How much ham per person?

About 3/4 pound of bone-in ham per person, which leaves some leftovers.

What temperature should a cooked ham reach?

Reheat a fully cooked ham to 140°F.

Why did my ham dry out?

Usually it was heated uncovered or for too long. Keep it covered with water in the pan until you glaze it, and take it out when the center reaches 140°F.

Can I glaze a ham that is not spiral cut?

Yes. Score the fat in a 1-inch diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep so the glaze can sink in, then follow the same steps.

Brown Sugar Glazed Holiday Ham

A spiral-cut ham warmed slowly and brushed with a glossy brown sugar, Dijon, orange and clove glaze until caramelized. Serves 12 to 16.

Naturally gluten-free Dairy-free High-protein

Allergens: none of the major food allergens in the ingredients as written. Check package labels, which can change.

Prep 10 min
Cook 2 hr 30 min
Total 2 hr 40 min
Yield 12 to 16 servings
Level Easy

Updated November 4, 2026

Spiral-cut ham with a glossy brown sugar glaze on a platter with orange slices and rosemary

A glazed ham feeds a crowd with almost no work. A fully cooked spiral-cut ham only needs to be warmed through gently, covered so it stays moist, then brushed with a sweet and tangy glaze and returned to the oven until it caramelizes.

The glaze of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice and a pinch of cloves takes five minutes to make.

Instructions

Warm the ham. Heat the oven to 325°F. Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan, add the water, and cover tightly with foil. Bake about 12 minutes per pound, until the center reaches 120°F, about 2 hours.
Make the glaze. Simmer the brown sugar, mustard, orange juice, honey and cloves for 3 to 4 minutes, until syrupy.
Glaze. Raise the oven to 400°F. Uncover the ham and brush generously with glaze, letting some run between the slices.
Caramelize. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes, brushing with more glaze halfway, until glossy and caramelized and the center reaches 140°F. Rest 15 minutes and garnish with orange slices and rosemary.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

410Calories

22 gCarbohydrates

0 gFiber

22 gNet carbs

49 gProtein

14 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 14 servings (the recipe serves 12 to 16), using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included, and marinades are counted at about a third because most is discarded. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

High-protein Gluten-free Dairy-free Budget-friendly

Cook's notes

When you buy the ham, read the label: “ham” or “ham with natural juices” has the best texture, while “ham, water added” is wetter and softer. A bone-in, fully cooked, spiral-cut ham is the easiest to serve, since the slices are already cut to the bone.

For planning, an 8 to 10 pound ham warms in about 1 3/4 to 2 hours at 12 minutes a pound, plus about 20 minutes to glaze and 15 to rest. The glaze can be made a day ahead and rewarmed.

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Sliced ham keeps 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator or 1 to 2 months in the freezer, and the bone is the start of a good pot of pea soup.

Tips

Discard the packet of glaze that comes with the ham; homemade is far better.
Save the ham bone for split pea soup.

Printable: safe cooking temperatures chart (PDF).

Serve it with: Scalloped Potatoes, Honey-Glazed Carrots, Soft Dinner Rolls, Classic Deviled Eggs, Hot Cross Buns.

Storage and leftovers

Make ahead Freezer-friendly

Refrigerate leftover ham up to 4 days, or freeze slices up to 2 months. Reheat slices covered with a splash of water at 325°F, or serve cold. Save the bone for split pea soup.

What to make with leftover ham, roast beef and steak: recipes for leftovers.

Questions about this recipe

Why did my ham dry out?: Usually it was heated uncovered or for too long. Keep it covered with water in the pan until you glaze it, and take it out when the center reaches 140°F.
Can I glaze a ham that is not spiral cut?: Yes. Score the fat in a 1-inch diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep so the glaze can sink in, then follow the same steps.
How much ham per person?: About 3/4 pound of bone-in ham per person, which leaves some leftovers.
What temperature should a cooked ham reach?: Reheat a fully cooked ham to 140°F.

Serve it with

Build the whole dinner: sides, sauce and dessert ›

Pairs with: Pinot Noir or a dry Riesling. Wine pairing guide

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