This Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a deep caramelized glaze that locks in its juicy tenderness. The blend of dark brown sugar, rich rum, and tangy Dijon mustard creates a balanced, mouthwatering glaze that coats every slice with a sticky, flavorful finish. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner, a potluck, or a Sunday family meal, this ham is sure to impress.
Pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Plus, the leftovers make for the best sandwiches, soups, and casseroles—so don’t be afraid to make extra! With its beautifully crisped edges and irresistible aroma, this Caramelized Brown Sugar and Rum Glazed Ham will be the highlight of your table.
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, make 1-inch deep cuts diagonally across the ham. Turn 90 degrees and make cross cuts to create a diamond pattern.
- Transfer the ham to a rack in a large roasting pan and add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake on the center rack for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, rum, and mustard until smooth.
- Uncover the ham and brush liberally with the glaze mixture, making sure to get into the cuts.
- Return to the oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Apply another layer of glaze and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until caramelized and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, then transfer to a serving platter.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Kcal: 301 per serving | Servings: 40
Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham: A Show-Stopping Holiday Delight
Baked ham is a classic dish that graces dinner tables around the world, particularly during festive occasions like Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. With its rich flavor, tender texture, and beautifully caramelized glaze, it’s no wonder this dish is a holiday staple. One of the best variations of this timeless meal is the Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham—a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that create an irresistible main course.
This ham is slow-baked to perfection, allowing the meat to remain juicy while forming a crispy, golden-brown crust. The glaze, made with dark brown sugar, dark rum, and Dijon mustard, enhances the natural flavors of the ham while adding a rich depth of sweetness and tanginess. Whether you’re cooking for a large gathering or preparing a special meal for your family, this dish is sure to impress.
The Perfect Ham for Any Occasion
While Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham is often associated with holiday dinners, it’s also an excellent choice for other special occasions. It makes a great centerpiece for Sunday family dinners, potlucks, and celebratory gatherings. The best part is that it feeds a crowd, making it a cost-effective and delicious option for hosting.
If you love meal prepping or planning ahead, this recipe is also perfect because the leftovers are just as tasty as the freshly cooked ham. You can use leftover slices in sandwiches, omelets, casseroles, and soups, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Why Use Brown Sugar and Rum for the Glaze?
The glaze is what sets this ham apart from traditional baked hams. The combination of dark brown sugar and rum creates a deep, caramelized flavor that beautifully complements the saltiness of the ham. Here’s why these ingredients work so well together:
- Brown Sugar: The molasses content in dark brown sugar gives the glaze a rich, almost smoky sweetness that coats the ham and helps it caramelize in the oven. The sugar also helps create that sticky, glossy texture that makes glazed ham so visually appealing.
- Dark Rum: This ingredient adds a hint of warmth and complexity to the dish. The alcohol cooks off during baking, leaving behind a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that elevates the entire meal.
- Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon mustard balances out the sweetness with a mild tangy kick, preventing the glaze from becoming overwhelmingly sweet.
How to Choose the Best Ham for Baking
Not all hams are created equal, and selecting the right one can make a significant difference in the final result. Here are a few things to consider when purchasing ham for this recipe:
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: A bone-in ham is recommended for better flavor and moisture retention. The bone adds richness to the meat and makes it easier to carve after cooking. Boneless hams are more convenient but can sometimes be drier.
- Spiral-Cut vs. Whole: Spiral-cut hams come pre-sliced, making them convenient for serving. However, they tend to dry out more quickly during baking. A whole ham allows for more control over the cooking process and retains moisture better.
- Smoked vs. Fresh: Most store-bought hams are already smoked and pre-cooked, meaning you only need to reheat and glaze them. Smoked hams have a deeper, more complex flavor, while fresh hams require more preparation and seasoning.
The Secret to a Moist and Juicy Ham
One of the biggest concerns when baking ham is preventing it from drying out. Here are a few expert tips to ensure your ham stays moist and flavorful:
- Use a Roasting Rack: Elevating the ham on a rack inside the roasting pan allows heat to circulate evenly, ensuring a more consistent cook.
- Add Water to the Pan: Pouring a little water into the bottom of the roasting pan creates steam, which helps keep the ham moist while baking.
- Cover with Foil: Wrapping the ham in foil during the initial baking phase prevents it from drying out and helps lock in juices.
- Let it Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the ham to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice tender and flavorful.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Whether you prefer traditional holiday sides or want to switch things up, here are a few delicious pairings to consider:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect balance to the sweet and smoky ham glaze.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add color and freshness to the meal.
- Mac and Cheese: The creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese complements the sweet and savory notes of the ham.
- Cornbread or Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery bread is great for soaking up any leftover glaze.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham
One of the best things about making a large baked ham is the abundance of leftovers! Here are a few creative ideas to repurpose your leftover slices:
- Ham and Cheese Sandwiches: Layer ham with cheese, mustard, and fresh greens for an easy lunch.
- Omelets or Scrambles: Dice leftover ham and add it to your morning eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.
- Ham and Bean Soup: Simmer ham with beans, vegetables, and broth for a comforting soup.
- Pasta Dishes: Toss chopped ham into mac and cheese, carbonara, or alfredo pasta.
- Ham and Cheese Sliders: Mini sandwiches made with ham, cheese, and buttery rolls make for a great party snack.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From its deep, caramelized glaze to its juicy, tender texture, every bite is packed with flavor. The combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy elements makes it a crowd-pleasing dish that will leave your guests raving.
Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also an easy and foolproof recipe that anyone can make. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a show-stopping ham that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen.
Conclusion
Whether you’re preparing for a big holiday feast, a Sunday family dinner, or a special gathering, Brown Sugar Rum Baked Ham is the perfect choice. Its rich flavor, sticky-sweet glaze, and beautiful caramelized finish make it a standout dish that everyone will love. Plus, the leftovers provide endless opportunities for delicious meals in the days that follow.
So, if you’re looking for a stress-free yet impressive main course, this ham is the way to go. With the right ham selection, a perfectly balanced glaze, and a few simple baking techniques, you’ll achieve a flavorful, juicy ham that will become a favorite at your table for years to come.