Mary KellyWhen it comes to cooking, few things excite me more than making a spectacular dish that will leave my friends and family clamoring for seconds. Recently, I stumbled upon a recipe that not only brings everyone to the table but also fills the air with a sweet waft of deliciousness. Enter the easy brown sugar ham recipe.
This dish is perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a cozy family dinner. It’s simple enough that even novice cooks can tackle it, and yet the flavor packs a punch that rivals those complex, fancied-up recipes. I’m thrilled to share this journey through my kitchen, where brown sugar meets smoked ham, resulting in an unforgettable main course.
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What is Easy Brown Sugar Ham Recipe?
At its core, the easy brown sugar ham recipe is a sweet and savory dish that combines a fully cooked bone-in smoked ham with a glaze made from pantry staples. The star of this dish is undoubtedly the glaze, which balances the rich flavors of the ham while adding a touch of sweetness.
It typically includes brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a medley of spices. This recipe is not just about taste; it’s also about simplicity. A few straightforward steps and you have a showstopper.
Why You’ll Love this Easy Brown Sugar Ham Recipe
1. Simplicity: You don’t need culinary school training to whip up this dish. With just a few ingredients and uncomplicated steps, anyone can prepare it.
2. Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet brown sugar and savory ham creates a delicious contrast that elevates your meal.
3. Versatility: You can serve this ham at holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or even as a delightful leftover treat.
4. Impressive Presentation: A glazed ham looks great on any dining table. It’s not just food; it’s a centerpiece.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance, freeing up time for other cooking tasks or just to enjoy your guests.
The Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for making this ham recipe shine. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (8-lb) bone-in smoked ham, fully cooked and brought to room temperature
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ½ cup fresh pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ cup pure honey
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is ideal for warming the ham through while allowing the glaze to penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
While the oven warms up, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice. These sweet ingredients will meld beautifully as they heat up. Then, whisk in the whole grain Dijon mustard, minced rosemary, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and allspice. The mixture should be thick yet pourable – like syrup, but a bit more robust.
Step 3: Score the Ham
Next, take your room-temperature ham and place it on a large cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This means making shallow cuts about an inch apart on the surface. These scores allow the glaze to penetrate deeper, infusing flavor throughout.
Step 4: Add Seasoning
Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper and chopped fresh thyme over the scored ham. These spices add complexity to the dish and complement the sweetness.
Step 5: Glaze the Ham
Place the ham in a roasting pan and generously pour the prepared glaze over the entire surface. Make sure to get the glaze into the scored cuts. Use a brush to ensure every nook and cranny is coated.
Step 6: Bake the Ham
Cover the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent the ham from drying out while it bakes. Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until heated through (about 140°F internal temperature).
Step 7: Glaze Again
After about 45 minutes, remove the foil and baste the ham with the drippings from the pan. Then, return it to the oven uncovered for the final 30 minutes. This allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully, forming a sticky, sweet crust that’s mouthwatering.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once your timer goes off, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Then, slice, serve, and watch as your guests rave about your culinary prowess!
Tips & Tricks
– Don’t Skimp on the Glaze: Make sure to coat the ham thoroughly. The more glaze, the better the flavor.
– Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your ham is thoroughly heated, a meat thermometer is your best friend. Aim for 140°F for a perfectly warm ham.
– Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh herbs rather than dried ones if possible. Fresh herbs intensify the flavor.
– Save the Leftovers: Don’t throw away any leftover ham. They make excellent additions to soups, sandwiches, or breakfast scrambles.
– Pair with Sides: Think about what to serve alongside the ham. Classic sides will complement this dish beautifully.
Nutrition Information
This recipe serves approximately 10-12 people. Each serving contains about:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
Please remember that nutrition can vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands used.
Can I Store Easy Brown Sugar Ham Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What Can I Serve with Easy Brown Sugar Ham Recipe?
This ham plays well with various sides! Here are some classic pairing options:
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
- Classic Mashed Potatoes: Their creaminess pairs beautifully with the flavors of ham.
- Green Bean Casserole: A holiday favorite that adds a crunchy component.
- Cornbread: A slightly sweet bread that goes with the flavors of this ham.
Variations
1. Maple Mustard Glaze: Use maple syrup in place of honey for an added layer of flavor.
2. Spicy Brown Sugar Ham: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a sweet heat.
3. Citrus Twist: Substitute lemon or lime juice for pineapple juice for a tangier glaze.
4. Herb-Infused Glaze: Mix in additional herbs like sage or oregano for a different flavor profile.
5. Pineapple-Cherry Glaze: Incorporate diced fresh pineapple and cherries into the glaze for a fruity twist.
Easy Brown Sugar Ham Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is ideal for warming the ham through while allowing the glaze to penetrate the meat.
- While the oven warms up, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice. These sweet ingredients will meld beautifully as they heat up. Then, whisk in the whole grain Dijon mustard, minced rosemary, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and allspice. The mixture should be thick yet pourable – like syrup, but a bit more robust.
- Next, take your room-temperature ham and place it on a large cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This means making shallow cuts about an inch apart on the surface. These scores allow the glaze to penetrate deeper, infusing flavor throughout.
- Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper and chopped fresh thyme over the scored ham. These spices add complexity to the dish and complement the sweetness.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and generously pour the prepared glaze over the entire surface. Make sure to get the glaze into the scored cuts. Use a brush to ensure every nook and cranny is coated.
- Cover the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent the ham from drying out while it bakes. Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until heated through (about 140°F internal temperature).
- After about 45 minutes, remove the foil and baste the ham with the drippings from the pan. Then, return it to the oven uncovered for the final 30 minutes. This allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully, forming a sticky, sweet crust that’s mouthwatering.
- Once your timer goes off, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Then, slice, serve, and watch as your guests rave about your culinary prowess!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of ham?
Yes, you can substitute a pre-cooked ham, such as a boneless ham or a spiral-cut ham. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of the ham.
2. How can I tell when the ham is done cooking?
Using a meat thermometer is the safest way to check doneness. The internal temperature should reach at least 140°F.
3. Is it okay to glaze the ham multiple times?
Definitely! Basting your ham with the glaze every 30 minutes adds layers of flavor and a nice caramelization.
4. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day or two before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using.
5. What’s the best way to slice the ham?
Use a sharp knife and cut against the grain for the best texture. Aim for even slices for presentation.
Conclusion
The easy brown sugar ham recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to create memories. This delightful dish combines simplicity and flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re impressing guests or enjoying a quiet family dinner, this ham will have everyone reaching for more. Give it a try, and let your taste buds dance with delight!
