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August 24, 2023Brown Sugar Ham with Glaze
This Brown Sugar Ham with Glaze is the perfect centerpiece for an everyday dinner or the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Glazed Ham Recipes
Whether it’s a festive gathering, a cozy family dinner, or a special celebration, this ham recipe fits the bill, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Prepare for compliments and smiles as your table’s centerpiece becomes a talking point that draws everyone together.
This recipe ensures a juicy ham, thanks to the glaze that enhances flavor and keeps the meat tender and moist during cooking.
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Easy Brown Sugar Ham Ingredients
- 6-8 pound fully-cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
- Zest of half of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Recipe Tips
- Gently score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
- If you don’t have fresh thyme, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- While basting, set aside some of the glaze. Warm it up and drizzle over the sliced ham when serving.

How to make Glazed ham
The first step to making a glazed ham is selecting your ham and starting the baking process. As the ham bakes, follow the directions below to create the glaze.
After 2 hours of baking, remove the pan from the oven. Using a pastry brush, paint the brown sugar glaze over the ham.
Place ham back in the oven uncovered for 20 minutes. Repeat the process for an additional 20 minutes.
How to make a brown sugar glaze
The glaze adds delicious flavoring and a touch of moisture to your meal without requiring complicated cooking techniques.
Combine brown sugar, mustard, orange zest, orange juice, thyme, cayenne, and cloves in a small saucepan.
Cook on medium-high heat, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for five additional minutes to allow flavors to develop.
What is brown sugar glaze made of?
The main ingredient of a brown sugar glaze is brown sugar. The rich flavor variation of a glaze comes from the supporting ingredients.
Our glaze includes the stylings of mustard, orange zest, orange juice, thyme, cayenne pepper and ground cloves.
How do you cook a precooked holiday ham?
A 6-8 pound precooked ham should be cooked in the oven at 320 degrees F for approximately 2 hours.
After two hours, remove the ham from the oven, baste with the brown sugar glaze, and place back in the heat uncovered for 20 minutes.
Repeat the basting process a second round to increase the glaze crust on the ham.
Is ham considered healthy?
Ham contains a healthy dose of protein and iron. It is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Individuals should consider the sodium content of a ham recipe based on their individual dietary needs.
What is the best cooking method for ham without drying it out?
The best tip for cooking ham without drying it out is to be careful not to overcook it.
The best cooking methods for ham are in the oven, slow cooker, or grill.
For general cooking directions, place your ham in a shallow pan, flat-side down, and bake at 325°F for 10 minutes per pound. If your ham is partially cooked, plan on 20 minutes per pound.
Or follow a recipe like this one with small variations.
What can I do with a precooked ham?
A precooked ham can easily be transformed into ham stir-fry with vegetables, ham steaks, ham sandwiches, quesadillas, soups, or a beautiful centerpiece.
Ham is one of the most versatile meats in the meat case.
Leftover ham recipes
Leftover ham is a kitchen staple. Here are a few of our favorite things to do with leftover ham.
Comforting Grandma’s Leftover Ham Soup combines leftover ham with fresh vegetables and Navy beans to create the nostalgic taste of home, just like Grandma used to make.
This simple Ham Stir Fry with Vegetables recipe is loaded with all your favorite Asian flavors and perfect served over rice or noodles.

Ham with Brown Sugar & Thyme Glaze
Ingredients
- 6-8 pound fully-cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- Zest of half of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Arrange the oven rack to its lowest position and pre-heat oven to 325 F.
- Use a sharp knife to score the ham in a diamond pattern, making sure not to go more than ½-inch deep.
- Place the ham flat side down on a rack set in a roasting pan and loosely cover the ham with foil.
- Bake for 2 hours.
- Meanwhile, add the brown sugar, mustard, orange zest, orange juice, thyme, cayenne and cloves to a small saucepan.
- Cook until the brown sugar dissolves and then lower the heat to medium-low and cook for 5 minutes so the flavors can develop. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- After two hours, remove the roasting pan with the ham from the oven and place on the counter. Use a basting or pastry brush to paint the brown sugar glaze all over the ham, making sure to get in-between the diamond patterns.
- Place the ham back in the oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Repeat this process and bake for another 20 minutes.
- The ham is heated through when the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140 degrees F. The glaze will form a delicious crust on the ham and get nice and sticky.
- Remove ham from oven and serve.


