Moist Oven-Baked Glazed Ham – The Best Slow-Roast Method Revealed

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly glazed ham — caramelized on the outside, juicy and tender inside. Whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday feast, or Sunday supper, this moist baked ham is always the showstopper.

The secret to making ham that doesn’t dry out? Slow roasting — and a flavor-packed glaze that builds beautiful layers of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavor.

 Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 1 whole unsliced ham (bone-in or boneless, under 10 lbs)

• No water or foil required

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup ketchup

  ADVERTISEMENT

• ¼ cup yellow mustard

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C).

  ADVERTISEMENT

• Place the ham in a large roasting pan with no cover and no water.

• This slow, uncovered method gently warms the ham, preserving moisture.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Ketchup

• Mustard

  ADVERTISEMENT

• Brown sugar

• Vanilla

• Cinnamon

This glaze is sweet and tangy with a warm, aromatic finish — a unique family-style twist passed down and perfected over time.

Step 3: Slow Roast and Glaze

• Place the ham in the oven and roast uncovered for 3½ hours.

  ADVERTISEMENT

• Every 45 minutes, baste or brush the ham with glaze.

• This layering process creates a caramelized crust full of bold flavor.

Step 4: Final Glaze & Finish

• After 3½ hours, give the ham one final glaze.

• Turn oven temperature up to 350°F (175°C).

• Roast for 30 more minutes, allowing the glaze to set and caramelize beautifully.

Why This Method Works

• Low and slow cooking prevents drying

• No water or foil means better texture and flavor

• The glaze penetrates gradually, giving a deep, rich crust

• It’s hands-off — just glaze every 45 mins

  ADVERTISEMENT

• The result is moist, flavorful, and never stringy

Serving Suggestions

This ham pairs wonderfully with traditional sides or fresh seasonal options:

• Scalloped potatoes or buttery mashed potatoes

• Roasted green beans or honey-glazed carrots

• Pineapple stuffing

• Mac and cheese

• Classic cornbread or dinner rolls

Looking for even more pairing inspiration? Check out Tinsuf’s guide to southern-style sides.

Variations & Add-Ons

 Honey Bourbon Glaze

Replace ketchup with:

• ½ cup honey

• 2 tbsp bourbon

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

 Pineapple Mustard Glaze

Add:

• ½ cup crushed pineapple

• 2 tbsp pineapple juice

• Reduces beautifully and gives tropical notes.

Spicy Brown Sugar Glaze

Add:

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

• Great for those who like a little heat.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large roasting pan

• Basting brush or ladle

• Meat thermometer

• Sharp carving knife

• Foil tent for resting

Want to upgrade your roast game? See Tinsuf’s top tools for holiday roasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a spiral-sliced ham?

Not recommended for this method — pre-sliced hams dry out faster. Whole hams retain their moisture better during the long bake.

What size ham should I use?

This method works best for hams 10 lbs or under — bone-in or boneless.

Can I prep it the day before?

Yes! Roast and glaze the ham, then reheat at 325°F for 20 minutes the next day, brushing with a little extra glaze or broth.

Should I use foil or add water?

No. Do not cover or add water. This recipe relies on dry, slow heat for best results.

Leftover Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftover ham slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap + foil and freeze up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Gently warm slices in a covered dish at 325°F or in the microwave with a splash of broth.

Ways to Use Leftover Ham

• Ham and cheese sliders

• Ham and egg breakfast muffins

• Ham and potato soup

• Ham fried rice

• Pasta carbonara with ham

Nutrition Info (Per 6 oz serving, glaze included)

Approximate values depending on ham type.

• Calories: 380 kcal

• Protein: 29g

• Fat: 18g

• Carbs: 19g

• Sugar: 15g

• Sodium: 980mg

 Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever struggled with dry, rubbery ham, this slow roast method is your answer. It’s the kind of recipe that feels old-school, tastes like it came from your grandmother’s oven, and delivers results every time.

By taking your time — and adding that rich, sweet, and smoky glaze every 45 minutes — you create a ham that’s bursting with flavor, beautifully caramelized, and moist from edge to core.

Whether it’s your first ham or your fiftieth, this method just might become your new holiday (or anytime!) go-to.

For more family-famous meats, visit Tinsuf’s oven-roasted dinner ideas or save this one to your printable holiday cookbook.

Thank you for following me on  Facebook

for more recipes click here