Whether you are serving a second centerpiece meat alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or hosting a grand Christmas or Easter banquet, nothing draws oohs and aahs quite like a glistening, caramelized spiral ham. This foolproof brown sugar glazed ham recipe transforms a simple store-bought spiral-sliced ham into an unforgettable gourmet feast. Simmered on the stovetop in five minutes with dark brown sugar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, fresh orange juice, warm spices, and an optional splash of bourbon, the sticky glaze bakes into every single slice for sweet-and-savory perfection.
Why This Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe Never Dries Out
Because spiral-sliced city hams come fully cooked from the butcher, the biggest mistake home cooks make is baking them uncovered at high heat until the edges turn tough and leathery. This brown sugar glazed ham recipe uses a two-stage baking method: first, we warm the ham gently at 325°F tightly sealed in foil with a splash of orange juice or apple cider so the interior stays buttery-tender and succulent; then, we uncover the ham, brush on generous coats of spiced brown sugar glaze between the spiral slices, and broil briefly for a sticky, crackling amber crust.
Even better, every ingredient in this homemade glaze is naturally 100% gluten-free (discard the mystery foil glaze packet that comes with the ham!), making it a crown jewel on our gluten free Thanksgiving recipes table. Pair it with creamy corn casserole, Southern baked mac and cheese, and roasted garlic Parmesan asparagus.
Ingredients for the Best Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe
Skip the artificial packet that comes in the wrapper and whip up this aromatic stovetop glaze in minutes:
- Bone-In Spiral-Sliced Half Ham (8 to 10 lbs): Choose a fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut city ham (shank or butt end). The bone adds tremendous flavor and moisture during baking.
- Dark Brown Sugar & Pure Maple Syrup: Packed dark brown sugar provides rich molasses depth while pure maple syrup (or honey) creates that signature glossy, lacquered sheen.
- Dijon Mustard & Whole-Grain Mustard: Tangy mustard cuts through the sweetness and helps emulsify the melted butter into a thick, clingy glaze.
- Fresh Orange Juice & Zest (or Pineapple Juice): Bright citrus acidity wakes up the rich smoky pork and steams the ham gently in the roasting pan.
- Bourbon or Apple Cider (Optional): Two tablespoons of Kentucky bourbon (or spiced apple cider for alcohol-free) adds smoky vanilla caramel notes.
- Warm Holiday Spices: Ground cinnamon, ground cloves, allspice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Caramelized Spiral Crust
Follow these simple steps for the juiciest holiday ham you have ever carved:
- Prep and Foil-Wrap the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the spiral ham from its packaging (discard the plastic disk covering the bone and the store-bought glaze packet). Place the ham flat-side (cut-side) down in a large roasting pan lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Pour 1/2 cup of orange juice or apple cider into the bottom of the pan and tent the ham tightly with foil so no steam can escape.
- Gentle Steam-Bake: Bake covered at 325°F for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (about 12 minutes per pound) until the internal temperature reaches 125°F.
- Simmer the Brown Sugar Glaze: While the ham warms, combine the dark brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, orange juice, orange zest, bourbon (or cider), cinnamon, cloves, and garlic powder in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, whisking often, until thickened to a warm syrup consistency.
- Glaze and Caramelize at 400°F: Remove the ham from the oven, increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), and peel back the top foil. Using a pastry brush, brush half of the warm glaze all over the exterior of the ham, fanning the spiral slices slightly so the sticky glaze drips down between the layers.
- Final Glaze & Broil: Bake uncovered at 400°F for 15 minutes, brush with the remaining glaze (plus pan juices), and bake 10 minutes more until the crust is deeply caramelized and bubbling (140°F internal temp). Let rest 15 minutes before slicing!
Pro Tips for Leftover Ham & Holiday Serving
Make the most of your holiday centerpiece with these smart tips:
- Place Cut-Side Down: Always bake a spiral-sliced ham flat-side down rather than on its side; otherwise, the pre-cut slices fan open and dry out in the oven heat.
- Save the Ham Bone: Never toss the glazed ham bone! Freeze it or simmer it the next day with split peas, white beans, or potato soup for incredible smoky richness.
Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Holiday Ham (Caramelized)
Bake a succulent, caramelized spiral holiday ham with this 5-minute brown sugar glazed ham recipe featuring maple syrup, Dijon mustard, orange zest, and warm spices.
Equipment
- Large roasting pan
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Medium saucepan
- Silicone basting brush
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the spiral-sliced ham flat-side down in a foil-lined roasting pan. Pour 1/2 cup orange juice or apple cider into the bottom of the pan and seal the ham tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- 2Bake covered at 325°F for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (about 12 minutes per pound) until warmed through (125°F internal temperature).
- 3Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the dark brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons orange juice, orange zest, bourbon (or apple cider), cinnamon, cloves, and garlic powder. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
- 4Remove ham from oven, uncover, and raise oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Brush half of the warm brown sugar glaze all over the ham and in between the spiral slices.
- 5Bake uncovered at 400°F for 15 minutes. Brush with the remaining glaze and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbling, sticky, and deeply caramelized (internal temperature 140°F).
- 6Let rest for 15 minutes, spooning the caramelized pan juices over the slices before serving.
Notes
- Alcohol-Free Option: Simply swap the 2 tablespoons of bourbon for apple cider, pineapple juice, or extra orange juice.
- Gluten-Free Guarantee: Most whole spiral hams are naturally gluten-free, though you should always discard the commercial glaze packet included in the wrapper (which often contains wheat starch) and use this scratch glaze instead.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American / Southern
Servings: 14
Keyword: brown sugar glazed ham recipe, baked spiral ham glaze, honey brown sugar ham glaze, holiday glazed ham
