Baked Ham Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze

Baked ham with brown sugar glaze on a large platter.

5 from 3 votes

Baked Ham Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze

This baked spiral ham is juicy, tender, and coated in a glossy brown sugar citrus glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. An easy, foolproof recipe that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, and stress-free entertaining.

Prep Time10

Cook Time2 35

Total Time2 45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked ham recipe, ham roast, ham with glaze

Servings: servings

Author: Elena Davis

Equipment

Ingredients

For the ham:

1 bone-in ham approximately 7-9 pounds
2 tablespoons grainy mustard or mustard of choice
¼ cup orange juice freshly squeezed is preferred

Brown Sugar Glaze:

¼ cup butter
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup honey or real maple syrup
¼ cup orange juice freshly squeezed is preferred (pineapple juice will also work)
1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or whole-grain mustard
⅛ teaspoon powdered ginger
1 sprig thyme stem removed
¼ teaspoon paprika optional

Instructions

For the Ham (1st bake):

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Place the ham in a shallow roasting pan, with the cut side down. If your ham has a skin, score it lightly with a sharp knife (most precooked hams are already scored). Score the ham's skin in vertical and diagonal rows every two inches, creating a crosshatch pattern, which allows the glaze to soak into the meat.
In a small bowl, mix mustard and orange juice. Brush this mixture over the surface of the ham.
Cover the ham with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound. Calculate the total cooking time* based on how much your ham weighs. For a 9-lb bone-in ham, it will take about 135 minutes in total. You will remove the ham 20 minutes before the final finish time and add the glaze for the second bake at a higher temperature (see below).

Make the Brown Sugar Glaze:

In a small saucepan, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, honey, orange juice, mustard, ginger, thyme, and paprika (if using). Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes until it is slightly thickened and the sugar is dissolved; stir occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes to thicken even more.

Ham (2nd bake):

Twenty minutes before the ham is done, remove it from the oven and turn the oven temperature up to 425°F. Brush HALF of the prepared glaze on top of the ham; do not cover, and continue baking for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes- add the remaining glaze and bake another 5-10 minutes or until there is a nice golden brown exterior. Your ham is done reheating when it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
Remove the cooked ham from the oven and spoon the glaze on the bottom of the pan over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Serve with the extra pan juices/glaze on the side.
Enjoy your delicious ham for any occasion!

Notes

Choose the Right Ham: Use a high-quality bone-in spiral ham, whole or half, for the best flavor and juicy texture.
Check the Temperature: Heat the ham to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Score if Needed: If your ham has a skin or rind, lightly score it with a sharp knife so the glaze can seep into the slices.
Baste and Glaze: Baste occasionally with the pan juices to keep the ham moist, then brush generously with glaze during the final baking time for a glossy, caramelized finish.

Nutrition