How To Cook A Ham With Brown Sugar

A Delicious, Sweet Twist: Cooking a Juicy Ham with Brown Sugar

Ham is a classic dish that makes a mouthwatering centerpiece for any festive occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply treating yourself to a tasty meal, cooking a ham with brown sugar adds a delightful sweetness that elevates this traditional dish to new heights. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of creating a succulent ham infused with the rich flavors of brown sugar.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 fully-cooked ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Step 1: Preparing the Glaze

To create the perfect glaze for your ham, combine the brown sugar, water, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves in a small saucepan. Mix well and simmer over low heat until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly. This glaze will not only add a touch of sweetness but also create a beautiful caramelized crust on your ham.

Step 2: Preparing the Ham

Before applying the glaze, it’s essential to prepare the ham. Firstly, preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the packaging of your fully-cooked ham. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface diagonally, creating a diamond pattern. This will allow the glaze to penetrate deep into the meat during the cooking process.

Step 3: Glazing and Baking

Carefully brush the brown sugar glaze all over the scored ham, ensuring an even coating. Make sure to reserve some glaze for basting during the baking process. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Follow the instructions provided with your ham for cooking time and temperature.

Step 4: Basting and Caramelization

Every 20-30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and baste it with the reserved glaze. Basting not only adds extra flavor but also helps to create a beautiful caramelized coating on the ham. Allow the ham to cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Keep in mind that larger hams may take longer to cook, so be sure to check the instructions provided.

Serving Suggestions:

Once the ham is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. The brown sugar glaze will have melded beautifully with the ham, creating a moist and flavorful masterpiece. Serve alongside your favorite side dishes, such as scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Now that you know the secrets of cooking a ham with brown sugar, it’s time to get in the kitchen and create a delicious feast worth savoring. Whether it’s a special occasion or a spontaneous gathering, this sweet and savory ham will surely impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!