Spiral-cut ham with a caramelized brown sugar and mustard glaze
Brown Sugar Glazed Christmas Ham
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
1 hr 30 min
Total Time
1 hr 40 min
Servings
16
1 whole ham
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Brown Sugar Glazed Christmas Ham
Spiral-cut ham with a caramelized brown sugar and mustard glaze
★4.5(22)
A stunning spiral-cut ham coated in a sweet, tangy brown sugar and mustard glaze that caramelizes into a sticky, lacquered exterior. The ultimate holiday centerpiece that feeds a crowd.
10m
Prep Time
90m
Cook Time
100m
Total Time
16
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This glazed ham takes a pre-cooked spiral ham and elevates it with a homemade glaze that is basted on repeatedly during baking. The result is a deeply caramelized, sweet-savory masterpiece.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 spiral-cut bone-in ham (8-10 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- 1
Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 325°F for 1 hour.
- 2
Whisk together brown sugar, mustard, honey, vinegar, and cloves until smooth.
- 3
Remove foil from ham. Brush generously with half the glaze, getting between the spiral slices.
- 4
Continue baking uncovered for 30 minutes, basting with remaining glaze every 10-15 minutes.
- 5
Rest for 15 minutes before transferring to a serving platter. Spoon pan juices over the ham.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Brown sugarMaple syrup (3/4 cup)
A refined, less sweet glaze with earthy maple notes
Dijon mustardWhole grain mustard
Adds visible mustard seeds and a slightly milder tang
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Score the fat in a diamond pattern if using a non-spiral ham to help the glaze penetrate.
Place pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on the ham with toothpicks for a retro presentation.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate sliced ham in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a 300°F oven covered with foil and a splash of the pan juices for 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (85mg) · 16 servings
Calories340
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates12g
Fat18g
Fiber1200mg
Sugar0g
Sodium16g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the ham already cooked?
- Yes, spiral-cut hams are fully cooked. You are reheating and glazing, not cooking from raw.
- What do I do with leftovers?
- Ham makes excellent sandwiches, quiches, soups, and fried rice throughout the week.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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