Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham

Last Saturday, after a busy day of juggling kids' activities and a trip to the farmer's market, Donald requested a hearty meal. I decided to make my Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham—a family favorite that never fails to bring us all together at the table. This recipe's magic lies in its simplicity; everything about it spells love and warmth. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, making it an essential during the holidays or lazy weekends. If you're intrigued by more of Anna’s favorites, do check out Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham

Why you’ll love this recipe

This Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham will quickly win your heart and your family’s too! With its sweet and tangy glaze, the ham turns out beautifully caramelized on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. It’s a lifesaver whenever you're hosting because you can prepare it with minimal fuss, and it delivers maximum taste. Even my picky eater Sarah gives it two thumbs up every time.

Ingredients

8-10 pound bone-in cooked ham
½ cup water
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup honey
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
4 cloves garlic

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and arrange a rack in the lower third. Remove any plastic packaging or netting from the ham. Trim away the rind and discard. Set the ham aside to rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
Line a baking tray or dish with aluminium foil or parchment paper. Score a 1-inch-wide diamond pattern over the entire ham, cutting no more than ¼ inch deep. Place the ham in the baking tray, pour ⅓ cup of water into the base, cover with foil or parchment paper, and bake for 30 minutes.
Heat the butter in a small pot over medium heat until golden browned. Add the brown sugar, honey, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves, stirring until the brown sugar dissolves (about 2 minutes).
Reduce heat to low and add the garlic. Cook for a further minute or two until the glaze is fragrant and begins to simmer. Set aside to cool to lukewarm.
After 30 minutes baking time, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Discard the foil or parchment paper, pour ⅓ of the glaze over the ham, and brush it into the cuts. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven, brush with another third of the glaze and some pan juices, and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Repeat this process until a dark golden-brown crust forms (about 30 minutes total).
If the crust is still pink, turn on the broiler and broil for 2-5 minutes, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.

Recipe tips & variations

One thing I’ve discovered over the years is to let the glaze cool just enough to thicken but still spread easily. This ensures it adheres well to the ham. You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different twist, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash of chili powder for a hint of heat.

Storage & reheating

You can keep any leftover ham wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

How do you make sure the brown sugar mustard glaze sticks well to the ham?
To ensure the glaze sticks, make sure your ham is scored properly, and the glaze has slightly cooled to thicken up before brushing it over.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time for this ham recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just warm it back to a brushable consistency before using.

How do I keep the ham juicy and prevent it from drying out while baking?
The key is in the initial low-and-slow cooking followed by periodic basting with the glaze and pan juices. This helps lock in the moisture.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover glazed ham without losing flavor?
Gently reheat in the oven at a low temperature, wrapped in foil to keep the moisture locked in.

Recipes you may like

Cooking should never feel intimidating, even with a dish as impressive as this one. Remember, it’s all about sharing love through food, and sometimes that means enjoying the process just as much as the result. Happy cooking!