Oven-Roasted Honey Brown Sugar Ham with Star Anise and Cloves

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A succulent bone-in ham slow-roasted with a fragrant blend of star anise, cloves, and a honey-brown sugar glaze that caramelizes to a glossy finish. This american-inspired brunch ready in about 165 minutes combines pounds fully cooked bone-in ham, water, whole pieces star anise into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 12, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 150 min Serves 12 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the 8-pound fully cooked bone-in ham in a large roasting pan and add 1 cup water, 3 whole star anise, and 6 whole cloves to the bottom of the pan to infuse the steam with spice.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon until fully combined to create the glaze.
  3. Step 3: Brush the glaze generously all over the surface of the ham. Tent loosely with foil and roast for 1 hour.
  4. Step 4: Remove the foil, baste the ham again with the glaze, and continue roasting uncovered for another 1 to 1 1/2 hours, basting every 20 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
  5. Step 5: Let the ham rest 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and the glaze to set.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Roasted Honey Brown Sugar Ham with Star Anise and Cloves take to make?

Total time is about 165 minutes (15 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Oven-Roasted Honey Brown Sugar Ham with Star Anise and Cloves?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted Honey Brown Sugar Ham with Star Anise and Cloves?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Oven-Roasted Honey Brown Sugar Ham with Star Anise and Cloves for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Oven-Roasted Honey Brown Sugar Ham with Star Anise and Cloves?

American brunch like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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