Brown Sugar Glazed Ham (2024)

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.

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.

See Also

What are the best ways to prevent food from drying out during cooking?Easy Ways to Keep Meat from Drying Out in the Oven: 10 Steps5 Mistakes to Avoid When Baking a Whole HamThe basics: how to glaze a perfectly gleaming ham – Jess Pryles

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:

• Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
• Brined Turkey Breast
• Roast Beef Tenderloin

Recipe FAQs

This recipe was originally published in 2021 and updated in November 2023.

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