Easter Recipe: Decadent Rum Glazed Ham with Caramelized Brown Sugar 🍖🍯✨
1. Introduction
Easter is a time for family, celebration, and, of course, a delicious feast! What better way to impress your loved ones than with a show-stopping Ham with rum glaze recipe? This isn’t just any ham; it’s a culinary journey featuring a luscious rum glaze and a perfectly caramelized brown sugar crust. This Easter ham recipe with rum is sure to be the centerpiece of your holiday table, sparking conversation and creating lasting memories. Prepare to elevate your Easter dinner with this unforgettable dish. The sweet and savory combination will delight everyone’s taste buds, making it a memorable rum glazed ham recipe for years to come. Looking for inspiration for the rest of your meal? Check out our dinner recipe section for some great sides!

2. Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather our ingredients. The quality of ingredients can truly impact the final taste, so opt for the best you can find. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in ham
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Consider this: a bone-in ham not only adds to the presentation but also contributes to a richer flavor during cooking. For a unique twist, explore different types of rum to find what complements your palate best!
3. Equipment
Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Ham with rum glaze recipe:
- Roasting pan with rack
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Basting brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
A roasting pan with a rack is essential to prevent the ham from sitting in its own juices, ensuring a crispy exterior. A good basting brush will help you evenly coat the ham with the delicious rum glaze. If you don’t have a basting brush, a spoon will work in a pinch!
4. Preparation Time
Planning your time is key to a stress-free Easter dinner. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation time for this Easter ham recipe with rum:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 2-3 hours (depending on the size of the ham)
- Total time: Approximately 2.5-3.5 hours
Remember to factor in resting time after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. While the ham is cooking, why not prepare one of our snack recipes to keep everyone happy?
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering caramelized brown sugar ham that will impress your guests.
1. Prepare the Ham
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a rack in a roasting pan. This ensures even cooking. Pat the ham with rum glaze recipe dry with paper towels. Scoring the ham in a diamond pattern can help the glaze penetrate deeper, enhancing the flavor of your caramelized brown sugar ham. Don’t skip this step – it’s crucial for even cooking and flavor absorption!

2. Make the Rum Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, dark rum, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened. This creates the perfect rum glazed ham recipe base. This glaze is the heart of the recipe, so take your time to ensure it’s perfectly smooth and flavorful. Are you a caramel lover? Check this caramel recipe.

3. Glaze the Ham
Using a basting brush, generously brush the Ham with rum glaze recipe all over the ham. Make sure to get into all the crevices. Reserve about half of the glaze for basting later. Bake the ham for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes during the last hour of cooking. This frequent basting is key to achieving that beautiful caramelized brown sugar crust on your Easter ham recipe with rum. The aroma alone will have everyone drooling!

4. Rest and Serve
Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful Ham with rum glaze recipe. Carve the ham and serve it warm. The caramelized brown sugar ham pairs perfectly with classic Easter sides like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls. Enjoy your delicious Easter ham recipe with rum! You can find another recipe here, if you’re interested!

6. Tips and Variations
Want to personalize your Ham with rum glaze recipe? Here are a few tips and variations to try:
- For a smokier flavor, use a smoked ham.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a little heat – perfect for those who like a kick!
- If you don’t have dark rum, you can substitute it with apple juice or pineapple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Garnish the caramelized brown sugar ham with fresh pineapple slices or maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
- Serve with a side of pineapple salsa for a tropical twist.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a bit of orange zest to the glaze for a citrusy zing! You may also try our spicy shrimp and rice bowl recipes this easter.
7. Serving Suggestions
This Easter ham recipe with rum is a fantastic centerpiece for your Easter dinner. Serve it with classic sides such as:
- Scalloped potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Dinner rolls
- Asparagus
- Mac and cheese – a crowd-pleasing favorite!
Don’t forget the cranberry sauce! Its tartness complements the sweetness of the ham beautifully. If you’re looking for something lighter, consider a fresh salad. And for dessert, you may check this tangy glazed apple cider fritter bites.
8. Storage Instructions
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store your Ham with rum glaze recipe:
Store leftover Ham with rum glaze recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the ham for longer storage. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving. Make sure to wrap the ham well to prevent freezer burn if freezing. Alternatively, leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, or even quiches! You may also love this cheesy garlic parmesan chicken loaf.
9. Conclusion
This Ham with rum glaze recipe with caramelized brown sugar is the perfect way to make your Easter celebration truly special. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will delight your guests and create a memorable dining experience. Follow these simple steps to create a stunning and delicious Easter ham recipe with rum that will be the star of your holiday table. Enjoy! We’re sure your guest will look forward to your next recipes.
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Easter Recipe: Rum Glazed Ham with Caramelized Brown Sugar
Elevate your Easter dinner with this decadent Rum Glazed Ham with Caramelized Brown Sugar. This show-stopping centerpiece features a luscious rum glaze and a perfectly caramelized brown sugar crust, making it a memorable dish for family celebrations.
- Total Time: Approximately 2.5-3.5 hours
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in ham
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a rack in a roasting pan, patting it dry with paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, dark rum, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Whisk and heat over medium until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Using a basting brush, generously brush the glaze all over the ham, reserving half for later. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), basting every 30 minutes.
- Once done, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving warm.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, use a smoked ham.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a touch of heat.
- If dark rum is unavailable, substitute with apple juice or pineapple juice.
- Garnish the ham with fresh pineapple slices or maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
- Pair with pineapple salsa for a tropical twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Carnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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