Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Tammy on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 35 min | Total: 2 hrs 5 min
Cost: $28.50 total, $3.56 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Spiral‑cut hickory smoked ham (8‑10 lb (3.5‑4.5 kg) fully cooked)
- 1 cup Pineapple juice (Unsweetened preferred)
- 1/2 cup Light brown sugar (Packed)
- 1/4 cup Honey (Prefer mild clover honey)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (Smooth)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (Cut into small pieces for quick melting)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (Mixed with cold water to form slurry)
- 2 tablespoons Water (For cornstarch slurry)
- 1 spray Non‑stick cooking spray (To coat measuring cup for easy honey pour)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare the Ham
Remove the ham from its outer packaging and discard the secondary packet. Drain any excess liquid, place the ham in a large casserole dish, and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Time: PT5M
Initial Baking
Place the covered ham in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 350°F
Make the Glaze – Melt Butter
While the ham bakes, melt 2 Tbsp unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Honey and Pineapple Juice
Spray a measuring cup with non‑stick cooking spray, add 1/4 cup honey, then pour into the skillet. Add 1 cup pineapple juice and stir.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Incorporate Brown Sugar and Mustard
Stir in 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar and 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Thicken with Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, combine 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water. Whisk until smooth, then slowly pour into the simmering glaze. Cook for 2‑3 minutes, stirring, until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium heat
First Glaze Application
Remove the ham from the oven, discard the foil, and brush half of the glaze over the surface, making sure to get into the spiral cuts.
Time: PT5M
Second Bake
Return the ham to the oven uncovered and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the glaze to set and become sticky.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 350°F
Final Glaze and Bake
Brush the remaining glaze over the ham, then bake for an additional 15 minutes uncovered.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Slice between the spiral cuts and serve.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free, Contains pork, Contains honey (not vegan), low-calorie
Allergens: Dairy (butter)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spiral‑cut hickory smoked ham: Bone‑in ham, Fully cooked smoked turkey breast
- Instead of Pineapple juice: Apple juice, Orange juice
- Instead of Light brown sugar: Dark brown sugar, Turbinado sugar
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
- Instead of Dijon mustard: Whole grain mustard, Yellow mustard
- Instead of Unsalted butter: Margarine, Olive oil (use less)
- Instead of Cornstarch: All‑purpose flour (will give a less glossy glaze)
- Instead of Non‑stick cooking spray: A few drops of oil
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Large casserole dish (roasting pan)
- Aluminum foil
- Skillet (medium‑size)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Basting brush
- Small bowl (for slurry)
- Knife and cutting board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Initial baking covered to retain moisture
- Thickening the glaze with cornstarch slurry
- Applying glaze between each baking phase to build layers
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon to the glaze.
- If you like a little heat, stir in ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes with the mustard.
Troubleshooting
Glaze is too thin after adding cornstarch
Simmer a minute longer or add an additional ½ tsp cornstarch slurry.
Glaze burns or sticks to the pan
Reduce heat to low and stir continuously; add a splash of water if it looks dry.
Ham skin is dry after final bake
Cover loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes or baste with extra glaze.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer‑safe bag; freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the glaze up to the thickening stage and refrigerate; reheat gently before using.
- The ham can be baked a day ahead, then reheated with a light brush of glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham in American holiday cuisine?
Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham has become a centerpiece of American Thanksgiving and Christmas tables, tracing its roots to the 19th‑century tradition of glazing cured pork with sweeteners to balance the salty flavor. The glaze reflects the American love for sweet‑savory pairings and the abundance of honey and brown sugar during festive seasons. Over time, it evolved from a simple glaze to the glossy, caramelized version popularized by home cooks and YouTube chefs.
What are the traditional regional variations of Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham within American cuisine?
In the Southern United States, the glaze often includes bourbon or molasses for deeper flavor, while New England versions may add maple syrup or cranberry juice for a tart contrast. Mid‑western cooks sometimes incorporate mustard seeds or smoked paprika for a spicier kick. Each region adapts the basic honey‑brown‑sugar base to local taste preferences and ingredient availability.
How is Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham authentically served in the Southern United States?
Southern servings typically slice the spiral‑cut ham and arrange the pieces on a platter with the remaining glaze drizzled over the top. It is often accompanied by side dishes such as collard greens, sweet potato casserole, and cornbread. The ham may also be presented with a garnish of toasted pecans or fresh herbs for added texture and aroma.
What occasions or celebrations is Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham traditionally associated with in American culture?
Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is a staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations across the United States. It is also popular at Easter brunches and Fourth of July picnics where a sweet, crowd‑pleasing main dish is desired. The dish’s festive glaze makes it a go‑to for family gatherings and holiday parties.
How does Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham fit into the broader American cuisine tradition of holiday meats?
American holiday meals often feature a balance of savory and sweet proteins, and Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham exemplifies this by pairing smoky ham with a honey‑brown‑sugar glaze. It complements other traditional meats like roast turkey and prime rib, creating a diverse protein spread. The dish reflects the American penchant for indulgent, richly flavored centerpiece proteins during celebrations.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe uses a spiral‑cut hickory‑smoked ham, pineapple juice, light brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, butter, and a cornstarch slurry. Acceptable substitutes include orange juice or apple cider for pineapple juice, dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor, or honey‑mustard sauce in place of Dijon. Butter can be swapped with a neutral oil, though the glaze’s richness may be slightly reduced.
What other American dishes pair well with Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham for a festive meal?
Classic pairings include creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with bacon. Sweet side dishes such as candied sweet potatoes or cranberry‑orange relish complement the glaze’s caramel notes. For dessert, a pumpkin pie or pecan tart continues the sweet‑savory holiday theme.
What makes Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham special or unique in American cuisine?
The combination of a smoky, pre‑cooked ham with a glossy honey‑brown‑sugar glaze creates a contrast of textures and flavors that is both familiar and distinctive. The glaze’s balance of sweetness, acidity from pineapple juice, and tang from Dijon mustard showcases the American love for layered taste profiles. Its quick preparation—thanks to the spiral‑cut ham—makes it a practical yet impressive centerpiece.
How has Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham evolved over time in American holiday traditions?
Originally, ham was simply glazed with honey or molasses, but the modern version incorporates fruit juices and mustard for added complexity. The rise of food‑focused YouTube channels like Cooking With Tammy popularized a glossy, thickened glaze achieved with a cornstarch slurry. Today, home cooks experiment with spices, bourbon, and even chili flakes, reflecting evolving American palates.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham from the Cooking With Tammy YouTube video?
A frequent error is applying the glaze too early, which can cause it to burn before the ham finishes cooking. Over‑cooking the ham can dry out the meat despite the glaze, so monitor the internal temperature. Finally, failing to whisk the cornstarch slurry properly can result in a lumpy glaze instead of a smooth shine.
Why does the Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham recipe use a cornstarch slurry for the glaze instead of simply reducing the liquid?
The cornstarch slurry instantly thickens the glaze, giving it a glossy, velvety finish without requiring a long reduction that could concentrate the sugars to a point of burning. This technique preserves the bright flavors of pineapple juice and mustard while ensuring the glaze clings evenly to the ham. It also speeds up the cooking process, which is ideal for busy holiday schedules.
How do I know when the Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is done cooking and has reached the proper internal temperature?
Insert an instant‑read thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone; the internal temperature should read 140°F (60°C) for a pre‑cooked spiral‑cut ham. Additionally, the glaze should be caramelized and slightly sticky, indicating the sugars have set. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes after removal to allow juices to redistribute.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Tammy specialize in, and how does it reflect in the Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham recipe?
Cooking With Tammy specializes in approachable, family‑friendly American comfort food with a focus on quick, flavorful meals for holidays and everyday cooking. The Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham showcases Tammy’s style by using simple pantry ingredients, clear step‑by‑step video instructions, and tips for achieving restaurant‑quality glaze at home. Her emphasis on visual clarity and practical shortcuts makes the recipe accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
