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Perfect Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Easy Easter Dinner Recipe

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This brown sugar glazed ham for Easter dinner is a happy accident turned into a foolproof showstopper. With a caramelized crust and tender, juicy meat, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in, fully cooked ham (spiral-cut or whole)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup pineapple juice or apple juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Position the rack in the lower third of the oven. Take the ham out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. If your ham has a thick layer of skin or rind, score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. Place the ham cut-side down on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of pineapple or apple juice into the bottom of the pan.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, ground cloves, and black pepper. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
  4. Using a basting brush, spread half the glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  5. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil, tenting it so the foil doesn’t touch the glaze. Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes. After 45 minutes, baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the pan.
  6. After 1 hour 15 minutes, remove the foil. Brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C).
  7. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and roast for 15-20 minutes more, watching closely to prevent burning. The glaze should be bubbling, dark golden, and slightly sticky.
  8. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. It should read 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham. If not, return to the oven for 5-10 minute intervals.
  9. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 15-20 minutes, tented loosely with foil. Carve against the grain into thin slices and spoon pan juices over the top before serving.

Notes

For best results, choose a ham that is not pre-glazed. If using a spiral-cut ham, the glaze will seep into the slices beautifully. Let the ham rest before carving to allow juices to redistribute. Watch the sugar closely during the final caramelization step to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar glazed ham, Easter dinner, ham recipe, holiday ham, glazed ham

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