Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham – Sweet & Tangy Holiday Favorite

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Introduction

In my years spent in kitchens around the world, I’ve learned that the most memorable dishes are often the simplest, yet they possess a perfect harmony of flavors. There is no better example of this than the centerpiece of a holiday table: the ham. Forget dry, uninspired roasts; we are crafting a masterpiece. The Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration on a platter. It’s that perfect alchemy of sweet, savory, and tangy that fills the home with an irresistible aroma and brings everyone to the table. The magic lies in the glaze—a sticky, caramelized coating that transforms a simple ham into a culinary event. So, let’s explore why this particular dish has earned its legendary status.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweetness of brown sugar is expertly cut by the sharp, tangy punch of two types of mustard, creating a complex and utterly delicious flavor profile.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: With its glistening, deep amber crust, this ham is a visually stunning centerpiece that requires minimal effort to look spectacular.
• Incredibly Simple to Execute: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is remarkably straightforward, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a reliable holiday favorite.
• Feeds a Crowd Effortlessly: This dish is the ultimate solution for holiday gatherings and family dinners, providing plenty of delicious meat and even better leftovers.

Preparation Time and Servings

⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 2 hours
💡 Difficulty: Easy
👥 Servings: 16-20 people

This quick-to-prepare recipe ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones, delivering a magnificent meal without the stress.

Ingredients List

• 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked, bone-in, spiral-cut ham
• 1 ½ cups packed dark brown sugar
• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup whole-grain mustard
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• Whole cloves for studding (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and place it, cut-side down, in a large roasting pan. If your ham has a thick fat cap, score it in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. This allows the glaze to penetrate beautifully.
2. Initial Baking: Cover the roasting pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or about 10-12 minutes per pound. This initial bake gently warms the ham through without drying it out.
3. Create the Glaze: While the ham is baking, combine the dark brown sugar, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken. The aroma alone will tell you you’re on the right track.
4. Apply the Glaze: After the initial baking time, carefully remove the ham from the oven and discard the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Brush about one-third of the glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get it between the slices.
5. Caramelize and Finish: Return the ham to the oven, uncovered. Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, basting with the remaining glaze every 10 minutes. This frequent basting is the secret to a perfect, lacquered crust. The ham is ready when the glaze is bubbly, caramelized, and a deep mahogany color. A beautiful Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham should have a crust that shines.
6. Rest Before Serving: Transfer the ham to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.

Expert Tips for Success

• Start with a Room-Temperature Ham: Let the ham sit out on the counter for about 30-60 minutes before baking. This helps it cook more evenly from edge to center.
• Don’t Glaze Too Early: The high sugar content in the glaze can cause it to burn if applied for the entire cooking duration. Wait until the final 30 minutes of baking for that perfect, caramelized finish.
• Use a Quality Ham: The foundation of this dish is the ham itself. A bone-in, spiral-cut ham not only provides more flavor but also makes carving incredibly easy.
• Basting is Key: Do not skip the frequent basting! Each layer of glaze builds upon the last, creating the sticky, sweet, and tangy crust that makes this Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham so irresistible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Prevent issues with these simple tips:

• Glazing too early – The sugar in the glaze will burn before the ham is heated through, resulting in a bitter, blackened crust.
• Incorrect oven temperature – A too-hot oven will dry out the ham. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is accurately calibrated.
• Skipping the resting time – Carving immediately will cause the flavorful juices to run out, leaving you with dry meat. Patience is a virtue here.
• Using a shallow pan – As you baste, the glaze will drip. A pan with at least 1-inch sides will prevent the glaze from spilling and burning on your oven floor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Help readers maximize freshness.

• Short-term storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for no more than 2 hours during serving.
• Refrigeration: Store sliced ham in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for sandwiches, soups, or salads.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions or slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Make-ahead option: The glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making holiday prep even easier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best type of ham to use for a Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham?

For this recipe, I strongly recommend a fully cooked, bone-in, spiral-cut ham. The spiral cut allows the delicious glaze to seep into every nook and cranny, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite. The bone also adds a significant amount of flavor and moisture during the cooking process.

Can I use a different type of mustard for the glaze?

Absolutely. While the combination of Dijon and whole-grain mustard provides a wonderful balance of sharp tang and texture, you can certainly experiment. Spicy brown mustard would add a nice kick, or for a milder flavor, you could use all Dijon. The key is to maintain the mustard-to-sugar ratio to keep the glaze balanced.

Conclusion

There you have it—a foolproof method for creating a truly memorable holiday centerpiece. This recipe for Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham delivers on every front: incredible flavor, a stunning presentation, and surprising simplicity. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a family tradition. Don’t forget to share this glazed masterpiece with your friends and family, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

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