Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham: A Soul-Warming Delight

In the heart of my childhood kitchen, I can still remember the aroma of our family’s Brown Sugar Glazed Ham wafting through the air on special occasions. The scent of sweet caramelized brown sugar mingling with savory ham was like a warm hug, inviting everyone to gather around the table. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a celebration of togetherness, love, and those treasured moments that make life so precious. As we embark on making this comforting recipe together, you’ll find that every slice is steeped in nostalgia and joy. So, let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish that transforms any simple dinner into a festive feast.

Why Make This Recipe

Creating Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is more than just cooking—it’s about crafting memories. Here’s why this easy meal is a must-try:

• Quick Prep: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can focus on what really matters—spending time with loved ones.
• Cozy Flavors: The sweet and savory combination is a universal comfort, making it a family favorite for gatherings big and small.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a delicious ham, and this recipe is sure to impress everyone around the table.
• Versatile Ingredients: It’s easy to adapt, allowing for substitutions based on what you have on hand.
• Homemade Dish: There’s something special about serving a dish you made with love, and the aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, gather the following ingredients:

• Ham (bone-in or boneless): The star of the dish. Opt for a pre-cooked ham for ease.
• Brown Sugar: This will create that irresistible glaze. Light or dark brown sugar works, depending on your flavor preference.
• Honey: A natural sweetness that perfectly complements the brown sugar. Feel free to use maple syrup as a substitute for a unique twist.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness. You can replace it with yellow mustard if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Ground Cloves: For a warm, aromatic touch. A pinch of allspice can also be used in a pinch.
• Fresh Pineapple Juice: This provides moisture and enhances the glaze flavor; use orange juice in its place for variety.

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

While this recipe takes a bit of time, the delicious end result is worth it. Trust me, as you wait, your home will be filled with mouthwatering aromas!

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

1. Preheat your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). The anticipation begins!

2. Prepare the Ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan, flat side down. Score the surface in a diamond pattern for better caramelization.

3. Mix the Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of ground cloves. Whisk until well blended and smooth.

4. Apply the Glaze: Generously brush the glaze over the ham, making sure it seeps into the scored areas. Don’t be shy; every bit counts!

5. Bake: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour.

6. Glaze Again: After an hour, remove the foil and baste the ham with the drippings. Return it to the oven for another 30 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully.

7. Finish: Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing—this helps retain its juicy goodness!

8. Serve: Slice the ham and serve warm, drizzling extra glaze over the top if desired.

Tips and Creative Variations

• Flavor Twists: Add a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the glaze for warmth and depth. Or toss in some orange zest for a fresh burst!
• Festive Touches: Garnish with slices of fresh pineapple or cherries before caramelizing for an extra pretty presentation.
• Dietary Swaps: For a lower-sugar version, use sugar substitutes like erythritol.

Serving Ideas

Pair this Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with classic side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a zesty coleslaw for a comforting meal. For drinks, a light sparkling cider or sweet tea complements the flavors perfectly. Imagine the laughter and chatter around the table as everyone digs into this delicious meal, creating new memories over slices of savory ham and shared stories.

Storing and Reheating

To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the slices in a baking dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, drizzling a bit of leftover glaze for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

• Time-Saving Trick: Prepare the glaze in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
• Flavor Boost: If you like a slight smokiness, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the glaze.
• Presentation: For a show-stopping meal, serve garnished with sprigs of rosemary or thyme alongside colorful vegetables.

FAQs

• Can I freeze this recipe?
  Yes, freeze leftovers wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.

• What’s the best substitute for brown sugar?
  You can use coconut sugar for a healthier option or make your own by mixing white sugar with molasses.

• Can I use a different type of meat?
  While ham is traditional, a solid pork shoulder works well too!

Conclusion

Making Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is more than following a recipe; it’s about creating love-infused memories around the dinner table. Each bite brims with warmth, bringing everyone together to cherish those connections. So, gather your ingredients and start cooking—this recipe is not just delicious; it’s a conduit for joy. Invite your loved ones, share stories, and let the sweetness of this dish echo in your hearts long after the last slice has been enjoyed. Happy cooking!

Contents

• 1 Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
  • 1.1 Ingredients  
  • 1.2 Method 
  • 1.3 Notes

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham features a sweet and savory glaze that transforms any occasion into a festive feast, steeped in nostalgia and joy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 each Ham (bone-in or boneless) Opt for a pre-cooked ham for ease.
• 1 cup Brown Sugar Light or dark brown sugar works, depending on flavor preference.
• ½ cup Honey Maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can be used for a milder flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cloves A pinch of allspice can also be used.
• 1 cup Fresh Pineapple Juice Orange juice can be substituted.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan, flat side down. Score the surface in a diamond pattern.
3. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Whisk until well blended.
4. Generously brush the glaze over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the scored areas.

Cooking

1. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour.
2. Remove the foil and baste the ham with the drippings, then return it to the oven for another 30 minutes.
3. Once the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
4. Slice the ham and serve warm with extra glaze drizzled on top if desired.

Notes

For variations, add a splash of bourbon to the glaze or garnish with slices of fresh pineapple. To store leftovers, use an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze wrapped for up to 2 months.