There is something truly magical about a perfectly cooked ham glazed with a sticky, sweet, and slightly tangy topping that instantly turns any gathering into a festive celebration. The Glazed Ham with Orange Honey Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe delivers exactly that kind of flavor experience. With juicy, tender spiral-cut slices kissed by a luscious orange and honey-infused brown sugar glaze, each bite bursts with layers of citrus brightness, rich sweetness, and a hint of savory depth. Whether you’re pulling out all the stops for a holiday feast or simply craving an impressive centerpiece, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that radiates warmth and comfort from the very first slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating a balanced and memorable glaze. From the natural sweetness of honey and brown sugar to the zesty brightness of fresh citrus juices, these ingredients combine effortlessly to elevate the flavor and appearance of your ham.
- Fully-cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham (7 to 10 pounds): The heart of the dish, providing tender, flavorful meat that will soak up the glaze beautifully.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel-like sweetness that caramelizes perfectly during baking.
- Honey (1/2 cup): Brings floral notes and a sticky texture that helps create that gorgeous shiny glaze.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice (1/2 cup): Infuses vibrant citrus flavor and balances sweetness with acidity.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Enhances brightness and adds complexity to the glaze.
- Whole grain Dijon mustard (3 tablespoons): Offers subtle tang and texture that cut through the sweetness.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of umami depth and savory contrast.
- Garlic cloves, smashed (3): Bring aromatic warmth to the glaze.
- Fresh thyme sprigs (2): Infuse herbal notes that complement the citrus and honey.
- Freshly-ground coarse black pepper (to taste, about ½ teaspoon or more): Provides a spicy kick to balance the glaze’s sweetness.
How to Make Glazed Ham with Orange Honey Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Ham and Oven
Start by taking your spiral-cut ham out of the refrigerator about an hour before cooking to let it reach room temperature—this ensures even heating. Meanwhile, set your oven to 325°F and position the rack in the center. Use foil to line a roasting pan or lightly coat it with nonstick spray to make cleanup a breeze. This prep sets the stage for perfectly baked ham and a flawless glaze.
Step 2: Making the Orange Honey Brown Sugar Glaze
In a medium saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, honey, freshly squeezed orange and lemon juices, whole grain Dijon mustard, soy sauce, smashed garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, and a generous amount of coarse black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens slightly and the aromas fill your kitchen. Remove the thyme sprigs and garlic cloves to keep only the smooth glaze for basting.
Step 3: Initial Baking of the Ham
Unwrap the ham and discard any packaging. Place it cut side down in the prepared roasting pan and loosely cover it with foil. Bake it for approximately 12 to 15 minutes per pound. During this phase, your ham will gently warm through without drying out. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding the bone) until it reads about 100°F, signaling it’s time to begin glazing.
Step 4: Basting with the Glaze and Finishing the Bake
Once your ham hits that initial temperature, it’s time to get to the fun part: basting. Brush the warm orange honey brown sugar glaze all over the ham every 20 minutes, returning it to the oven between bastings and keeping it loosely covered with foil. Continue until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. If the glaze begins to darken too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. For a final touch of caramelization, you can remove the foil and turn the oven to 400°F or switch to broil for just 1 to 3 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t scorch.
Step 5: Resting and Serving
After baking, let the ham rest for about 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This step guarantees juicy slices every time. Just before carving, brush remaining glaze over the top and even between slices for extra flavor and shine. Spoon some delicious pan drippings over the ham for that irresistible finishing touch, then slice and enjoy!
How to Serve Glazed Ham with Orange Honey Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To make your glazed ham standout visually and flavor-wise, consider garnishing with thin orange slices or some fresh thyme sprigs. The bright orange slices echo the glaze’s citrus notes, while thyme adds a touch of earthiness that complements the glaze’s sweet-savory complexity. A sprinkle of coarse black pepper on top can add just enough punch for your guests to appreciate every bite.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs beautifully with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh green bean almondine. Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows or cranberry sauce also amplifies the festive feel. These sides provide diverse textures and flavors that balance out the ham’s rich and tangy glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting your glazed ham can be just as delightful as making it. Arrange the spiral-cut slices in a fanned-out circle on a large platter, drizzle with warmed glaze and pan juices, and place citrus wedges for pops of color. Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs can elevate the elegance. Consider serving with small ramekins of extra glaze or mustard for guests to customize their slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, wrap any leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Properly stored, sliced ham will stay tasty for up to 4 to 5 days. Keeping it well covered helps preserve moisture and prevents it from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover glazed ham by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then placing it in a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen ham retains the best quality for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to maintain that tender texture.
Reheating
Reheat your ham slices gently in a covered baking dish at 275°F, adding a splash of water or leftover glaze to keep them moist. Covering the dish with foil during reheating ensures the ham warms evenly without drying out. For a quick option, microwave slices covered with a damp paper towel on medium power in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ham for this glaze?
Absolutely! While this glaze is designed for a spiral-cut ham, it works wonderfully on other fully cooked hams, such as boneless or bone-in roasts. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for size and shape.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently before applying to the ham during baking to ensure it’s warm enough to glaze effectively.
What if I don’t have fresh oranges or lemons?
Fresh juice really brightens the glaze, but you can substitute bottled 100% orange and lemon juice in a pinch. The flavor might be slightly less vibrant, so consider adding a pinch of orange or lemon zest if available.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Keep a close eye on the ham once you start basting. If the glaze darkens too fast, tent the ham loosely with foil to shield it from direct heat. Using the broiler at the end is optional and should be done quickly with constant watching.
Can I double the glaze for extra coverage?
Yes, doubling glaze ingredients is fine if you prefer more of that glossy, sticky coating. Just keep in mind it may take a bit longer to cook if the glaze layer is thicker, so monitor your ham carefully.
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Ham with Orange Honey Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes that feel like a big warm hug around the holidays or any special occasion. The simple ingredients come together effortlessly to produce a ham that boasts tender meat and a zingy-sweet glaze that guests will be talking about long after the meal is over. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—it’s a spectacular way to celebrate good times and good company with a meal that tastes as joyful as it looks.
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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: 12-16 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This glazed ham recipe features a fully-cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham coated with a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, honey, fresh citrus juices, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic, thyme, and black pepper. Baked gently in the oven with periodic basting to develop a caramelized and flavorful crust, this dish makes a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings or holiday meals, serving 12 to 16 people wonderfully.
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 (recommend at least a generous ½ teaspoon or more)
Instructions
- Bring Ham to Room Temperature: Remove the ham from the refrigerator about an hour before baking to let it come to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking. Preheat your oven to 325°F and position the rack in the center. Line a roasting pan with foil or spray it with nonstick spray to prepare for the ham.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, smashed garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently until the glaze slightly thickens and becomes fragrant. Remove from heat and discard the thyme sprigs and garlic cloves before using.
- Initial Baking: Unwrap the ham, discarding any packaging. Place the ham cut-side down in your prepared roasting pan and cover it loosely with foil. Bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes per pound, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (avoiding bone) reaches about 100°F.
- Basting and Final Cooking: Starting now, baste the ham with the warm glaze every 20 minutes, keeping it loosely tented with foil between bastings to prevent drying. Continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. If the glaze begins to burn, tent the ham with foil loosely. For extra caramelization, you can remove the foil toward the end and increase the oven temperature to 400°F or broil for 1 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the ham to rest for 20 minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute. Before slicing, brush with any remaining glaze, making sure to get some glaze between the slices. Spoon a bit of pan drippings on top for extra flavor and serve. Enjoy your beautifully glazed ham!
Notes
- Bringing the ham to room temperature before baking ensures even cooking.
- Basting frequently creates a glossy, flavorful crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperatures—do not rely on time alone.
- Loosely tenting with foil prevents the glaze from burning while allowing caramelization.
- Resting the ham after cooking keeps it moist and tender.
- Adjust broiling time carefully to avoid burning the glaze during final caramelization.
