Q1: What is the absolute, number one secret to a juicy, not dry, holiday ham?

The two most important secrets are to not overcook it and to let it rest. Since you are starting with a fully-cooked ham, you are essentially just reheating it. Using an instant-read thermometer to pull the ham from the oven just as it reaches the perfect temperature ($140^{\circ}F$), and then letting it rest, are the non-negotiable keys that will guarantee an incredibly juicy and tender result.

Q2: What kind of ham is best for this recipe?

A fully-cooked, bone-in ham (either the shank or butt portion) is the absolute best choice for the most flavor and a super juicy result. A spiral-cut ham will also work beautifully with this recipe and makes for even easier carving.

Q3: Can I add other flavors to my glaze?

Yes, absolutely! This simple glaze is a fantastic canvas for other classic flavors. A splash of pineapple or orange juice, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, or a pinch of warm spices like cloves or allspice would all be delicious additions.

Q4: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! The brown sugar and honey glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to gently warm it on the stovetop to loosen it up before you glaze the ham.

Q5: Why did my glaze burn?

A sugary glaze can burn if the oven is too hot or if it's applied too early in the cooking process. This recipe's method of applying the glaze only during the second half of cooking is the key that prevents the sugars from burning over the long bake time.

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham (An Easy Holiday Showstopper!)

A classic and simple recipe for a showstopper Baked Ham with a sweet Brown Sugar-Honey Glaze, perfect for a holiday centerpiece. The recipe uses a large, bone-in, fully-cooked smoked ham which is slow-roasted until tender and juicy. During the second half of cooking, it is repeatedly basted with a simple, three-ingredient glaze made from brown sugar and honey, creating a beautifully caramelized, sweet, and savory crust.

Author: Evelyn

Ingredients

1 (10-pound) bone-in smoked ham (with water added)
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup clover honey

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Fit a large roasting pan with a shallow roasting rack.
Unwrap the ham and rinse it under cold water. Place it on the rack in the roasting pan.
Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1 hour and 40 minutes.
While the ham is baking, combine the brown sugar and honey in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved to create the glaze.
After the initial baking time, pour the brown sugar glaze over the ham.
Continue to roast the ham, uncovered, for an additional 1 hour and 40 minutes. Baste the ham at least twice with the drippings in the roaster during this time.
The ham is done when a meat thermometer inserted into a meaty spot (not touching the bone) registers 160°F.
Let the ham stand for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to set.

Notes

This is a showstopper main course that is perfect for holidays like Christmas or Easter.
The total roasting time can be adjusted for a smaller or larger ham by calculating 20 minutes of cooking time per pound.
Resting the ham for 15 minutes before carving is a crucial step that allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender.
The ham can be made up to 2 hours ahead of time; simply tent it with foil and serve at room temperature.

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/brown-sugar-glazed-ham/