkable flavor and moisture retention throughout cooking.
For the Glaze
• Brown Sugar – Sweetens the glaze, creating that coveted caramelized finish; light or dark varieties both work well.
• Apple Cider – Adds a sweet-tart balance to the glaze; apple juice can be a suitable substitute if needed.
• Dijon Mustard – Provides a tangy depth; yellow mustard can be used for a milder kick.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Cuts through the sweetness and enhances flavor; you can swap it for white wine vinegar or lemon juice if preferred.
Optional Garnish
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme or Rosemary) – Add a touch of freshness by sprinkling herbs over the glazed ham just before serving to enhance visual appeal.
With this how to cook a ham recipe, you’ll not only please your taste buds but also impress your guests with minimal effort!
How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Baked Ham
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Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. This ensures your ham cooks evenly, developing that wonderful golden-brown crust we all love. -
Prepare the Ham:
Score the ham’s surface in a crosshatch pattern, about ⅛” to ¼” deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate beautifully, resulting in a richer flavor and texture. -
Bake the Ham:
Place the scored ham in a roasting pan. Cover it with foil to retain moisture, and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until warmed through. -
Make the Glaze:
In a saucepan, mix together apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until it thickens and reduces by half. -
Glaze Application:
Remove the foil from the ham and begin brushing on your delightful glaze every 15 minutes during the final 45 minutes of baking. This creates that sticky, mouth-watering finish! -
Check Temperature:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F for a perfectly cooked, juicy result. -
Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the ham from the oven, brush one final layer of glaze on it, and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps keep all those juices inside!
Optional: Serve garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color and added aroma.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for How to Cook A Ham
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Score Carefully: Be attentive when scoring the ham; make shallow cuts to enhance glaze absorption without cutting too deep into the meat.
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Watch the Glaze: Avoid letting the glaze boil over; simmering it gently helps to achieve the right consistency without losing flavor.
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Use a Thermometer: Don’t skip using a meat thermometer—this ensures your ham reaches 140°F, keeping it juicy and perfectly cooked.
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Resting Time: Allow the ham to rest for a full 15 minutes after baking to retain moisture and ensure tenderness in every slice.
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Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days; it makes for delicious sandwiches or hearty additions to casseroles.
Make Ahead Options
These Classic Brown Sugar Glazed Baked Ham deliciously lend themselves to meal prep, making them ideal for busy holiday gatherings! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance by whipping together the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, then refrigerating it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the glaze and follow the baking instructions as listed. Additionally, you can score the ham and even brush on a light layer of glaze up to 24 hours before cooking to enhance flavor penetration. Just remember to cover it tightly to keep it fresh, and you’ll achieve a succulent, mouth-watering ham that’s just as delicious as the freshly made version with minimal last-minute effort!
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Glazed Baked Ham?
Creating a delightful meal is all about balancing flavors and textures, and this baked ham pairs beautifully with various sides.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These velvety potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the sweet glaze, making each bite even more satisfying. They’re a classic choice that everyone loves.
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Roasted Green Beans: Bright and crisp, roasted green beans add a fresh crunch that complements the ham’s richness. Drizzle with lemon juice for a zesty finishing touch.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, these carrots bring out the ham’s flavor while adding a pop of color to your plate. Their natural sweetness harmonizes perfectly with the caramelized glaze.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light and bright contrast, balancing the savory notes of the ham. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate fresh ingredients.
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Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice studded with herbs and toasted nuts offers a delightful texture, soaking up any drippings from the ham. It’s an elegant side that elevates your meal.
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Warm Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for mopping up excess glaze or drippings. They add an inviting warmth to your table, making everyone feel at home.
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Sparkling Cider or Wine: Complement your meal with a chilled sparkling cider or a light white wine. The bubbles and acidity cut through the richness of the ham beautifully.
These serving suggestions not only enhance the meal but also create a feast that your loved ones will remember!
Storage Tips for Brown Sugar Glazed Baked Ham
Fridge: Store any leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain its delicious flavor and moisture.
Freezer: If you want to save leftovers longer, freeze sliced ham in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a covered dish with a splash of apple cider or water to keep the meat moist. Heat in a 325°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions: Leftover ham is versatile; use it in sandwiches, soups, or casseroles for easy meals that still boast that rich, sweet flavor!
How To Cook A Ham Variations
Feel free to sprinkle some creativity into your holiday ham, making it uniquely yours!
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Tropical Twist: Swap apple cider for pineapple juice in the glaze for a vibrant, fruity flavor that’ll surprise your guests.
Make sure to adjust sweetness for a balanced profile. -
Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an aromatic lift, enhancing the earthy notes of the ham.
These herbs also give your dish a beautiful pop of color! -
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce into the glaze for a surprising heat.
This twist caters to those who crave a little spice in their life. -
Maple Citrus: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add orange zest to the glaze for a sweet and tangy combination.
The zest adds brightness that complements the richness of the ham nicely! -
Smoky Flavor: Introduce smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the glaze for a hint of smokiness that elevates the dish.
This adds depth, perfect for those longing for a barbecue essence during the holidays. -
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the glazed ham before serving for a delightful crunch.
This textural twist pairs beautifully with the ham’s tender meat, creating an unforgettable bite. -
Festive Garnish: Serve with pomegranate seeds scattered on top for a festive burst of color and flavor.
The tangy sweetness of the seeds brightens every slice, making your ham truly stand out on the table!
Brown Sugar Glazed Baked Ham Recipe FAQs
What kind of ham should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely, you can use either a bone-in or boneless ham! I personally recommend a bone-in ham because it provides incredible flavor and helps retain moisture during cooking. Look for a ham that is fully cooked and ready to heat up; it makes the process even easier and guarantees great taste!
How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?
To ensure your ham is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. You want it to reach 140°F for a juicy, tender result. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bones for an accurate reading. Remember, patience is key here!
How should I store leftover glazed ham?
Storing leftover ham is simple! Just place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can even enjoy it cold on sandwiches or warm it up in a casserole! If you want to keep it longer, slice the ham and freeze it in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze the glazed ham?
Absolutely! If you’ve got leftover ham and want to save it for later, slice it and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Ensure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes to keep it moist.
What if I don’t have apple cider?
Not to worry! You can substitute apple cider with apple juice for a similar sweetness in your glaze. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using pineapple juice for a tropical twist on the flavor. It gives a lovely depth while still delivering that delicious sweet-and-savory combination!
Why is my glaze not sticking to the ham?
If your glaze isn’t adhering well, it might be because it’s too watery. Make sure to simmer it long enough—10 to 15 minutes should reduce it by half, creating that thick, sticky consistency perfect for glazing. Additionally, scoring the ham properly allows the glaze to penetrate better while it bakes. Don’t hesitate to brush more glaze on during the final stages of baking!
How To Cook A Ham: Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Recipe Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Score the ham’s surface in a crosshatch pattern, ensuring the cuts are about ⅛” to ¼” deep.
- Place the scored ham in a roasting pan, cover it with foil, and bake for about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- In a saucepan, mix together apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until thickened.
- Remove the foil and brush the glaze on every 15 minutes during the last 45 minutes of baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Once done, brush a final layer of glaze, and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.