This Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham is a showstopper on any holiday table! The deep, caramelized glaze enhances the natural smokiness of the ham, while the subtle hint of rum adds a touch of warmth and richness. Each slice is tender, juicy, and infused with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or even meal prepping, this ham is incredibly easy to make and pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a light salad. Whether you’re hosting a large celebration or just want a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress!
Full Recipe:
- 10-pound smoked ham, fully cooked, bone-in
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/3 cup dark rum
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the ham on a flat surface. Using a sharp knife, score 1-inch deep cuts diagonally across the ham. Turn the ham 90 degrees and make cross cuts to create a diamond pattern.
- Transfer the ham to a roasting pan with a rack. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake in the center rack of the oven for 2 to 2.5 hours.
- In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, rum, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Uncover the ham and brush it liberally with the glaze mixture, making sure to get into the cuts.
- Return to the oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, apply another layer of glaze, and bake for another 15 minutes until caramelized.
- Let the ham rest for a few minutes before transferring it to a serving platter for carving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Kcal: 301 kcal per serving | Servings: 40
Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham: A Perfectly Glazed Holiday Centerpiece
A beautifully baked ham is a staple for festive gatherings, Sunday dinners, and special occasions. This Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham is the ultimate showstopper, offering a rich, caramelized crust with a smoky, savory interior. The secret to its incredible flavor lies in the perfect balance of sweetness from the brown sugar, the subtle depth of dark rum, and the tangy kick of Dijon mustard. Together, these ingredients create a sticky, flavorful glaze that enhances the natural taste of the ham while ensuring a beautifully golden exterior.
Whether you’re serving this dish for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s a foolproof way to impress your guests. Even better, this ham is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal preparation time.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
One of the main concerns when cooking a ham is ensuring it remains moist and juicy while developing that irresistible crispy caramelized crust. This recipe is designed to lock in moisture and enhance the natural flavors of the meat, making every bite tender and full of rich, smoky goodness.
The brown sugar and rum glaze plays a crucial role in the success of this recipe. The brown sugar helps create a glossy, sticky finish that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while the dark rum adds depth and complexity to the sweetness. The addition of Dijon mustard provides a subtle tanginess that prevents the glaze from becoming overly sweet, making it the perfect blend of flavors.
By scoring the ham before applying the glaze, you allow the flavors to seep deep into the meat, ensuring that every bite is well-seasoned and infused with the delicious blend of spices and sugars.
What Makes This Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham Special?
- Simple Yet Elegant – This dish looks incredibly fancy, yet it requires only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The sweet glaze contrasts beautifully with the natural saltiness of the ham.
- Crispy Caramelized Exterior – The brown sugar glaze ensures a golden, slightly crispy crust that is packed with flavor.
- Moist and Tender Meat – The cooking technique prevents the ham from drying out, keeping every slice juicy.
- Versatile for Any Occasion – Ideal for holidays, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week.
Choosing the Right Ham
The success of this dish starts with selecting the best ham. There are several types of ham available, but for this recipe, a fully cooked, bone-in smoked ham is the best choice.
- City Ham – The most commonly available ham in grocery stores, which has been cured in a brine solution. It’s the best option for this recipe.
- Spiral-Cut Ham – Pre-sliced for convenience, but may dry out more easily when baked. If using this type, take extra care to keep it moist.
- Country Ham – A dry-cured ham that is very salty. Not the best option for this sweet glaze.
A bone-in ham is preferred because the bone helps retain moisture, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham
- Score the Ham Properly – Use a sharp knife to cut 1-inch deep diagonal lines across the surface of the ham, then turn it 90 degrees to create a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze seep into the meat, ensuring rich flavor throughout.
- Use a Roasting Rack – Keeping the ham elevated allows for even heat circulation, preventing the bottom from sitting in liquid and becoming soggy. If you don’t have a rack, roll up aluminum foil into logs and place the ham on top.
- Cover for Moisture – Tenting the ham with aluminum foil during the first phase of baking helps lock in moisture. Remove the foil during the final stages to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Reapply the Glaze – Brushing the ham with the glaze twice during the final baking phase ensures a rich, golden caramelized coating.
- Let the Ham Rest – Allow the ham to sit for at least 10 minutes after baking before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping it moist.
Serving Suggestions
This Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile choice for any meal. Here are some delicious pairings to serve alongside:
- Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture balances the sweet and smoky flavors of the ham.
- Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes complement the dish beautifully.
- Mac and Cheese – A rich, cheesy side dish pairs perfectly with the ham’s caramelized crust.
- Cornbread – A slightly sweet and buttery side that complements the deep flavors of the glaze.
- Green Beans Almondine – A light and fresh contrast to the richness of the ham.
- Classic Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up the extra glaze and juices from the ham.
What to Do with Leftover Ham
One of the best things about making a large ham is having leftovers to enjoy in different ways throughout the week. Here are some delicious ideas for repurposing leftover ham:
- Ham and Cheese Omelet – A quick and protein-packed breakfast.
- Split Pea Soup with Ham – A comforting and hearty soup made with leftover ham.
- Ham and Swiss Sliders – Mini sandwiches baked with a buttery glaze, perfect for parties.
- Ham and Potato Casserole – A creamy, cheesy dish that makes an excellent comfort meal.
- Ham and Pineapple Pizza – A sweet and savory homemade pizza option.
- Ham Fried Rice – A quick stir-fry packed with flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store leftovers, wrap the ham tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you need to store it longer, ham can be frozen for up to 2 months.
When reheating, avoid drying it out by covering the slices with foil and baking them at 325°F (163°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You can also reheat individual slices in a skillet over low heat.
Conclusion
This Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham is more than just a holiday dish—it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers incredible flavor, a perfectly caramelized crust, and tender, juicy meat every time. The combination of sweet brown sugar, deep dark rum, and tangy Dijon mustard creates a glaze that transforms an ordinary ham into a gourmet centerpiece.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a comforting meal at home, this easy-to-make and absolutely delicious recipe is sure to become a favorite. Plus, with so many ways to use leftovers, you’ll get to enjoy the flavors long after the main event.
So, gather your loved ones, set the table, and let this Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham be the star of your next feast!