Paula Deen Ham Recipe: Brown Sugar Glazed Holiday Centerpiece

This brown sugar glazed ham brings Southern charm to your holiday table with minimal effort. The secret lies in a simple yet flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.

I’ve refined this method over years of holiday dinners, ensuring the ham stays juicy while developing a sticky, golden crust. A slow bake at 325°F guarantees even cooking without drying out the meat.

The glaze—a blend of brown sugar, mustard, and spices—creates a balance of sweet and tangy that complements the smoky ham perfectly. Every slice delivers rich, tender meat with a glossy, irresistible finish.

Serve as the centerpiece for Easter, Christmas, or any special gathering. This dish promises to impress with its classic appeal and foolproof results.

Ingredients for Paula Deen Ham

Holiday magic starts with a ham, brown sugar, and spices you already own.

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The ham is the star here. Spiral-cut from a reputable brand like HoneyBaked saves time (and your knuckles), but a whole bone-in from Costco or Sam’s Club gives you that classic presentation. Look for 8-10 lbs for a proper holiday crowd. Shank end has more connective tissue, which means it stays juicier—butt end if you want prettier slices. Either works beautifully with this glaze.

No Dijon? Yellow mustard in a pinch, but cut the amount by half—it’s sharper. Skip the pineapple juice? Orange juice or apple cider adds a similar bright note. Butter can be swapped for olive oil if you’re avoiding dairy (though Paula wouldn’t approve). The cloves are traditional, but allspice berries give a similar warm depth if that’s what you’ve got.

Leftovers keep 5-7 days wrapped tight in the fridge. Freeze slices for up to 2 months—perfect for sandwiches or soups later. The glaze thickens as it cools, so warm it with a splash of water if it gets too sticky to drizzle. Always score the ham before glazing (don’t skip this part).

Step-by-Step Instructions for Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Here’s the method I use for that perfect holiday centerpiece with caramelized edges.

Step 1: Prep the Ham and Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F. While it heats, prepare the 8 lb Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham by trimming any excess skin, leaving a thin layer of fat. Score the fat in a diamond pattern about ¼ inch deep—this helps the glaze penetrate and creates beautiful presentation lines.

Place the thinly sliced yellow onion in the bottom of a roasting pan. This creates a natural rack that keeps the ham elevated while adding subtle flavor. Position the ham flat-side down on top of the onions, which will help it stay moist during cooking.

Step 2: Stud with Cloves and Start Cooking

Press the 20 whole Cloves into the scored intersections of the ham’s fat cap, pushing them in until just the heads show. I’ve found that spacing them evenly gives the best flavor distribution without overpowering any single bite.

Cover the ham loosely with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, which allows the ham to heat through gently. The foil prevents the surface from drying out before you add the glaze. You’ll know it’s ready for the next step when the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Step 3: Create and Apply the Brown Sugar Glaze

While the ham bakes, make the glaze by combining the 2 cups Light Brown Sugar, 0.5 cup Dijon Mustard, 1 cup Pineapple Juice, 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, 0.25 tsp Ground Nutmeg, and 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes until thickened.

Remove the ham from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F. Uncover the ham and brush it generously with the glaze, making sure to get into all the scored lines. Stir the 0.25 cup Honey into the remaining glaze for extra shine if desired.

Step 4: Caramelize and Finish

Return the ham to the oven uncovered and bake for another 15-20 minutes, basting with the glaze every 5 minutes. Watch for the glaze to turn a deep amber color and form a sticky crust—the sugar will bubble when it’s caramelizing properly.

The ham is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the glaze has thickened into a glossy coating. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Arrange the 8 slices Fresh Pineapple Rings around the ham on a serving platter. Secure each ring with a maraschino cherry in the center using a toothpick. The pineapple adds a fresh contrast to the rich ham, while the cherries provide a pop of color.

Slice the ham and serve warm with the remaining glaze on the side. Each slice should have a beautiful caramelized exterior with juicy, tender meat beneath. The cloves will be visible in the fat cap, releasing their aroma as you cut into the ham.

Perfect Pairings for This Dish

Classic Side Dishes

I always pair this ham with creamy scalloped potatoes—the cheesy layers soak up that brown sugar glaze beautifully. For a lighter option, buttery green beans with slivered almonds add freshness and crunch. 💛

Bread & Rolls

You can’t go wrong with warm Southern-style biscuits—I use Pillsbury Grands for ease. Hawaiian rolls are another favorite; their sweetness complements the ham’s caramelized crust perfectly.

Sweet Additions

For a traditional touch, serve with sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows. The combination of sweet and savory is pure holiday comfort. Add a pineapple upside–down cake for dessert to echo the ham’s glaze flavors.

Beverage Pairings

Sweet tea is my go-to—its crispness cuts through the richness. For adults, a sparkling Riesling or bourbon-based cocktail balances the sweet and smoky notes. Iced tea works too if you prefer non-alcoholic options. 🍷

Fresh Elements

A simple spinach salad with mandarin oranges and poppyseed dressing adds a bright contrast. The acidity in the dressing helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, glazed ham.

Leftovers Tip

Save extra ham for breakfast hash the next morning. Dice and pan-fry with potatoes and onions, then top with a fried egg. The caramelized edges from the glaze add amazing flavor. 🔥

Frequently Asked Questions