Tender Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is cooked to juicy, tender perfection with a rich, flavorful glaze that makes it a show-stopping centerpiece for any family gathering. The combination of brown sugar, mustard, pineapple juice, and warming spices creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully in your oven, turning the ham golden and delicious. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, this recipe is a reliable one that always delivers.

I first made this ham for a holiday dinner when pressed for time. The glaze was so good that it quickly became the star on the table and a requested recipe every season since.

Ingredients

• 10 pound bone-in ham: ensures juicy meat and rich flavor try to find a fresh or fully cooked ham close to this weight for best results
• Unsalted chicken stock: adds savory depth while keeping the ham moist during baking
• Pineapple juice: lends fruity acidity that cuts through the richness and helps tenderize the meat
• Light brown sugar: packed tightly to bring caramel sweetness and better glaze texture
• Yellow mustard: provides a tangy base for the glaze with a slight bite
• Garlic powder: delivers gentle savory notes that complement the sweetness
• Onion powder: adds mild umami flavor enriching the overall taste
• Ground cloves: imparts warm, aromatic spice for that classic holiday ham feel if unavailable, cinnamon is a good substitute or you can omit it

Step-by-Step Instructions

Searing and Preparing the Ham:

Remove excess fat if desired but leaving some fat helps keep the ham moist. Place the ham cut side down on a foil ring inside a large roasting pan. This ring lifts the ham allowing juices to collect below for a natural baste.

Scoring the Ham:

Use a sharp knife to score diamond shapes all over the ham’s surface. These cuts help the glaze soak in and create a beautiful pattern when caramelized.

Basting and Baking at Low Temperature:

Combine chicken stock and pineapple juice and pour into the pan. This mixture keeps the ham juicy. Create the glaze by mixing brown sugar, pineapple juice, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground cloves thoroughly. Brush one-third of this glaze evenly over the ham. Tent with foil, making sure it does not touch the ham, and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about one and a half to two hours until the internal temperature reaches 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

Increasing Heat and Additional Glazing:

Raise the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the foil and brush half of the remaining glaze all over. Continue baking for twenty to thirty minutes until the internal temperature hits 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Broiling and Caramelizing the Glaze:

Turn on the oven broiler to low. Brush the ham with the last bit of glaze and broil carefully until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes. Stay close because the glaze can burn quickly.

Resting Before Serving:

Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for twenty minutes. This step is crucial for juicy slicing. Serve with drippings spooned over slices for extra flavor.

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Storage Tips

Cool leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly stored, the ham lasts about four to five days. You can also freeze leftover slices for up to three months. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find ground cloves, cinnamon is a suitable alternative adding warmth without overpowering. For pineapple juice, use orange juice or apple juice but the pineapple provides a distinctive tang that is best. Yellow mustard can be swapped with Dijon for a slightly different tang but keep it mild to avoid overpowering the glaze sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this ham alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or glazed carrots. A crisp apple or cranberry salad balances the sweetness. The pan drippings spooned over the slices make for a quick sauce that enhances the dish without extra effort.

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Cultural Context

Glazed ham is a traditional centerpiece in many American holiday dinners, especially at Christmas and Easter. The use of brown sugar and cloves in the glaze reflects classic flavor combinations passed down through generations, evoking both nostalgia and comfort. Pineapple juice is a common addition in Southern-style cooking, bringing a tropical sweet acidity that beautifully complements the meat’s saltiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the ham moist during cooking?

Place the ham on a foil ring above a mixture of chicken stock and pineapple juice in the roasting pan. This creates steam that helps maintain moisture throughout cooking.

→ Can I substitute the ground cloves in the glaze?

Yes, you can replace ground cloves with cinnamon for a warmer spice note or omit them entirely if preferred.

→ What is the purpose of scoring the ham?

Scoring the ham in a diamond pattern allows the glaze to penetrate the surface evenly, enhancing flavor and creating an attractive presentation.

→ Should the ham be covered during baking?

Cover the roasting pan loosely with foil to prevent the ham from drying out while still allowing the glaze to develop during the later browning stage.

→ Is it important to let the ham rest before slicing?

Yes, resting the ham for about 20 minutes helps redistribute juices throughout the meat, resulting in tender and juicy slices.