Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Ham

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
15 min	2 h	2 h 15 min

How to Make Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Ham

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Preheat oven and prep pan

Preheat your oven to 300°F and move a rack to the lower-middle position.
Line a large roasting pan with heavy-duty foil and place a roasting rack inside, if you have one.
Make the brown sugar glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add the butter and orange juice, if using, and place the pan over low-medium heat.
Whisk until the butter melts and the glaze looks smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes.

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Prepare the spiral ham

Remove any plastic or disk from the bone, then place the ham cut-side down on the rack.
Brush a few tablespoons of warm glaze all over the outside and between some slices for extra flavor.
Pour 1 to 1 1/2 cups water into the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist.
Bake the ham gently

Cover the pan tightly with foil, sealing around the edges so steam stays trapped inside.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes per pound, until the ham is warmed through and reaches about 120°F internally.
Start checking early so the ham does not overcook or dry out around the edges.
Glaze and finish baking

Increase the oven temperature to 400°F and carefully remove the foil from the pan.
Brush a generous layer of glaze over the entire ham, letting some drip between the slices.
Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, basting once with more glaze.
Continue until the ham is glossy, lightly caramelized in spots, and the internal temperature reaches about 140°F.

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Rest, garnish, and serve

Transfer the ham to a serving platter, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
Brush with a final thin layer of glaze, if desired, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color.
Serve warm, spooning some of the pan juices over slices for extra moisture and sweetness.

Substitutions

Honey -> maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, more complex sweetness with subtle caramel notes. The glaze will be slightly thinner, so simmer it a bit longer until it coats a spoon.
Dark brown sugar -> light brown sugar: Swap in light brown sugar if that is what you have; the glaze will taste a little less robust. You can add a teaspoon of molasses to bring back some of that deep, toffee-like flavor.
Orange juice -> bourbon: For a grown-up twist, replace the orange juice with an equal amount of bourbon in the glaze. It adds warm vanilla and oak notes that pair beautifully with the smoky ham and caramelized brown sugar. Keep in mind some alcohol may remain, so this version suits adult gatherings best.

Tips

Use an oven thermometer: Home ovens often run hot or cool, so an inexpensive oven thermometer helps keep the ham from drying out.
Do not skip the resting time: Resting lets the juices redistribute, so every slice stays moist instead of spilling onto the cutting board.
Glaze in layers for more flavor: Brushing some glaze on before heating, then again near the end, builds a shiny, deeply flavored crust.
Slice along the bone for easy serving: To serve, cut a vertical slice along the bone, then carve horizontal slices that naturally fall away.
Save the ham bone for later: Save the bone and any meaty scraps for soup or beans, then freeze them if you are not ready.

Energy	418	kcal
Protein	48	g
Total Fat	11	g
Carbohydrates	32	g
Dietary Fiber	0	g

FAQ

How do I keep my spiral ham from drying out?: Covering the ham tightly with foil and adding water to the pan keeps the environment steamy and gentle. Also warm it at a low temperature and stop baking once the internal temperature reaches 140°F near the center.
Can I make this ham ahead of time?: Yes, you can bake the ham earlier in the day, then slice it and store it with some pan juices. Reheat the slices, covered, in a baking dish at 300°F until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What if I do not have a roasting rack?: You can place the ham directly in the foil-lined pan or set it on thickly sliced onions or carrots. The vegetables lift the ham slightly and soak up flavorful juices that taste great served alongside.
Can I use a different size ham with this glaze?: This glaze works for slightly smaller or larger hams; just adjust the baking time based on the weight. Plan on about 10 to 12 minutes per pound while covered, then glaze and finish as directed.