If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece that brings together tangy, sweet, and savory flavors in one glorious bite, this Glazed Ham with Orange Honey Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a perfectly spiral-cut ham, glazed with a luscious mixture of brown sugar, honey, and fresh citrus juices, infused with a touch of Dijon mustard and fragrant herbs. Each slice melts with a caramelized coating that’s sticky yet balanced, brightened by orange and lemon, and seasoned with just the right amount of peppery kick. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds and the secret behind your succulent ham.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating a well-rounded, flavorful glaze that perfectly complements the savory ham. From the deep sweetness of brown sugar to the fresh citrus zing and aromatic thyme, every component adds a layer of taste, texture, or aroma.
- Fully-cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham (7 to 10 pounds): Choose a high-quality ham with a nice spiral cut to make slicing simple and presentation elegant.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Provides rich sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramelized crust.
- Honey (1/2 cup): Adds natural sweetness and a smooth, sticky texture to the glaze.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice (1/2 cup): Brings bright citrus notes that cut through the sweetness and add freshness.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Enhances the glaze’s tanginess and balances the richness.
- Whole grain Dijon mustard (3 tablespoons): Offers a subtle sharpness and texture contrast that elevate the glaze’s complexity.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Introduces umami depth and a slight saltiness to round out flavors.
- Garlic cloves (3, smashed): Infuses gentle pungency and warmth without overpowering.
- Fresh thyme sprigs (2): Provide a fragrant herbal lift and complement the citrus beautifully.
- Freshly-ground coarse black pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle spicy bite that balances the glaze; aim for at least a generous ½ teaspoon.
How to Make Glazed Ham with Orange Honey Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
First things first, take your ham out of the fridge about an hour before baking—that way it comes up to room temperature and cooks evenly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F and position the oven rack in the center. Line your roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup or use a nonstick spray to make sure nothing sticks as this glaze caramelizes beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Orange Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, lemon juice, whole grain Dijon mustard, soy sauce, smashed garlic cloves, fresh thyme sprigs, and freshly-ground black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir frequently until it thickens slightly and fills your kitchen with that incredible sweet-spicy aroma. Once ready, remove the thyme and garlic to keep the glaze silky smooth.
Step 3: Start Baking the Ham
Unwrap the ham and discard any packaging. Place the ham cut-side down in your prepared roasting pan and loosely cover it with foil to maintain moisture. Bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes per pound until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (away from the bone) reads about 100°F. This gentle warming sets the stage for glazing and finishing the cooking.
Step 4: Glaze and Continue Baking
Begin brushing the ham with your warm orange honey brown sugar glaze every 20 minutes, making sure to tent loosely with foil between bastings. Continue baking and basting until the ham’s internal temperature hits 140°F. Keep an eye on the glaze—if it starts to burn, shield the top with foil. If you want extra caramelized edges, remove the foil near the end and crank the oven up to 400°F or briefly broil for 1 to 3 minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning. That golden crust is pure magic!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once your ham reaches the perfect temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Brush on any remaining glaze, making sure to get some between slices, and spoon a little pan drippings over the top for an extra glossy finish. This step ensures every bite is as moist and flavorful as possible. Get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Glazed Ham with Orange Honey Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A beautiful garnish can elevate your presentation and add a fresh contrast to the sweet, rich ham. Fresh citrus slices like oranges or lemons echo the flavors in the glaze and brighten the platter visually. Sprigs of thyme or rosemary add a rustic seasonal touch and offer subtle herbal aroma while you serve.
Side Dishes
This glazed ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Sweet potatoes bring complementary sweetness, while a tangy cranberry sauce adds a festive pop. Don’t forget warm dinner rolls to soak up every drop of that delicious glaze!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve slices nestled between hearty artisan bread with a slather of whole grain mustard for a gourmet ham sandwich. Alternatively, chop leftover ham and toss into scrambled eggs or a grain bowl for next-day meals that keep the celebration going. Displaying the ham on a large wooden board with fruit and nuts creates an inviting centerpiece that guests can admire before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 to 5 days. This ensures the ham stays moist and flavorful so you can enjoy it without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep the ham longer, slice it and freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers. This keeps the texture intact, allowing easy portioning for up to 2 months. It’s a lifesaver for quick meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat, cover slices with foil and warm gently in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness. For best results, brush with a little extra glaze or drippings to keep the ham moist. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use this glaze on other types of ham?
Absolutely! This orange honey brown sugar glaze works wonderfully on both spiral-cut hams and whole bone-in hams. It also pairs nicely with smaller ham steaks or even pork roasts, adding a bright and sweet finish.
Do I need to baste the ham the whole time it’s cooking?
Basting every 20 minutes after the initial cooking phase is key to building up that beautiful glossy glaze. It keeps the ham moist and ensures the sugar caramelizes evenly without burning.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Gently warm it before applying to the ham to get it nice and syrupy again. This saves time on the day of your feast.
What if I don’t have fresh citrus juice?
Fresh juice really brightens the glaze, but in a pinch, high-quality bottled orange and lemon juice can work. Just avoid any with added sugar or preservatives for the cleanest flavor.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Keep an eye on the ham and if the glaze starts getting too dark, tent foil over the top to protect it. You can also shorten the broiling time or reduce the final high-heat caramelization step to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and festive about a beautifully glazed ham, and this Glazed Ham with Orange Honey Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe hits every note perfectly. Its balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors along with luscious caramelization makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how effortlessly it turns an ordinary ham into a memorable meal full of warmth and joy. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Glazed Ham with Orange Honey Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 16 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Glazed Ham recipe features a succulent, spiral-cut ham basted with a rich and flavorful glaze made from brown sugar, honey, citrus juices, Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs. The ham is baked to perfection, resulting in a tender, juicy centerpiece ideal for holidays or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 fully-cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham (7 to 10 pounds)
Glaze
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- Freshly-ground coarse black pepper, to taste (recommended at least 1/2 teaspoon or more)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and ham: Remove the ham from the refrigerator about an hour before baking to bring it to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and position the rack in the center. Line a roasting pan with foil or spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice, whole grain Dijon mustard, soy sauce, smashed garlic cloves, fresh thyme sprigs, and coarse black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze is slightly thickened and aromatic. Remove from heat and discard the thyme sprigs and garlic cloves before using.
- Prepare the ham for baking: Unwrap the ham and discard any packaging. Place the ham cut-side down in the prepared roasting pan. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake and baste the ham: Bake the ham for approximately 12 to 15 minutes per pound until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding the bone) reads about 100°F (38°C). Beginning at this point, baste the ham every 20 minutes with the warm glaze, loosely tenting the foil between bastings to avoid burning. Continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). If the glaze begins to burn, cover the ham loosely with foil. For extra caramelization near the end, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) or broil for 1 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Let the ham rest for 20 minutes after baking. During this time, brush the ham with any remaining glaze, getting some between the slices, and drizzle a bit of the pan drippings over the top before serving. Enjoy your flavorful glazed ham!
Notes
- Bring the ham to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures and avoid overcooking.
- Loosely tent with foil when baking to prevent the glaze from burning.
- Optional final broil adds caramelization—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Allow the ham to rest after baking to redistribute juices for optimal tenderness.
