Best Easy Brown Sugar Spiral Ham Recipe

A brown sugar spiral ham with a sticky, caramelized glaze is a high protein, sweet and savory family holiday essential. This easy, crowd-pleasing centerpiece is perfect for Easter and Christmas.

Cook 150 min Difficulty EASY 375 kcal
#high protein #holiday #crowd-pleaser
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • spiral-sliced bone-in ham 8 lbs
Seasonings/Sauce
  • brown sugar 1 cup
  • honey 1 cup
  • Dijon mustard 2 tbsp
  • unsalted butter 4 tbsp
  • ground cinnamon 1 tsp
  • cloves (ground) 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 13 g 14%
Protein 29 g 31%
Fat 20 g 55%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 300°F and adjust the rack to the lower third position.

  2. 2

    Place the spiral-sliced ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan and cover tightly with foil to keep moisture in.

  3. 3

    Bake the ham for 1.5 hours, or roughly 12 minutes per pound, keeping the temperature low to prevent drying out.

  4. 4

    While ham bakes, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, butter, cinnamon, and ground cloves in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth and simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken.

  5. 5

    Uncover the ham, brush generously with half the glaze, and return uncovered to the oven for 20 minutes.

  6. 6

    Baste with the remaining glaze every 10 minutes, baking until deeply caramelized and internal temperature reaches 140°F (about another 20–30 minutes).

  7. 7

    Remove ham from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing to ensure juiciness and optimal texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Brown Sugar Spiral Ham Recipe?
The core of this recipe is the spiral-sliced bone-in ham, which serves as the base for both flavor and texture. The brown sugar, honey, and spices provide the signature sweet-savory caramelized coating that elevates the overall taste.
Q. How do I achieve the perfect sticky glaze without burning the ham?
Apply the glaze in the last 30–40 minutes of baking, brushing it on in layers while leaving the ham uncovered. Keep the oven at a moderate 300°F and baste every 10 minutes—the sugar will caramelize without burning if you avoid high heat and monitor closely.
Q. How can I keep the ham moist and prevent it from drying out?
Bake the ham covered with foil for most of the cooking time. Only remove the foil for glazing during the final 30–40 minutes. Letting the ham rest under foil after baking allows juices to redistribute, keeping every slice tender.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each 180g serving provides approximately 375 kcal and a robust 29g of protein. This makes it a high protein, flavorful choice that delivers satisfying nutrition for a holiday crowd.
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