Linda CainWhen the holidays roll around, or if we’re simply feeling festive, cooking up a ham can bring a smile to any gathering. My favorite way to do this?
With a glorious brown sugar glaze. Nothing says comfort like that perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors radiating from the oven. When I think of what dishes pair nicely with ham, my mind goes straight to buttery mashed potatoes and bright green asparagus, or maybe a tangy pineapple salad.
The smoky-sweet flavors of well-prepared ham balance beautifully with these options and create a spread that makes everyone feel cozy and content.
What Is Cooking Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze?
Cooking ham with brown sugar glaze transforms a humble piece of meat into a centerpiece worthy of any feast. The sweet, rich glaze enhances the natural flavor of the ham while creating a delightful caramelized crust.
This process involves a few simple ingredients, making it accessible to anyone, even if you’re not a culinary wizard. Plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Believe me; you can’t go wrong here!
The Ingredients
Creating this masterpiece is straightforward with just a handful of components. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ham:
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed pineapple juice or freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
- 1 bone-in spiral-cut ham (approximately 7-9 pounds)
Brown Sugar Glaze:
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- ½ cup pineapple juice or orange juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
Now, let’s take a closer look at how to bring all these ingredients together for a delicious ham.
How to Make Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to note that patience is key. Slow and steady wins the race when coaxing all those delightful flavors out of the ingredients. Let’s not rush this delicious adventure.
Step 1: Prep the Ham
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). While the oven gets toasty, take your ham and remove it from the packaging. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Next, place your ham cut-side down into a roasting pan.
This keeps it moist as it cooks. Now, if there’s a plastic disk on the bone, make sure to remove that—trust me, you don’t want any surprises!
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, and cornstarch. This creates a beautiful base for your glaze.
Add in the whole-grain mustard, pineapple juice, and allspice. Stir the mixture over medium heat; watch as it starts bubbling up, thickening into a glossy sauce. This will only take about 5–7 minutes. Don’t walk away! Stir occasionally to ensure everything blends well.
Step 3: Glaze Time
Now, it’s glaze time! Brush about half of the glaze all over your ham. Make sure to get into those nooks and crannies. As the ham bakes, this glaze will caramelize and create an irresistible crust.
Step 4: Bake the Ham
Tent your ham with aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture. Place it into the oven and bake for about 2 hours, or 10-12 minutes per pound.
After an hour, remove the foil, brush on the remaining glaze, and return the ham to the oven. Keep an eye on it as it finishes—you want that lovely golden-brown color, not a burnt offering!
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Using a meat thermometer, ensure your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This ensures it’s warm in the center without overcooking.
Once done, remove your ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows all those tasty juices to redistribute.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
With a sharp knife, carefully slice your ham into even portions. Serve it warm and watch families gather round to inhale that sweet, glorious aroma. It’s a feast for the senses.
Notes
- Choose Your Ham Wisely: A bone-in ham not only tastes better but offers flavor and moisture.
- Don’t Rush the Glaze: Allow plenty of time for the glaze to cook and thicken. This adds layers of richness.
- Keep It Covered Initially: Tenting with foil keeps the ham moist, ensuring it doesn’t dry out during cooking.
- Baste During Cooking: Basting adds an extra layer of flavor and helps develop a caramelized crust.
- Resting is Important: Allow at least 20 minutes of resting after removing the ham. This prevents juices from running out when you slice.
Storage Tips
Storing leftover ham is simple. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Proper storage can extend its life for up to a week in the refrigerator.
If you want to keep it longer, consider wrapping individual slices tightly in foil, followed by freezer-safe bags, and freeze them. This way, they’ll last for several months.
Serving Suggestions
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery goodness pairs perfectly and balances the sweetness of the ham.
- Roasted Asparagus: Bright and tender, this veggie adds a fresh crunch that complements the dish.
- Tangy Pineapple Salad: The acidity of the pineapple salad cuts through the richness, creating a refreshing contrast.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness of the casserole pairs seamlessly with the ham, creating a comforting staple.
- Green Bean Casserole: This traditional side shines alongside ham, with its creamy texture and crunchy topping.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze?
- Honey: Instead of honey, maple syrup can provide a unique sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with ham.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar can work in a pinch, though coconut sugar is a healthier alternative that maintains sweetness.
- Pineapple Juice: If you’re out, apple juice can give a lovely fruity flavor that works surprisingly well.
- Ground Allspice: Feel free to use pumpkin spice for a different but delightful twist on the flavor profile.
- Whole-Grain Mustard: If you need an alternative, regular yellow mustard will suffice, though it does lack the depth of flavor.
How To Cook Ham With Brown Sugar Glaze
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed pineapple juice or freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
- 1 bone-in spiral-cut ham approximately 7-9 pounds
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- ½ cup pineapple juice or orange juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). While the oven gets toasty, take your ham and remove it from the packaging. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Next, place your ham cut-side down into a roasting pan.
- This keeps it moist as it cooks. Now, if there’s a plastic disk on the bone, make sure to remove that—trust me, you don’t want any surprises!
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, and cornstarch. This creates a beautiful base for your glaze.
- Add in the whole-grain mustard, pineapple juice, and allspice. Stir the mixture over medium heat; watch as it starts bubbling up, thickening into a glossy sauce. This will only take about 5–7 minutes. Don’t walk away! Stir occasionally to ensure everything blends well.
- Now, it’s glaze time! Brush about half of the glaze all over your ham. Make sure to get into those nooks and crannies. As the ham bakes, this glaze will caramelize and create an irresistible crust.
- Tent your ham with aluminum foil. This helps retain moisture. Place it into the oven and bake for about 2 hours, or 10-12 minutes per pound.
- After an hour, remove the foil, brush on the remaining glaze, and return the ham to the oven. Keep an eye on it as it finishes—you want that lovely golden-brown color, not a burnt offering!
- Using a meat thermometer, ensure your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This ensures it’s warm in the center without overcooking.
- Once done, remove your ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This crucial step allows all those tasty juices to redistribute.
- With a sharp knife, carefully slice your ham into even portions. Serve it warm and watch families gather round to inhale that sweet, glorious aroma. It’s a feast for the senses.
Notes
- Choose Your Ham Wisely: A bone-in ham not only tastes better but offers flavor and moisture.
- Don’t Rush the Glaze: Allow plenty of time for the glaze to cook and thicken. This adds layers of richness.
- Keep It Covered Initially: Tenting with foil keeps the ham moist, ensuring it doesn’t dry out during cooking.
- Baste During Cooking: Basting adds an extra layer of flavor and helps develop a caramelized crust.
- Resting is Important: Allow at least 20 minutes of resting after removing the ham. This prevents juices from running out when you slice.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Cooking ham with a brown sugar glaze is an approachable yet impressive dish that can elevate any meal. With easy steps and a simplified ingredient list, this recipe beckons you to the kitchen.
Enjoy every bite!
