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how to cook ham with brown sugar glaze copycat recipe

How To Cook Ham With Brown Sugar Glaze

Linda Cain
When 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?
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 680 kcal

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

Calories: 680kcalCarbohydrates: 111gProtein: 42gFat: 9.1gSaturated Fat: 1.7gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 2948mgFiber: 3gSugar: 79g
Keyword how to cook ham with brown sugar glaze
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