Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Total Time
2 hrs 40 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
408 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Description
The Spiral Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze recipe uses an 8-pound spiral-cut, bone-in ham as the base. The glaze combines butter, brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg, gently simmered to a syrupy consistency. Half of the glaze is applied before covering and baking the ham at 350°F for two hours, allowing the meat to heat through and the flavors to penetrate.
After the initial baking, the ham is uncovered, brushed with the remaining glaze, and baked at a higher temperature (400°F) to caramelize and brown the glaze, creating a sticky, flavorful crust. This finishing step enhances the ham's color and adds a sweet-spiced character. The ham is then garnished with fresh herbs and fruit for aroma and visual appeal, and pan drippings are spooned over for added moisture.
This dish is suitable for festive meals or gatherings, providing a ready-sliced main that offers both convenience and rich flavors. An internal temperature of 145°F ensures safe temperature and optimal juiciness. The glaze's potential to harden means it is best prepared close to serving time, with reheating encouraged if needed.
Ingredients
- 8 lb ham bone-in, spiral cut
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- cooking spray
- herbs optional, fresh, for garnish
- Fruit optional, fresh, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a large baking dish with cooking spray.
- Add the butter, brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg to a medium sized pan. Place the pan over medium heat.
- Bring the pan to a simmer and cook for 4-6 minutes or until glaze is syrupy.
- Place the ham in the baking dish and pour half of the glaze over the top. Cover the ham tightly with foil. Reserve the other half of the glaze for later use.
- Bake the ham for 2 hours, then uncover the ham.
- Brush the remaining glaze over the ham. If the glaze has started to harden you can liquefy it by microwaving it for 30 seconds.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
- Place the ham, uncovered, in the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes or until glaze is caramelized and browned.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter, then garnish with fresh herbs and fruit as desired. Spoon the pan drippings over the ham. Slice the ham, then serve.
Notes
- Use a probe thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the ham to monitor and ensure it reaches 145°F internal temperature.
- Make the glaze shortly before use; it hardens if refrigerated ahead of time but can be loosened by microwaving for 20–30 seconds.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 408 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 408kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 100mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 755mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 373mg | 8% |
| Sugar | 36g | 72% |
| Vitamin A | 355IU | 7% |
| Calcium | 34mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.