Brown Sugar Glazed Ham (Easy Christmas Ham Recipe)
This brown sugar glazed ham is the easiest way to put a showstopper on the Christmas table. You start with a fully cooked spiral ham, warm it gently in the oven, and finish it with a sticky glaze made from brown sugar, honey, mustard and orange juice. Most of the time is hands-off, so you can get on with the sides.
Why you will love this glazed ham
- Starts with a fully cooked ham. You are only warming it through and adding the glaze.
- 5-ingredient glaze made in one small pan in 5 minutes.
- Feeds a crowd. One 8 to 10 pound ham serves 14 to 16 people, with leftovers.
- Mostly hands-off. The oven does the work while you make the sides.
It is the star of our easy Christmas dinner ideas menu, and this is the full recipe.
What you need
- Ham: one fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham, 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kg). Check the label says “fully cooked”.
- Brown sugar: light or dark, packed.
- Honey: adds shine and helps the glaze stick.
- Dijon mustard: a little tang to balance the sweet.
- Orange juice: fresh or from a carton.
- Ground cloves: just a pinch for that classic holiday flavor. Cinnamon works too.
How to make the brown sugar glaze
Stir 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons orange juice and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the sugar melts and the glaze is smooth and glossy. Take it off the heat. It thickens as it cools.
How to bake glazed ham
- Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Take the ham out of the fridge about 1 hour before baking.
- Prepare the pan. Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan. Add 1/2 cup of water to the pan and cover the ham tightly with foil so it does not dry out.
- Warm it through. Bake about 12 to 15 minutes per pound, until a thermometer in the thickest part (not touching the bone) reads 120°F (49°C). For a 9 pound ham this takes about 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Glaze. Turn the oven up to 400°F (200°C). Remove the foil and brush half the glaze all over the ham, letting it run between the slices.
- Caramelize. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, brushing with the rest of the glaze halfway, until sticky and golden and the center reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Rest and serve. Let the ham rest 15 minutes, then spoon the pan juices over the slices.
A fully cooked ham from a USDA-inspected plant should be reheated to 140°F. Leftover or repackaged ham should reach 165°F. See the FoodSafety.gov safe temperature chart for details.
Tips for the best glazed ham
- Do not skip the foil. Spiral hams dry out fast. Keep them covered until the glaze goes on.
- Glaze at the end. Sugar burns if it bakes too long. Add it only for the last 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use a thermometer. It is the only sure way to know the ham is hot all the way through.
- Bone-in is best. It stays juicier, and you can use the bone for soup later.
What to serve with glazed ham
Glazed ham goes with all the classic holiday sides. Try creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, honey garlic roasted carrots, dinner rolls and something from our easy Thanksgiving side dishes list. Start the party with a cranberry baked brie and finish with a plate of easy Christmas cookies.
Leftovers and storage
- Wrap leftover ham well and keep it in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Use leftovers in sandwiches, omelets, fried rice, pasta or bean soup.
- Reheat slices covered in a low oven with a splash of water until steaming hot (165°F).
Frequently asked questions
How long do I cook a fully cooked spiral ham?
About 12 to 15 minutes per pound at 325°F, covered, until the center reaches 120°F. Then glaze and bake uncovered at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until it reaches 140°F.
How much ham do I need per person?
Plan on about 1/2 to 3/4 pound of bone-in ham per person. A 9 pound ham feeds 14 to 16 people with some leftovers.
Can I make the glaze ahead?
Yes. Make it up to 3 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Warm it gently before brushing it on.
Can I cook glazed ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, if your ham fits. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, then brush on the glaze and broil or bake for a few minutes to caramelize the top.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Ingredients
Method
- Take the ham out of the fridge 1 hour before baking. Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan, add 1/2 cup water and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake 12 to 15 minutes per pound, until the center (not touching the bone) reaches 120°F (49°C). About 1 hour 50 minutes for a 9 lb ham.
- Meanwhile, simmer the brown sugar, honey, mustard, orange juice and cloves in a small saucepan for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth.
- Turn the oven to 400°F (200°C). Uncover the ham and brush with half the glaze.
- Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes, brushing with the rest of the glaze halfway, until caramelized and the center reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Rest 15 minutes, then slice and spoon the pan juices over the top.
Notes
- Only use a ham labeled fully cooked. Reheat to 140°F; leftover or repackaged ham to 165°F.
- The glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead.
- Leftovers keep 3 to 5 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
This recipe was developed with the help of AI tools and reviewed before publishing. It may not have been independently kitchen-tested — use your judgment, check for allergens, and cook to safe temperatures. See our AI Content Disclosure. Spotted an issue? Tell us.
