Easy Brown Sugar Ham
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 35 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 55 mins
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Servings
12 servings
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Course
Main Course
Easy Brown Sugar Ham
Description
Easy Brown Sugar Ham combines the smokiness of a bone-in, cooked ham with a rich, sweet-spiced glaze made from brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, mustard, fresh thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, and cloves. The ham is scored in a diamond pattern to help the glaze seep into the surface, creating a glossy, caramelized crust as it roasts at a moderate temperature over two and a half hours. Periodically brushing the ham intensifies the sweet and aromatic coating, offering a balance of savory and subtle spice notes.
The resulting ham is moist with a sticky exterior that contrasts with the tender meat beneath. After resting, it slices easily for serving and works well as a centerpiece for festive dinners or family gatherings. Accompanying sides such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes complement this ham's flavor profile.
This recipe requires planning ahead due to the length of time needed to heat the ham through and glaze it properly. Monitoring the internal temperature ensures the ham is thoroughly warmed to safe serving temperature without drying out. The combination of fresh herbs and warm spices adds depth and freshness to the sweet glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-lb) ham at room temperature, bone-in, fully cooked, smoked
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon thyme chopped fresh leaves
- 1 tablespoon rosemary chopped, fresh
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cloves ground
- black pepper to taste, freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Using paper towels, pat ham dry. Using a sharp knife, score the top side of the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, mustard, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, cloves and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Place ham, cut side down, onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush evenly with 1/2 cup brown sugar mixture.
- Place into oven, brushing with remaining brown sugar mixture every 30 minutes, until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 140 degrees F, about 2 hours 30 minutes. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve immediately.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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