My Easter Table Secret
I want to share my favorite Easter ham recipe with you. It is a Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Ham. This is the star of our Easter dinner every year. The smell fills the whole house with joy. It tells everyone the holiday has truly begun.
This easy ham recipe feels like a hug on a plate. The sweet glaze makes it the best spiral ham. I learned it from my own grandma. She always said food is how we show love. That is why this matters. A special meal makes memories that last.
The Magic is in the Glaze
Let’s talk about that brown sugar glaze. You mix brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and soda. I use Dr Pepper. The soda makes it sweet and helps it get sticky. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it cooks?
You simmer it until it bubbles and gets thick. Then you brush it on the ham. You do this a few times. This makes a shiny, delicious crust. *Fun fact: The acid in the soda helps break down the meat. It makes every bite tender.
A Little Story About Cloves
First, you score the ham in little diamonds. Then you poke a clove in the center of each one. I still laugh at that. One year my grandson asked if I was giving the ham polka dots. He was not wrong!
Those cloves are not just pretty. They add a warm, gentle spice. It goes so well with the sweet glaze. This step is the start of how to cook spiral ham right. Do you have a funny kitchen memory like my polka-dot ham?
Why This Holiday Ham Matters
This glazed ham recipe is more than food. It is a tradition. When I pull it from the oven, everyone gathers. We all want to see that glossy finish. It is a moment of pure happiness.
That is the second reason this matters. Cooking for people is an act of care. This Easter ham recipe is my way of caring for my family. It says “welcome” and “I’m glad you’re here.” What is one food that makes you feel that way?
Your Turn to Sip and Feast
This spiral ham recipe is not hard. Just follow the steps. The oven does most of the work. You can visit Sip and Feast for more ideas, too. The key is to let it rest before you carve it. This keeps all the juices inside.
Then, gather everyone. A perfect holiday ham brings people together. Will this be your first time making a glazed ham recipe? I would love to hear how it turns out for you. Share your story with me.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fully cooked bone-in ham | 1 whole (15 to 18 pounds) | |
| Whole cloves | As needed | For studding the ham |
| Brown sugar | 3 cups | |
| Spicy brown mustard | 1/2 cup | |
| Dr Pepper or Coke | 1 can (12 oz) | |
| Apple cider vinegar | 3 Tbsp. |
Instructions
Step 1: Heat your oven to 325°F. Get your big spiral ham recipe ham ready. I like to pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps our sweet brown sugar glaze stick later. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
Step 2: Gently cut little lines on the ham to make diamonds. Push a clove into each center. This makes your Easter ham recipe so pretty. Place it in a pan, cover it with foil, and bake. (Always check your ham’s package for time first!)
Step 3: Now, let’s make the magic glaze! Mix brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and soda in a pot. Let it bubble and get thick for 15 minutes. This brown sugar glaze is the secret to the best spiral ham. Sweet or tangy—which flavor hits you first? Share below!
Step 4: After two hours, take the foil off your holiday ham. Brush that warm glaze all over it. Do this every 20 minutes. You’ll see it turn shiny and gorgeous. This makes an easy ham recipe feel so special for Easter dinner.
Step 5: Take your glazed ham recipe out of the oven. Let it rest for 15 minutes. I know it’s hard to wait! This keeps all the juices inside. Then, carve and enjoy your beautiful Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Ham. Sip and Feast, everyone!
Creative Twists
Use orange juice instead of soda for a fruity zing. Add a spoonful of maple syrup to the glaze for extra depth. Press pineapple rings onto the ham before the final glaze. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
Slice your Easter dinner ham and serve it warm. Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect underneath. Buttery dinner rolls soak up the glaze so well. A bright green salad balances the sweet holiday ham. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Glazed Ham Happy Later
Let’s talk about leftovers. Your beautiful Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Ham will keep well. Store slices in the fridge for three to four days. Use an airtight container. For longer storage, the freezer is your friend. Wrap slices tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag. They will keep for two months. This makes future meals so easy.
I remember my first big Easter ham. I left the whole thing on the counter! By evening, I was so sad. Now I wrap and refrigerate right after dinner. Batch cooking with your holiday ham is smart. Dice some for soups or omelets before storing. This saves you time on busy weeknights.
Reheating is simple. Place slices in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or broth. Cover with foil and warm at 325°F until heated through. This keeps your ham moist. Storing food well shows care for your family and your hard work. It turns one Easter dinner into many joyful meals. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Ham Hiccups
Even the best cooks run into little problems. Here are three easy fixes. First, a dry ham. This often happens from overcooking. Always check your package directions. Use a meat thermometer. It should read 140°F. I once baked a ham too long. It was like leather! Now I trust the thermometer.
Second, a glaze that burns. Your brown sugar glaze is sugary. It can burn if added too soon. Always apply it in the last 30 to 60 minutes. Brush it on in layers. This builds flavor without black spots. Third, a bland flavor. The secret is scoring and cloves. They let the glaze seep deep into the meat.
Getting these right matters. It builds your cooking confidence. A perfectly cooked ham also means amazing flavor in every bite. Your family will taste the care you put in. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How long to cook a spiral ham?
For a fully cooked spiral ham, heat at 325°F. Plan for about 10 minutes per pound. A 15-pound ham needs around 2.5 hours. Always check the package directions first. They know your specific ham best. The key is warming it to 140°F inside. Use a meat thermometer for perfect results every time. This is the best way for a juicy holiday ham.
What is the best glaze for a spiral ham?
A simple brown sugar glaze is classic and delicious. Mix brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and soda. The soda adds a sweet depth. Cook it until bubbly and slightly thick. This easy ham recipe glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It creates a sticky, sweet crust that everyone loves. It’s the best part of a glazed ham recipe for Easter dinner.
How do you keep spiral ham from drying out?
Do not overcook it. Cover the ham tightly with foil for most of the baking time. This traps steam. Only remove the foil to add the glaze at the end. Let the ham rest before carving. This allows juices to settle back into the meat. Following these steps for how to cook spiral ham guarantees a moist result.
Can you make spiral ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Bake and glaze the ham fully. Let it cool completely. Then wrap it well and refrigerate. Reheat slices gently before serving. This is a great trick for a stress-free Easter dinner or any holiday ham. The flavors often taste even better the next day.
What are good side dishes for spiral ham?
Scalloped potatoes are a creamy favorite. Buttery dinner rolls soak up the glaze. A bright green salad adds freshness. Don’t forget baked beans or roasted carrots. These sides balance the rich, sweet flavor of your Brown Sugar Glazed Spiral Ham. They make your Easter meal a true feast to remember.
How do you carve a spiral ham?
It is very easy. Place the ham on a steady cutting board. Find the bone running through the center. Simply slice perpendicular to the bone, following the natural lines. The pre-sliced sections will fall away. You will get beautiful, thin slices. This is the easiest ham recipe for serving because the hard work is already done for you.
Which tip will you try first?
My Kitchen Wish for You
I hope this guide helps you create a wonderful meal. The best spiral ham is about sharing joy with loved ones. *Fun fact: The spiral cut was invented to make serving easier for everyone.* I love hearing your stories and seeing your table.
Tell me all about your Easter dinner. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I read every one. Thank you for spending this time with me in my kitchen.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Easter Spiral Ham with Glazed Perfection
Description
Glazed Easter Ham
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep. Place cloves in the middle of each diamond. Place the ham in a large roasting pan with a rack, tent it with foil, and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours—or longer, depending on the package directions. (Some hams may require 3 to 3 1/2 hours at a lower temperature; just check the package.)
- In a small saucepan, heat the brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and soda until bubbly. Cook until reduced and a bit thicker, about 15 minutes.
- After about 2 hours of baking time, remove the foil and brush the glaze on the ham in 20 minutes intervals (put the ham back in the oven, uncovered, in between) until it’s nice and glossy. Remove from the oven and allow to rest 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Full Nutrition: See Nutritional Information