Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Honey Glaze Recipe

This Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Honey Glaze Recipe is a classic and succulent recipe, which features bone-in smoked ham and a sticky honey-sugar coating. It’s the traditional centerpiece for Easter or Christmas, ready in about 4 hours.

Jump to Recipe

Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Honey Glaze Recipe Ingredients

The Ham

• 1 (10-pound) bone-in smoked ham (look for “water added” or “in natural juices”)

The Glaze

• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup clover honey (or any mild honey)

How To Make Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Honey Glaze Recipe

1. Prep the oven: Adjust your oven racks to accommodate a large roasting pan. You usually need to lower the rack to the bottom third. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Fit the roasting pan with a shallow roasting rack to lift the ham off the bottom.
2. Rinse and Wrap: Remove the packaging from the ham. Rinse the ham under cold water to remove any excess salty brine from the surface. Pat it dry with paper towels. Place the ham on the rack in the roasting pan. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
3. First Bake (Steaming): Bake the ham for 1 hour and 40 minutes. This initial covered baking period steams the ham, ensuring the interior gets hot without drying out the exterior.
4. Make the Glaze: While the ham bakes, combine the packed light brown sugar and clover honey in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth, liquid, and the sugar granules have completely dissolved. Remove from heat.
5. Glaze and Roast: Remove the ham from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Pour the warm brown sugar glaze evenly over the ham. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered. Continue roasting for another 1 hour and 40 minutes.
6. Baste: During this second roasting phase, open the oven door at least twice to baste the ham with the drippings accumulating in the bottom of the roaster. This builds up layers of flavor and creates a shiny, lacquered crust.
7. Check Doneness: Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham (ensure it is in a meaty spot, not touching the bone or fat). It should register 160 degrees F (71°C).
8. Rest: Remove the ham from the oven. Let it stand for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to set and makes carving much easier. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

• Calculating Cook Time: The general rule for a bone-in smoked ham at 350°F is roughly 20 minutes per pound. If your ham is smaller or larger than 10 pounds, adjust the total time accordingly.
• Scoring the Fat: Although not strictly required, using a sharp knife to score a diamond pattern into the fat layer before glazing helps the sauce penetrate deeper and looks beautiful on the table.
• Rinsing is Key: Do not skip the rinsing step. Smoked hams can be incredibly salty. Rinsing the surface balances the sodium so the sweet glaze can shine without being overpowering.
• Thermometer Placement: Hams heat unevenly because of the bone. Check the temperature in two or three different spots to ensure the center is fully heated to 160°F.
• Preventing Burning: If the sugar glaze starts to darken too much before the internal temperature is reached, tent a piece of foil loosely over the top of the ham to protect it.

What To Serve With Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Honey Glaze Recipe

The salty-sweet profile of ham pairs perfectly with creamy and acidic sides.

• Scalloped Potatoes: The creamy cheese balances the salty meat.
• Roasted Asparagus: Or green beans for a fresh crunch.
• Pineapple Casserole: A classic Southern sweet-savory pairing.
• Deviled Eggs: A staple appetizer for ham dinners.

How To Store Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Honey Glaze Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftover sliced ham in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Reheat slices in a skillet with a little water or glaze to prevent drying out. You can also wrap slices in foil and heat in the oven.
• Freeze: Ham freezes exceptionally well. Dice leftovers for soups or freeze slices for sandwiches. Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Tip: Save the bone! Freeze it to flavor bean soups or collard greens later.

Baked Ham with Brown Sugar-Honey Glaze Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 1400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 35g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 12-14 servings).

FAQs