Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham

Ingredients For Ham With Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze

A bone-in cooked ham in a glass dish is surrounded by small bowls of whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. A measuring cup filled with Coca-Cola completes the glaze ingredients in the image.

Spiral-cut ham – fully cooked and bone-in for the best flavor

Brown sugar – adds that caramelized, sweet glaze

Whole grain mustard – for texture and a punch of tang

Dijon mustard – smooth and slightly sharp, balances the sweetness

Cola – keeps the ham juicy and adds depth (any classic cola works!)

Best Cut Of Ham For A Glazed Baked Ham

Bone-In Ham (Whole or Half): These hams retain moisture during cooking, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish. The bone also adds extra richness to the meat.

Butt End: This cut has more meat and is usually more tender and flavorful compared to the shank end. It also has a nice balance of meat and fat.

Spiral-Cut Ham: While slightly more convenient due to its pre-slicing, spiral cut ham can sometimes dry out if overcooked. It’s best to follow specific glazing and cooking techniques to keep it moist.

Shank End: This cut is less meaty but can still be delicious if cooked properly. It’s typically jointed, which some cooks may find easier to carve.

How To Make This Glazed Ham Recipe

Split image: Left shows a seasoned ham in a baking dish with someone pouring liquid over it. Right shows a close-up of a ham with someone pouring glaze from a measuring cup over the top. Both have numbered labels in the bottom corners.

This crowd-pleasing recipe is a breeze to prepare and goes perfectly with any side dish. And, leftover ham makes great Southern Ham Salad, Ham And White Bean Soup, and is perfect for Ham and Cheese Strata.

To get started, preheat your oven and place the spiral-cut ham in a roasting pan. Discard the seasoning packet that comes with the ham.

Mix brown sugar and yellow mustard in a small bowl. Gently pat the mixture over the ham. Pour the cola into the bottom of the pan. Cover the ham with aluminum foil, sealing around the edges of a large roasting pan. Place in the oven and bake.

Baste the ham with the juices and return it to the oven for 15 minutes. Then, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Close-up of a spiral-sliced, glazed ham with a golden-brown, crispy exterior. The layers reveal tender, juicy meat with caramelized edges, suggesting a savory and flavorful dish.

Should My Ham Be Baked Covered Or Uncovered?

Bake your ham covered with heavy-duty foil for most of the cooking time to keep it moist, then uncover it for the last 20-30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a crispy exterior. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 140°F.

Tips For Slicing The Ham

Use a sharp knife: A sharp, long, non-serrated knife is ideal for carving ham. This will ensure clean, even slices without tearing the meat.
Allow the ham to rest: After removing it from the oven, let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the ham easier to slice and keeping it moist.
Place the ham on a cutting board. Position the ham flat side down for a secure grip and easier slicing.
Locate the bone: If you’re carving a bone-in ham, identify the location of the bone and plan your cuts around it to minimize waste.

A spoon drizzling glaze over sliced ham on a white plate. In the background, there is a clear glass container with more glaze and a red dish partially visible. The ham has a caramelized crust and pink interior.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

What type of ham should I use for this recipe?

A bone-in, fully cooked ham, that is spiral-cut works best for this recipe. Let the ham come to room temperature before cooking.

How much ham should I buy per person?

Plan for about ½ to ¾ pound of bone-in ham per person, or ¼ to ½ pound of boneless ham per person.

How do I save leftover ham?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.