Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham (Holiday Perfection!)

This Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday table! It's a show-stopping dish that's both beautiful and incredibly delicious. The ham is baked to tender perfection and coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. I love how this recipe is easy enough for a beginner cook, yet impressive enough for a special occasion. Get ready for a ham that's sure to be the star of your meal!

Why You'll Love This Glazed Ham

• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, and spices creates a perfectly balanced glaze.
• Tender and Juicy: Baking the ham at a low temperature and glazing it frequently ensures it stays moist and tender.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
• Holiday-Worthy: This ham is perfect for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion.
• Beautiful Presentation: The glistening glaze and the spiral-cut ham create a stunning centerpiece for your table.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham

Here's what you'll need to make this holiday-worthy ham. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Ham

• Spiral-cut ham, bone-in and fully cooked (Meat)

Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze

• Dark brown sugar (Sweetener)
• Pineapple juice (Liquid)
• Honey (Sweetener)
• Orange zest (Flavoring)
• Dijon mustard (Condiment)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love this Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

• Add Spices: Add a pinch of ground cloves, allspice, or cinnamon to the glaze for a warmer flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
• Use a Different Fruit Juice: Try using orange juice or apple cider instead of pineapple juice.
• Add Maple Syrup: Substitute maple syrup for some or all of the honey.

How to Make Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham

Let me show you how to make this incredibly flavorful Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham:

Preheat Oven

1. I preheat my oven to 325 degrees F (160°C).

Prepare Ham

1. I place the ham, cut-side down, in a shallow roasting pan.
2. I cover it tightly with foil to retain moisture.

Bake Ham (Initial)

1. I bake the ham at 325 degrees F (160°C) until the center registers 100-110 degrees F (38-43°C). This usually takes approximately 10-14 minutes per pound.

Make the Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze

1. Meanwhile, I whisk together all of the Brown Sugar Glaze ingredients (dark brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, orange zest, and Dijon mustard) in a medium saucepan.
2. I bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often, until the brown sugar dissolves, about 1-2 minutes.
3. I set the glaze aside.

Glaze and Bake

1. I remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (205°C).
2. I carefully remove the foil and brush the ham all over with ⅓ of the glaze, making sure to spread some down into each cut.
3. I bake the ham, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
4. I repeat, and brush again with glaze.
5. Continue cooking, untill internal temperature reaches 140.

Rest and Serve

1. I remove the ham from the oven and brush it again with the glaze.
2. I loosely cover it with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
3. I brush the ham once more with any remaining glaze before serving.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Glazed Ham

Here are my secrets for making this ham truly exceptional:

• Use a Spiral-Cut Ham: A spiral-cut ham is pre-sliced, making it easy to glaze and carve.
• Cover with Foil Initially: Covering the ham with foil during the first part of baking helps to retain moisture.
• Baste Frequently: Basting the ham with the glaze throughout the cooking process keeps it moist and adds flavor.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure the ham is cooked to the perfect temperature is to use a meat thermometer.
• Let it Rest: Letting the ham rest after baking is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute.

How to Serve

This Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham is perfect for:

• Holiday Meals: A classic centerpiece for Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving dinner.
• Special Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration.
• Sunday Supper: A comforting and flavorful meal for a Sunday supper.
• Buffets: A great addition to a buffet or potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Leftover ham is also delicious in sandwiches, salads, and omelets.

FAQs about Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham

• Can I use a different type of ham?
  • Yes, you can use a bone-in or boneless ham, but a spiral-cut ham is easiest to glaze and serve.
• Can I make this without the pineapple juice?
  • Yes, you can substitute orange juice or apple cider for the pineapple juice.
• Can I use a different type of mustard?
  • Yes, you can.

Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham! It's a holiday classic that's sure to impress.

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