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The Best Glazed Ham Recipe (Brown Sugar + Dijon, Perfect for Any Occasion)
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Updated March 15, 2026
This glazed ham recipe is the one you will come back to every single time. It is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and deeply flavorful, with a brown sugar and Dijon glaze that caramelizes into something absolutely irresistible. Whether you are making this glazed ham recipe for Easter, the holidays, or a Sunday dinner, it never fails to impress.
The best part? It is genuinely easy. A few pantry ingredients, one roasting pan, and you have a showstopping centerpiece that practically makes itself. This glazed ham recipe pairs beautifully with everything in our Ultimate Easter Hosting Guide, which covers the full menu, table decor, and stress-free hosting tips.
Why This Glazed Ham Recipe Works
There are a lot of glazed ham recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few reasons. The brown sugar creates a deep caramel crust. The Dijon adds a savory sharpness that balances the sweetness perfectly. The apple cider vinegar brightens everything up. And the cinnamon adds just enough warmth to make it feel special.
It is also incredibly forgiving. A spiral ham is pre-scored so the glaze gets into every layer, and the low-and-slow cook method means it stays juicy even if you leave it in a little longer than planned.
Kid-Friendly Steps
This glazed ham recipe is a wonderful one to make with kids. Here are some easy ways to get them involved:
Kids can help measure and mix the glaze ingredients together in a small bowl. It is simple, hands-on, and they love seeing the glossy sauce come together. We love using kids measuring cups and spoons to make this step feel like their own.
With supervision, older kids can help brush the glaze onto the ham using a silicone basting brush. It is a satisfying job and they feel proud of the result at the table. A silicone basting brush is easy for little hands to grip and simple to clean.
Kids can also help set out the serving platter and garnish the ham with fresh herbs or orange slices before it goes to the table. It is a low-pressure job that makes them feel like an important part of the meal.
Check out our Kitchen Essentials for Kids for more of our favorite tools that make cooking together easier and more fun.
What You Need for This Glazed Ham Recipe
The Ham
For this glazed ham recipe, use a bone-in spiral-sliced ham, around 8 to 10 lbs. Spiral-sliced means it is already pre-cut, so the glaze seeps into every layer and it carves beautifully at the table. Look for one labeled “fully cooked” so you are just warming and glazing, not cooking from raw.
Get a good roasting pan with rack on Amazon
The Glaze
The glaze is what makes this glazed ham recipe special. You only need five ingredients:
- ●1 cup packed brown sugar
- ●3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ●2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ●1/2 tsp cinnamon
- ●Pinch of cloves (optional but wonderful)
Mix everything together in a small bowl. That is your glaze. It takes two minutes and the results are incredible.
Glazed Ham Recipe Tips
Do not skip the rest. Letting the ham rest before carving makes a real difference in how juicy it is.
Make extra glaze. Double the glaze recipe and serve a little on the side as a dipping sauce. Guests love it.
Save the bone. The leftover ham bone makes the most incredible split pea soup or bean soup. Do not throw it away.
Buy the right size. Plan for about 1/2 lb per person for a bone-in ham. A 10 lb ham comfortably feeds 12 to 15 people.
What to Serve With This Glazed Ham Recipe
This glazed ham recipe is the perfect centerpiece for a big gathering. Here are some of our favorite sides and starters to round out the meal:
To start the meal: Our Classic Deviled Eggs are always a crowd-pleaser and can be made the day before. Our Whipped Cottage Cheese Herb Dip with crudite is fresh and light before a rich main. The Grilled Pepper Goat Cheese Crostini is stunning on a table and incredibly easy to make.
For a salad: A simple arugula salad with our Easy Lemon Olive Oil Dressing balances the richness of the ham perfectly.
For dessert: Our Bananas Foster is a dramatic, crowd-pleasing finish. Or keep it lighter with our Classic Lemon Sorbet.
Make This Your Easter Centerpiece
This glazed ham recipe is the star of our Ultimate Easter Hosting Guide. That post covers everything you need to pull off a beautiful Easter gathering, from a full dinner menu to table decor ideas and stress-free hosting tips. If you are planning Easter this year, it is the perfect companion to this recipe.
Click here to read the full Easter Hosting Guide
Glazed Ham Recipe FAQs
Can I make this glazed ham recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the ham fully the day before and reheat it covered at 300F for about 30 minutes. Add a fresh brush of glaze and a quick blast at 425F to re-caramelize before serving.
What is the best ham to use for this glazed ham recipe?
A bone-in spiral-sliced fully cooked ham, around 8 to 10 lbs, gives you the best results. The spiral cuts let the glaze seep into every layer.
Can I use a different mustard?
Dijon is ideal for its smooth, balanced flavor, but whole grain mustard adds a lovely texture and works beautifully too.
How do I store leftover glazed ham?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The bone makes an incredible soup stock, so save it.
How much ham do I need per person?
Plan for about 1/2 lb per person for a bone-in ham. A 10 lb ham feeds 12 to 15 people comfortably.
The Ultimate Easter Hosting Guide
Planning Easter? Our Easter Hosting Guide walks you through everything you need for a beautiful, stress-free Easter gathering, including this glazed ham recipe, full table decor ideas, and a complete dinner menu.
Click Here for the Full Easter Hosting Guide
How to Host a Fun and Stress-Free Dinner Party
Our dinner party hosting post walks you through the exact approach we use in our home to host relaxed but impressive dinners without all the last-minute chaos and stress, including:
Dinner party theme ideas including crowd favorites Tips for building your themed menu with sample recipes Our easy-to-follow hosting route leading up to the party Ambiance checklist including lighting, music, and more Additional tips to enhance your dinner party in a fun and stress-free way!
