Name: Brown Sugar Ham Recipe - Best Christmas Glazed Ham
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Ingredients: 1 (8-10 lb) precooked bone-in ham; 1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed; ½ cup honey; 1 cup pineapple juice; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon butter; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Optional garnish: pineapple rings and maraschino cherries

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Christmas Special Brown Sugar Ham

Brown sugar ham is the heart of every cozy family dinner and a centerpiece that never fails to impress during the holidays. Imagine tender slices of perfectly baked ham coated in a sticky, caramelized glaze made from brown sugar, honey, and pineapple juice. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with the irresistible aroma of slow-baked meat, creates a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting. This recipe celebrates everything people love about festive food a glossy, golden crust, juicy slices that melt in your mouth, and flavors that work beautifully with almost any side dish.

More Christmas Recipes

Whether you’re planning a grand Thanksgiving spread, a Christmas dinner, or a simple fall gathering, brown sugar ham is always a showstopper. The glaze is what makes this ham extraordinary. It creates a thin candy-like coating that caramelizes in the oven, infusing every bite with rich molasses sweetness and subtle spice. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade brown sugar sauce for ham turns even a precooked ham into something special fragrant, tender, and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The sweet and savory glaze makes every bite deeply flavorful. The brown sugar, honey, and pineapple create a perfectly balanced sweetness that enhances the salty richness of ham.
It’s beginner-friendly but delivers professional-level results. You don’t need fancy tools just patience and a few pantry staples.
Works with both baked and slow cooker methods. Whether you use a crockpot ham recipe or roast it in the oven, the glaze clings beautifully and forms a delicious crust.
The aroma while baking is irresistible a mix of caramelized sugar, warm spice, and roasted ham that fills the kitchen with comfort.
Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It’s one of those ham recipes for Thanksgiving that guests always ask for after dinner.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Serve it warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or creamy mac and cheese for a complete fall dinner recipe that feels both festive and comforting.

Ingredients

1 (8-10 lb) precooked bone-in ham
1 ½ cups brown sugar, packed
½ cup honey
1 cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnish: pineapple rings and maraschino cherries

Substitution Notes

You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor.
If pineapple juice isn’t available, use orange juice or apple juice.
Dijon mustard can be swapped with spicy brown mustard for more tang.
For a smaller ham, halve the glaze recipe but keep the same ratios.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If your ham is not spiral-sliced, score the surface in a crisscross diamond pattern using a sharp knife. This helps the glaze soak in better and gives a beautiful caramelized finish. Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, apple cider vinegar, and butter. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly into a syrupy glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Brush and Bake

Brush about half of the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure it gets into the scored cuts. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1 hour 45 minutes, basting every 20-30 minutes with more glaze. The gentle, steady baking allows the sugar and honey to create a rich crust while keeping the meat juicy.

Step 4: Caramelize the Glaze

During the final 30 minutes, remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Return to the oven uncovered so the surface can caramelize. The brown sugar will form a sticky, golden shell that gives the ham its signature shine and flavor. If desired, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispness just watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite moist. Slice thinly and spoon a little extra glaze over each serving.

How to Serve

Brown sugar ham is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm as a main dish with mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or buttery dinner rolls. The sweet glaze also pairs beautifully with tangy sides like cranberry sauce or coleslaw. For presentation, arrange slices on a platter, drizzle with leftover glaze, and garnish with pineapple rings and cherries for a festive touch. You can also use leftovers in sandwiches, omelets, or casseroles.

Additional Tips

Always let the ham come to room temperature before baking to ensure even heating.
Baste frequently that’s the secret to building layers of caramelized flavor.
For a deeper flavor, let the ham sit overnight with the first layer of glaze before baking.
Use a meat thermometer; ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F for perfect doneness.
Save the glaze drippings from the pan they make a delicious sauce for serving.

Recipe Variations

Slow Cooker Ham: If you prefer a hands-off method, this variation is perfect for busy holidays. Place the precooked ham into your slow cooker and pour the prepared brown sugar glaze evenly over it. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until the ham is heated through and tender. The glaze will thicken and cling beautifully as it simmers in its own juices. Before serving, baste the ham once more and, if you like a caramelized finish, broil the slices in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This slow cooker ham version is ideal when your oven is full of other Thanksgiving dishes.
Pineapple Ham: This tropical-inspired twist gives a nostalgic, fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of brown sugar. Arrange pineapple rings over the surface of the ham and secure them with toothpicks topped with maraschino cherries. Brush the glaze over the fruit and bake as directed. The pineapples caramelize during baking, creating an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy finish that makes the ham shine on any holiday table. It’s a crowd favorite among ham ideas for Thanksgiving and fall dinner recipes.
Spicy Honey Ham Glaze: For those who enjoy a touch of heat, this variation blends sweetness with spice for a bold flavor profile. Add ½ teaspoon of chili flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the brown sugar glaze. The result is a balanced, sweet-heat glaze that enhances the smoky flavor of the ham while keeping the sweetness intact. This version pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or tangy side salads.
Herb-Infused Glazed Ham: Add depth by stirring 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme into the glaze mixture. The herbs add an earthy aroma that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey. It’s an elegant option for a sophisticated dinner spread or fall-inspired gatherings.
Maple Brown Sugar Ham: Swap out half of the honey for pure maple syrup. The maple flavor deepens the glaze, creating a rich, smoky sweetness that makes the ham taste like something straight out of a gourmet kitchen. It’s one of the best ham recipes baked to perfection for autumn and holiday feasts.
Citrus Brown Sugar Ham: Mix orange zest and a few tablespoons of orange juice into the glaze for a bright, refreshing twist. The citrus cuts through the richness of the ham, giving each bite a lively balance of flavors. It’s a wonderful option for springtime celebrations or Easter brunch.

Each variation showcases how versatile this brown sugar ham recipe can be. Whether you want to keep it classic, fruity, or spicy, every option brings out a new flavor personality while maintaining the same irresistible caramelized crust and juicy tenderness that make this dish unforgettable. You can also try stuffed turkey breast as a main course on Christmas!

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap portions in foil and place in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes, adding a spoonful of glaze to keep it moist.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

Calories: 340
Protein: 26g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 980mg

Final Words

Brown sugar ham is more than just a holiday main course it’s a dish that captures the warmth, generosity, and comfort of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones. Every slice carries a beautiful contrast of flavors: the smoky saltiness of the ham balanced by the buttery sweetness of brown sugar and honey, with just a hint of spice and fruit from the glaze. It’s a recipe that’s both nostalgic and timeless, the kind you’ll want to repeat every Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.

Making this ham at home allows you to control every element from how caramelized you want the crust to how thick and glossy the glaze should be. Once you prepare it yourself, you’ll never want to rely on pre-glazed hams again. This recipe proves that with a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create something worthy of a festive table.

It’s also a dish that keeps on giving. The leftovers can be transformed into ham sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, or even a hearty soup base, ensuring nothing goes to waste. If you’re hosting, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser; if you’re bringing it to a gathering, expect to be asked for the recipe before the night ends.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or preparing your first glazed ham, this brown sugar ham recipe will make you feel confident and proud of your kitchen skills. It delivers that golden, sticky crust and juicy interior every time simple enough for beginners, yet polished enough to impress guests. So set the table, slice into that shimmering ham, and enjoy the way it brings everyone together with one irresistible bite after another.

FAQ’s

Yes, boneless ham works just as well. Just reduce the cooking time by 20–30 minutes since boneless hams heat faster.

Yes. Bake it a day before, cover tightly, and reheat with extra glaze before serving. The flavor often deepens after resting overnight.

Add a tablespoon of pineapple juice or water and reheat gently to thin it out.

You can, but brown sugar provides depth and a caramel note that honey alone won’t achieve.

Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, roasted carrots, or mac and cheese. For freshness, serve with a crisp salad or steamed green beans.