Print

Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Apple Cider Reduction

brown sugar glazed ham with apple cider reduction - featured image
Print Recipe

This Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Ham with Apple Cider Reduction is proof that sometimes the simplest approach wins. The sweet brown sugar glaze pairs perfectly with the tangy apple cider reduction, creating an incredible balance that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
  2. Prepare the ham: Remove from packaging, pat dry, trim thick skin leaving 1/4 inch fat, score fat in diamond pattern 1/4 inch deep.
  3. Start the apple cider reduction: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup apple cider and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy.
  4. Place ham flat-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour remaining 2 cups apple cider into the bottom of the pan.
  5. Cover ham loosely with foil and bake for 12-15 minutes per pound (about 1 hour 36 minutes to 2 hours for 8 pounds), until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
  6. While ham bakes, make the glaze: Combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves in a small bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the apple cider reduction.
  7. About 30 minutes before ham is done, remove from oven, brush glaze all over ham, return to oven uncovered for remaining 30 minutes.
  8. Once ham reaches 140°F (60°C), remove from oven, tent with foil, and rest for 15-20 minutes.
  9. While ham rests, strain pan juices into a small saucepan. Add remaining apple cider reduction and butter. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  10. Slice ham against the grain into thin slices. Drizzle apple cider reduction sauce over top or serve on the side.

Notes

Don’t overcook the ham since it’s already fully cooked; aim for 140°F internal temperature. Score the fat deeply (1/4 inch) for better glaze penetration. Baste every 20 minutes during the last hour for extra flavor. The apple cider reduction can be made up to 3 days ahead. Use pan drippings for finishing sauce or gravy.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar glazed ham, apple cider ham, easy ham recipe, holiday ham, weeknight ham, glazed ham

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/easy-brown-sugar-glazed-ham-with-apple-cider-reduction/