Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham for Your Festive Table Delight
Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by Valdemar
When the holiday season rolls around, we often find ourselves yearning for that centerpiece dish that brings family and friends together and the Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham is just that! From the very first whiff of its sweet and tangy glaze to the satisfying crunch of the caramelized crust, this dish takes comfort food to a whole new level.
Imagine a beautifully glazed ham, its juices dripping onto your holiday table while filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Each slice reveals succulent meat enveloped in a sticky glaze, making it the perfect choice for festive gatherings like Christmas or Easter. As I perfected this recipe, I couldn t help but think of the cherished moments shared around the dinner table, and I can already tell that this one will become a beloved family tradition in your home too.
Best of all, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity you don t have to be a culinary expert to impress your guests. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a show-stopping dish that s also deliciously satisfying. So grab your apron and let s dive into this holiday delight!
Why will you love this Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham?
Irresistible Flavor: This ham is finished with a glaze that balances sweetness and tang, ensuring each bite is packed with rich taste.
Ease of Preparation: With simple steps and a short ingredient list, even novice cooks can shine in the kitchen!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas or Easter, this dish is a festive highlight that will impress your guests.
Stunning Presentations: A beautifully caramelized crust adds an eye-catching element to your holiday table.
Delicious Leftovers: Enjoy the full flavor experience in sandwiches or soups, making your meal stretch even further.
Start creating memories with this easy holiday recipe that your loved ones will rave about!
Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Ingredients
For the Ham
Bone-in Ham A fully cooked, 8-10 pound ham ensures maximum flavor and moisture.
Water Adds necessary moisture during the baking process.
For the Glaze
Unsalted Butter Provides richness and helps meld the brown sugar for the sticky glaze.
Brown Sugar The star sweetener that creates the deliciously sticky texture you ll love in this Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham.
Honey Adds complementary sweetness and hints of floral notes to the glaze.
Dijon Mustard Brings essential tanginess and depth for a well-rounded flavor.
Ground Cinnamon Offers a warm, cozy spice; it can be omitted if not desired.
Ground Cloves Enhances the aroma, adding a hint of clove flavor; optional based on preference.
Garlic Contributes savory richness, balancing the sweetness of the glaze.
For Glazing Process
Additional Glaze Reserve some of the prepared glaze for applying at intervals to build layers of flavor and achieve that beautiful caramelization.
How to Make Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham
Preheat the oven to 300 °F (150 °C). This ensures your ham cooks evenly and thoroughly. Allow the ham to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before placing it in the oven for the best results.
Prepare the ham by removing the rind while keeping the fat intact. Score the fat in a diamond pattern, which enhances the glaze’s penetration and creates a beautiful presentation.
Line a baking tray with foil, then set the ham inside. Pour water into the base for moisture during the initial cooking phase. Cover the ham with foil, and bake for 30 minutes at 300 °F.
Make the glaze while the ham is baking. Melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, then mix in brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, ground cloves, and minced garlic. Heat until just simmering, then remove from heat and let it cool.
Increase the oven temperature to 425 °F (220 °C). Uncover the ham, brush it with of the prepared glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Repeat the glazing process every 15 minutes with the remaining glaze, totaling three times. This will help develop a beautiful, dark golden crust.
Broil if needed: If the crust hasn’t reached your desired level of crispiness after baking, use the broiler for 2-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Rest the ham for 10-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains juicy and flavorful.
Optional: Serve with fresh herbs or sprigs of rosemary for a delightful garnish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham?
To create a highlight meal that complements the succulent flavors of your holiday centerpiece, consider these delicious pairings.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture and buttery flavor of mashed potatoes balance the herbaceous notes of the ham glaze, making for a comforting side.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness and crispiness provide a delightful contrast to the sweet glaze, enhancing your festive plate. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, too!
Tangy Green Bean Salad: A fresh, zesty salad brightens the meal while cutting through the richness of the ham, creating a harmonious balance that awakens the palate.
Savory Stuffing: The herbed flavors of traditional stuffing complement the rich sweetness of the ham beautifully, adding depth to each bite during your holiday feast.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: These sweet, vibrant veggies enhance the sweetness of the glaze, making them a colorful and delicious addition to your spread that guests will adore.
Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham, ensuring a well-rounded flavor experience.
Sparkling Cider: A glass of bubbly sparkling cider adds a festive touch and cleanses the palate, enhancing all the flavors your meal has to offer.
How to Store and Freeze Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the ham is cooled to room temperature before placing it in the fridge.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices of Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen ham in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a 325 °F (165 °C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Wrap It Up: When refrigerating or freezing, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve flavor.
Expert Tips for Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham
Glaze Consistency: Ensure the glaze simmers gently to avoid hardening. If it thickens too much, whisk in a splash of water to restore its smooth texture.
Sugar Caution: Be cautious with high sugar content during broiling, as it can quickly burn. Keep a close eye and adjust the distance from the broiler if needed.
Temperature Check: Always check for an internal temperature of 140 °F (60 °C) with a meat thermometer to guarantee safety and optimal flavor in your Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham.
Flavor Variations: For unique flavor twists, try swapping Dijon mustard for spicy brown mustard or using maple syrup instead of honey in the glaze.
Storing Leftovers: Save your leftover ham bone! It s perfect for adding robust flavors to soups and stocks, extending the delicious experience of your holiday meal.
Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this already delightful dish to suit your family s taste buds!
Spicy Kick: Replace Dijon mustard with spicy brown mustard for an exciting heat boost that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Maple Sweetness: Swap honey for maple syrup for a unique, earthy sweetness that adds layers of flavor to your glaze.
Fruit Infusion: Stir in a bit of orange or pineapple juice into the glaze for a fruity twist that brings brightness to the savory notes.
Herbaceous Touch: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an aromatic lift that enhances the overall flavor experience.
Smoky Essence: Incorporate a splash of liquid smoke into the glaze for a deeper, smoky flavor that transforms your ham into a flavorful feast.
Citrus Zest: For a refreshing hint, mix in lemon or lime zest into the glaze. The citrus will cut through the sweetness and elevate the dish.
Cranberry Burst: Fold in some cranberry sauce into the glaze for the holidays, providing a beautiful tart contrast that harmonizes wonderfully with the savory ham.
Garlic Lovers: Boost the garlic flavor by doubling the minced garlic in the glaze perfect for those who adore that rich, savory taste.
With these variations, your Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham will never go out of style! Dive into these exciting twists and make this dish your own!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing the Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham ahead of time is a fantastic way to save yourself precious moments on serving day! You can easily glaze the ham and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; just make sure it s covered tightly to maintain its moisture and flavor. Additionally, you can prepare the glaze and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, ensuring the flavors develop beautifully. When you re ready to serve, simply take the ham out, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, and then bake as instructed, brushing on the glaze at intervals for that irresistible caramelized crust. You ll have a show-stopping centerpiece with minimal last-minute effort!
Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe FAQs
How do I select the perfect ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing your ham, opt for a fully cooked, bone-in variety weighing between 8-10 pounds. The bone adds flavor and moisture during cooking, ensuring a juicy outcome. Look for a beautiful pink or rosy coloring, free from any dark spots or excessive liquid in the packaging.
What is the best way to store leftover Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham?
To keep your delicious leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure that the ham has cooled to room temperature before sealing it away to maintain optimal taste and texture.
Can I freeze the Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham?
Certainly! To freeze, slice the ham and place the pieces in freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The ham can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 325 °F (165 °C) oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
What should I do if the glaze hardens while cooking?
Very good question! If your glaze thickens too much, simply whisk in a splash of water or store-bought broth over low heat until it returns to a smooth, pourable consistency. It s important to keep the glaze gentle and simmering to distribute flavors without compromising its texture.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If serving to guests, be mindful of allergies as this recipe contains honey, butter, and Dijon mustard, which may not be suitable for individuals with gluten or dairy sensitivities. As always, feel free to adjust ingredients to cater to dietary needs, such as swapping honey for maple syrup, ensuring everyone can indulge in this festive treat.
How long should I let the ham rest before carving?
Great timing matters! After baking, allow your Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham to rest for about 10-20 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in tender and flavorful slices when you carve it up for serving!
