Brown Sugar Spiral Ham
Make your ham sweet and tasty by mixing up a special sauce with maple syrup, brown sugar, and some spices. A great recipe for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas or anytime you are wanting a ham feast.
Brown Sugar Spiral Ham
Our Brown Sugar Spiral Ham recipe is perfect for any family gathering, holiday, or special occasion.
This brown sugar ham is packed with sweet and savory flavors, thanks to a special glaze made from maple syrup, brown sugar, and spices.
Imagine each slice of ham coated with a sticky, sweet layer that has hints of cinnamon and cloves. It's easy to make and goes well with lots of side dishes, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for sandwiches, this ham is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Spiral Ham
Spiral-cut ham: Use a fully cooked, pre-sliced ham for convenience. The size of the ham can vary depending on the number of guests, but a ham that's 8 to 10 pounds is typically suitable for a large gathering.
Pure maple syrup: Use real maple syrup instead of pancake syrup for the best flavor.
Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar will give a deeper flavor, while light brown sugar is milder.
Dijon mustard: Any high-quality brand will do, but make sure it's Dijon for that unique flavor profile.
Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is preferred for its fruity undertone, but in a pinch, white vinegar can be used.
Seasonings: Ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Blending these three creates a warm, spicy undertone that’s perfect for a holiday ham.
How to Make Brown Sugar Spiral Ham
Start by heating your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Then, grab a small saucepan and mix together maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Warm this mix over medium-low heat, stirring a lot until the sugar melts into the mix and it becomes smooth.
Pop that aside when it's ready.
Take your spiral-cut ham and put it in a roasting pan with the flat side on the bottom.
If your ham came with a glaze packet, just put that aside for now.
Next, use a brush to spread a good layer of the glaze you made over the whole ham. Try to get the glaze into all the slices.
To help keep it moist, cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake it.
Cook your ham for about 20 minutes per pound. For a 5 pound ham, this is 1.5 to 2 hours.
Remember to take the ham out every 30 minutes to brush more glaze on it.
When it's almost done, like in the last 15-20 minutes, take off the foil and put even more glaze on. This makes it look really nice and brown.
Make sure the ham is cooked right by checking its temperature, which should be 140°F (60°C).
When it's done, let the ham sit for 10-15 minutes, under some foil before you start slicing.
Serve the slices with any glaze you have left for an extra touch of flavor.
Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Brown Sugar Spiral Ham
Get a Pre-Cut Ham: Buying a spiral-cut ham saves a lot of time. It's already sliced, so it's easy to serve after cooking.
Use a Brush: For the glaze, use a brush to spread it. This way, you get the yummy sauce in every slice.
Keep It Moist: Covering the ham with foil while it cooks keeps it moist.
Baste for Best Flavor: Every 30 minutes, brush the ham with more glaze.
Let It Rest: After baking, let the ham sit for a bit.
Warm the Glaze: Heating the glaze mix until the sugar melts will help it stick to the ham nicely.
Serve Extra Glaze: Put some glaze on the side when you serve. This way, everyone can add as much as they want.
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers of Brown Sugar Spiral Ham, start by letting the ham cool down after cooking.
Once it's cool, take a clean container with a tight lid or wrap the ham slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure it's covered well so it doesn't dry out or pick up smells from other food in the fridge.
Make sure to eat the ham within 3 to 5 days to make sure it's still good. If you have a lot of ham left and can't eat it all in that time, you can freeze it.
To freeze, wrap the ham well in plastic wrap and then put it into a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing the bag.
Write the date on the bag so you remember when you put it in. Ham can stay in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge for a day before heating it up. This way, you can enjoy your yummy Brown Sugar Spiral Ham even longer!
What to Serve with Brown Sugar Spiral Ham
Scalloped Potatoes: These creamy, cheesy potatoes make a comforting side that complements the sweetness of the ham.
Green Bean Almondine: The freshness and crunch of green beans with toasted almonds offer a light contrast to the rich ham.
Honey Glazed Carrots: Carrots glazed in honey add a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color to the table, perfect alongside the savory ham.
Dinner Rolls: Warm, soft dinner rolls are great for sopping up any glaze or juices left on your plate.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon bits add a complex flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the ham's sweet glaze.
Apple Cranberry Salad: A crisp salad with apples, cranberries, and nuts gives a refreshing bite and balances the meal's heavier components.
Cornbread Stuffing: A slightly sweet cornbread stuffing with sage and onions plays well with the ham's richness and adds a traditional touch to the meal.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and soft texture make roasted sweet potatoes a hearty and healthy option.
Cauliflower Gratin: Cauliflower in a creamy cheese sauce, baked until golden, offers a lush side that's as comforting as it is delicious.
Mashed Butternut Squash: This slightly sweet mash brings a smooth texture and a pop of color to your plate, accentuating the ham's flavors.
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Brown Sugar Spiral Ham
Ingredients
- 1 spiral-cut ham 8-10 pounds
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is well combined. Set aside.
- Place the spiral-cut ham in a roasting pan, flat side down. If it came with a glaze packet, set it aside for later.
- Brush a generous amount of the prepared glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get the glaze into the cuts between the slices. Use a basting brush for an even coating.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- During the last 15-20 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush the ham with additional glaze. This will give the ham a beautiful caramelized finish.
- Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven, cover it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve the ham slices with the remaining glaze on the side.
Notes
- Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on your specific ingredients.
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
