Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Roasted Ham: Juicy Holiday Ham With A Sweet Tangy Caramelized Glaze

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There’s something incredibly special about a beautifully roasted Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham with a golden caramelized crust and tender, juicy slices. This classic centerpiece combines the perfect balance of sweet brown sugar, tangy mustard, and warm spices to create a flavorful glaze that coats every bite.

The ham is slowly roasted while the glaze melts into the meat, creating a glossy, sticky coating with rich holiday flavors. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky notes makes this recipe a timeless favorite for gatherings and celebrations.

Perfect for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, family dinners, or special occasions, this Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Roasted Ham brings a beautiful homemade centerpiece to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham

This recipe creates a show-stopping meal with simple ingredients.

Tender Juicy Ham

Slow roasting keeps the meat moist and flavorful.

Sweet Tangy Glaze

Brown sugar and mustard create the perfect flavor balance.

Beautiful Caramelized Finish

The glaze creates a golden sticky crust.

Easy Holiday Main Dish

Minimal preparation with impressive results.

Perfect For Leftovers

The extra ham can be used in countless meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ham Ingredients

Fully Cooked Spiral Ham

  • 8–10 pound bone-in spiral-cut ham

A pre-cooked ham makes preparation easy.

Whole Cloves (Optional)

Adds classic holiday aroma.

Pineapple Slices (Optional)

Adds sweetness and moisture.

Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze Ingredients

Brown Sugar

Creates sweetness and caramelization.

Dijon Mustard

Adds tangy depth.

Yellow Mustard

Creates classic glazed ham flavor.

Honey

Adds richness and shine.

Maple Syrup

Provides warm sweetness.

Butter

Creates a smooth glossy glaze.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Balances the sweetness.

Garlic

Adds savory depth.

Ground Cinnamon

Adds warm spice.

Ground Cloves

Creates traditional holiday flavor.

Black Pepper

Balances the glaze.

How To Make Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Roasted Ham

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Preheat oven to:

325°F (165°C)

Place a rack inside a roasting pan.

Step 2: Prepare The Ham

Remove packaging from the ham.

Place ham cut-side down in the roasting pan.

If using cloves, insert them between slices or into the surface.

Cover loosely with foil.

Step 3: Make The Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:

  • Brown sugar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Yellow mustard
  • Honey
  • Maple syrup
  • Butter
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Garlic
  • Cinnamon
  • Cloves
  • Black pepper

Heat until the butter melts and the glaze becomes smooth.

Simmer for:

3–5 minutes

until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Roast The Ham

Bake covered for:

1½–2½ hours

depending on ham size.

The internal temperature should reach:

140°F (60°C)

for a fully cooked ham.

Step 5: Add The Glaze

During the final:

30–45 minutes

of cooking:

Remove foil.

Brush generously with brown sugar mustard glaze.

Repeat glazing every:

10–15 minutes

for a thick caramelized coating.

Step 6: Caramelize The Finish

For an extra glossy crust:

Increase oven temperature to:

400°F (200°C)

for the final:

5–10 minutes

until the glaze becomes sticky and golden.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Remove ham from the oven.

Rest for:

15–20 minutes

before slicing.

Drizzle with extra glaze.

Serve warm.

Tips For The Best Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham

Don’t Overcook The Ham

Most hams are already cooked, so the goal is warming and glazing.

Add Glaze Near The End

Adding too early can cause the sugar to burn.

Keep The Ham Covered

Foil helps retain moisture.

Use A Meat Thermometer

It ensures perfect temperature without drying out.

Save The Bone

Use it to flavor soups, beans, or stocks.

What To Serve With Glazed Ham

This classic ham pairs beautifully with traditional sides.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Perfect with the sweet savory glaze.

Scalloped Potatoes

A rich holiday favorite.

Roasted Vegetables

Try:

  • Carrots
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Green beans
  • Asparagus

Mac and Cheese

A comforting side dish.

Dinner Rolls

Perfect for ham sandwiches.

Fresh Salad

Adds balance to the meal.

How To Store Leftover Ham

Store sliced ham in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to:

5 days

To reheat:

  • Cover with foil.
  • Warm gently in the oven.

For freezing:

  • Wrap tightly.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.

Delicious Ways To Use Leftover Ham

Transform leftovers into new meals:

  • Ham and cheese sandwiches
  • Breakfast omelets
  • Ham pasta
  • Potato soup
  • Breakfast casseroles
  • Ham fried rice
  • Sliders

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a boneless ham?

Yes. Boneless ham works well but may cook slightly faster.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead?

Yes. Store refrigerated and warm gently before using.

Why is my glaze not sticking?

Make sure the ham surface is warm and apply multiple thin layers.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes. Honey works beautifully as a substitute.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Cook on low until warmed through, then finish under the oven broiler with glaze.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Roasted Ham is the perfect combination of tender juicy meat, sweet caramelized glaze, and classic holiday flavors. With its beautiful golden finish and irresistible taste, it makes any gathering feel special.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast, hosting family, or looking for an impressive centerpiece meal, this recipe delivers comfort, tradition, and incredible flavor.

Slice the glazed ham, drizzle over the sweet mustard sauce, and enjoy a timeless homemade dish everyone will remember.

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