Imagine a ham so irresistibly glazed, so perfectly caramelized, that it becomes the star of your dining table. This Easy Brown Sugar Ham is not just a recipe—it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast. With a magical blend of sweet brown sugar, tangy Dijon mustard, and golden honey, this ham promises to be the showstopper that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, making shallow cuts about 1/2 inch deep.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well combined.
- Brush about one-third of the glaze mixture over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake the ham for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham to check temperature.
- Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and baste with additional glaze, rotating the pan to ensure even heating.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice the ham against the grain and serve warm, drizzling any remaining glaze over the slices if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Ham: Always start with a fully cooked ham to ensure consistent results and easier preparation.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your ham reaches the perfect internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Glaze Like a Pro: Baste the ham every 30 minutes to create a stunning, sticky caramelized exterior that's both beautiful and delicious.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
- Score for Maximum Flavor: If your ham has a thick fat layer, scoring it in a diamond pattern helps the glaze penetrate and creates an even more appealing presentation.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of bourbon or apple juice to your glaze for a more complex taste profile!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
