This Apricot Brown Sugar Ham is a delightful main course that combines the savory flavor of a fully-cooked spiral-cut ham with a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, apricot jam, and dry mustard powder. It’s perfect for special occasions and holiday gatherings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 (10-pound) fully-cooked spiral-cut ham
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup apricot jam
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
2. Prepare the ham: Place the ham cut-side down on a sheet of aluminum foil. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, apricot jam, and dry mustard powder. Brush this mixture over the ham, reserving some for later. Wrap the foil around the ham to enclose it, and place it on a rimmed baking sheet.
3. Roast the ham: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours (or about 14 minutes per pound if your ham is a different size).
4. Apply additional glaze: About 20 minutes before the ham is done, open the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Continue baking uncovered for the remaining time.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 469
• Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 194mg
• Sodium: 2960mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Sugars: 14g
• Protein: 67g
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 21mg
• Iron: 3mg
• Potassium: 1061mg

Why This Apricot Brown Sugar Ham Stands Out

There are countless ways to prepare ham, but this particular recipe has gained popularity due to its unique blend of flavors and ease of preparation. Here are some of the reasons why this dish is a favorite among home cooks and food lovers alike:

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The brown sugar and apricot glaze provide just the right amount of sweetness to complement the naturally salty and rich flavor of ham.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Unlike other complicated recipes that require numerous spices and condiments, this recipe uses only a handful of ingredients that work harmoniously to enhance the ham’s taste.
• Caramelized, Glossy Finish: The apricot glaze creates a golden-brown caramelized layer on the ham, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing.
• Great for Leftovers: This ham is just as tasty the next day. Leftovers can be used for sandwiches, soups, breakfast scrambles, and more.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, even a beginner can achieve a restaurant-quality dish.

The History of Glazed Ham

Ham has been a culinary tradition for centuries, dating back to ancient times when people preserved pork by curing it with salt and smoke. Over the years, different cultures have developed their own variations of preparing and glazing ham.

The concept of a sweet glaze on ham can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when honey and fruit preserves were commonly used in cooking. Brown sugar became a popular choice in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in the United States, as it was more affordable and added a rich molasses-like depth to glazes. The use of apricot jam in a glaze is a relatively modern adaptation that brings a bright, fruity contrast to the deep umami flavors of the ham.

How to Serve Apricot Brown Sugar Ham

This ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile main course for any meal. Some classic pairings include:

• Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the richness of the ham.
• Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and green beans add color and nutritional value to your meal.
• Macaroni and Cheese – A comfort food favorite that provides a cheesy contrast to the sweet glaze.
• Dinner Rolls – Soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for sopping up any extra glaze.
• Fruit Salads – A light, fresh fruit salad enhances the fruity notes of the apricot glaze.

For a festive table setting, garnish the ham with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme and slices of oranges or pineapples for an extra decorative touch.

Tips for the Best Apricot Brown Sugar Ham

To ensure that your ham turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:

• Choose the Right Ham: A fully cooked, spiral-cut ham works best for this recipe since it allows the glaze to seep into the slices, ensuring maximum flavor.
• Use Foil for Even Cooking: Wrapping the ham in foil helps to keep it moist and prevents it from drying out during baking.
• Brush on the Glaze in Layers: Applying the glaze in multiple stages creates a more flavorful, caramelized coating.
• Let It Rest Before Slicing: After removing the ham from the oven, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices.

Storing and Using Leftover Ham

One of the best things about this recipe is that leftovers can be used in a variety of creative ways. Here are some ideas for repurposing your ham:

• Ham and Cheese Sandwiches – Use thick slices of ham with Swiss or cheddar cheese for a delicious lunch.
• Omelets or Scrambles – Dice up leftover ham and add it to eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.
• Soups and Stews – Add chopped ham to bean soup, split pea soup, or even a hearty potato chowder.
• Ham and Pineapple Pizza – Use slices of ham on homemade pizza with pineapple for a sweet-savory combination.
• Pasta Dishes – Mix ham with Alfredo sauce and pasta for a creamy, satisfying meal.

Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you have more ham than you can eat within that time, consider freezing it for future use. When properly stored in a freezer-safe bag or container, ham can last for up to three months.

Conclusion

Apricot Brown Sugar Ham is a simple yet elegant dish that has stood the test of time. Its combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes it a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion.

Ham has long been a staple of celebratory meals across various cultures, with different glaze variations that enhance its natural flavors. The combination of brown sugar and apricot jam in this recipe creates a beautiful caramelized glaze that not only adds flavor but also gives the ham a glossy, appetizing finish. Whether you are an experienced home cook or trying your hand at preparing a holiday ham for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal preparation. The slow roasting process allows the ham to soak up all the delicious glaze, resulting in a juicy, tender, and flavorful main course.