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Easy Brown Sugar Ham

Sweet and Savory Easy Brown Sugar Ham for Delightful Holidays

This Easy Brown Sugar Ham combines sweet and savory flavors, making it the perfect centerpiece for holiday feasts.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Ham
  • 8 lb Bone-in Ham Use a fully cooked, smoked ham for the best flavor and juiciness.
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar Adds a delightful sweetness that caramelizes into a rich glaze.
  • ½ cup Pineapple Juice Contributes tanginess; swap with orange juice for a refreshing twist!
  • ¼ cup Honey Enhances sweetness and creates a glossy finish on the ham.
  • 1 tbsp Whole Grain Mustard Adds a nice depth and slight tang; Dijon works well as a substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme Introduces lovely herbal notes; dried thyme can be a substitute if needed.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary Complements the glaze with an earthy flavor; optional for those who prefer less herbal taste.
  • ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon Imparts warmth and depth to the glaze.
  • ½ tsp Ground Cloves Provides a rich flavor; adjust to taste as it can be quite potent.
  • Black Pepper Contributes to the overall flavor enhancement.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • aluminum foil
  • medium saucepan
  • sharp knife
  • Pastry brush
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the bone-in ham dry with paper towels and score the top in a diamond pattern.
  3. Combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and whole grain mustard in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Place the scored ham on the baking sheet with the cut side down and coat with half of the glaze.
  5. Bake for approximately 2.5 hours, brushing with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
  6. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer, ensuring it reaches 140°F.
  7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Slice and serve warm on a platter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgSugar: 18gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight containers for fresh meals later. This ham is great for sandwiches and casseroles.

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