Name: Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8-10 pound bone-in cooked ham; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup honey; 2 tablespoons dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 4 cloves garlic, smashed

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 6 reviews

If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s bursting with flavor, you’ll absolutely love this Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s rich, sweet, and tangy all at once — perfect for holidays or special gatherings when you want to impress without fussing too much. Trust me, once you get this ham in the oven and that glaze starts caramelizing, the whole house smells incredible, and your guests will be asking for the recipe before the first slice is gone.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Sweet and Tangy Glaze: The combination of brown sugar, honey, and mustard creates a glaze that perfectly complements the saltiness of ham without overpowering it.
Perfect Oven Technique: Low-and-slow baking followed by a high-heat glaze finish ensures juicy meat with a beautifully caramelized crust.
Simple Yet Flavorful Ingredients: Minimal pantry staples come together in this recipe, making it easy yet impressive.
Flexible and Foolproof: The step-by-step instructions and helpful tips mean you’ll avoid the common pitfalls ham cookers face.

Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham, ham glaze recipe, holiday ham ideas, baked ham with sweet glaze, easy ham dinner - The image shows a close-up of a cooked ham with a shiny, caramelized surface. The ham is scored in a diamond pattern, with the cuts revealing juicy layers beneath the crispy outer skin. The glaze on the ham gives it a glossy, reddish-brown color that shines under the light, highlighting the texture and slight charring at the edges. The background is a soft, blurred gray, which makes the ham stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe uses ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. The lightly spiced glaze provides just enough warmth and sweetness to highlight the savory richness of the smoked ham.

Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham, ham glaze recipe, holiday ham ideas, baked ham with sweet glaze, easy ham dinner - Flat lay of a large bone-in cooked ham with a rich pink glaze visible on the surface, a small white bowl of thick golden honey, a small white bowl filled with dark brown soft brown sugar, a small white bowl of smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, four whole fresh garlic bulbs with some cloves separated but intact, two small white bowls containing fine ground cinnamon and ground cloves, and a small white bowl of clear water droplets, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bone-in cooked ham: Using a bone-in ham ensures better flavor and juiciness; plus, the bone helps with even cooking.
Water: Adds moisture to the pan so the ham stays juicy during baking without drying out.
Unsalted butter: Browning butter adds a nutty depth to the glaze without extra saltiness.
Brown sugar: The cornerstone of this glaze—its molasses content creates a sticky, caramelized finish.
Honey: Balances the brown sugar sweetness with floral notes and gleams beautifully on the ham.
Dijon mustard: Provides tang and a subtle heat, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing complexity.
Ground cinnamon and cloves: These warm spices add seasonal coziness and depth to the glaze.
Garlic cloves: Smashed garlic infuses a subtle savoriness that rounds out the glaze flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe my own by playing a little with the spice levels and glaze thickness. Don’t be afraid to adjust the mustard or add your favorite herbs to the glaze to suit your taste — you’ll feel like a pro customizing it perfectly every time.

Variation: I sometimes add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the glaze for an extra tangy smoky note — it’s a subtle twist but packs a punch.
Dietary tweaks: If you’re watching fat, try reduced-fat butter and honey alternatives; the recipe still holds up beautifully.
Seasonal switch-ups: Adding fresh orange zest or substituting maple syrup for honey gives the glaze a bright, seasonal spin.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ham Like a Pro

Start by taking your bone-in cooked ham out of the fridge and letting it relax on the counter for 1-2 hours. This step is a game-changer because it helps the ham cook more evenly. While it’s resting, remove any plastic wrapping and the rind carefully—don’t strip away the flavorful fat underneath. Then, score the surface with a sharp knife in a 1-inch diamond pattern, cutting just about 1/4 inch deep. This scoring lets that luscious glaze soak right in during cooking. Line your baking tray with foil or parchment for an easy clean-up. Pop the ham in, pour 1/3 cup water in the bottom of the pan, and cover with foil.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze

While the ham starts warming in the oven, melt butter over medium heat in a small saucepan until it turns a gorgeous golden brown (watch closely—it can burn fast here!). Then stir in the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves—about two minutes. Lower the heat, add the smashed garlic, and let everything simmer gently just until fragrant. Once that happens, remove it from the heat and let it cool to a honey-like consistency. This is the secret to getting a perfect glaze that’ll stick and caramelize nicely.

Step 3: Glaze and Glaze Again

After the ham has baked covered for 30 minutes at 300°F, crank the oven up to 425°F and uncover your ham. Brush about one-third of the glaze over the ham—make sure to get into the cuts evenly. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then repeat brushing and baking two more times until that glorious golden crust forms. For tidier cleanup and tastier crust, mix some pan juices into the glaze before each baste to keep it pourable and flavorful. If after all this time the ham’s pink color hasn’t deepened like you want, pop it under the broiler for just a couple of minutes—but watch carefully. You don’t want to burn that sugary goodness!

Step 4: Let It Rest and Serve

Once your ham boasts that perfect dark amber crust, take it out and let it rest for 10-20 minutes before slicing. This lets all those delicious juices redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy. Trust me; patience here pays off big time!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Resting the Ham: Don’t skip resting the ham at room temperature—it ensures even cooking and a tender interior.
Glaze Consistency: If your glaze thickens too much during cooking, stir in warm pan juices to loosen it up for easy brushing.
Scoring Technique: Be careful not to cut too deep; scoring just into the fat lets the glaze seep through without drying out the meat.
Avoiding Burnt Glaze: Keep a close eye under the broiler and don’t leave the kitchen—brown sugar burns fast!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe

Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham, ham glaze recipe, holiday ham ideas, baked ham with sweet glaze, easy ham dinner - A thick slice of cooked ham with a shiny light pink inside and a brown outside crust sits on a white plate. You can see the glossy glaze coating the top and sides, with some darker caramelized spots around the edges. The ham is juicy and soft, with smooth texture and slight marbling of fat near the edges. The slice is placed in front of a large chunk of the remaining ham, showing a similar layered texture and a slightly wrinkled outer skin. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually garnish this ham with fresh rosemary sprigs and thin orange slices. The rosemary adds a lovely herbal aroma, while the citrus brightens the plate and echoes that subtle sweetness in the glaze. If I’m feeling fancy, a handful of pomegranate seeds can add an unexpected pop of color and tartness.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love classic buttery mashed potatoes and roasted green beans tossed with garlic and lemon. Sweet potato casseroles or honey-glazed carrots also pair beautifully, echoing the sweet notes from the ham. And hey, don’t forget a crisp salad to lighten things up—it all balances out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this ham on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs, sliced fruit, and rustic bread. It doubles as both a stunning centerpiece and an interactive dish for guests to serve themselves. Another favorite is laying slices on a bed of sautéed kale with a drizzle of extra glaze, making it look as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once carved, I store leftover ham in airtight containers in the fridge. It stays moist and flavorful for about 4-5 days when properly sealed. I recommend saving any extra glaze separately to brush on reheated slices for fresh flavor.

Freezing

If you have a lot left over, sliced ham freezes well. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw slowly in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

I like reheating slices gently in a warm skillet or microwave with a splash of water and a light brush of the saved glaze, so the meat doesn’t dry out. You can also reheat in the oven wrapped in foil at 325°F until warmed through—just keep an eye so it doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I use a boneless ham for this Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe?

Absolutely! While bone-in hams tend to be juicier and add extra flavor, you can use a boneless cooked ham if that’s what you have. Just be careful during cooking as boneless ham can cook a bit faster—keep an eye to prevent drying out, and adjust timing slightly if needed.
What’s the best way to avoid the glaze burning?

Brown sugar caramelizes quickly under high heat, so watch your ham closely while it’s baking at 425°F or under the broiler. Applying thin layers of glaze and mixing in pan juices helps keep it from getting too thick and burning. Also, avoid leaving the kitchen during the broil step—it only takes a minute or two to go from perfect to burnt.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! Making the glaze a few hours or even a day ahead is convenient. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently warm it before brushing on the ham to reactivate the flavors and achieve the perfect consistency.
Is it necessary to score the ham?

While scoring isn’t absolutely required, it makes a big difference because it allows the glaze to seep deeper into the fat, creating more flavor and a beautiful, textured crust. Just be sure not to cut too deep—about 1/4 inch is perfect.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe has been a reliable star in my kitchen for years, especially during the holidays when I want to serve up something comforting yet impressive. Its balance of sweet, tangy, and warm spice combined with that perfectly caramelized crust makes every bite feel special. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s straightforward but delivers flavor and wow-factor, give this one a try — I promise you won’t regret it, and your family will be clamoring for seconds (and the recipe!).