Brown Sugar and Spice Dry Ham Rub

Name: Brown Sugar and Spice Dry Ham Rub
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 730 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar (packed); 2 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp ground mustard; 1 tbsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cloves; 1 tsp salt

730 min 10 servings Easy

All Recipes

Elevate your ham with a sweet and spicy rub that caramelizes beautifully. Perfect for festive occasions or a special family dinner.

Prep

10 min

Total

730 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

A Brown Sugar and Spice Dry Ham Rub is a game-changer for your ham dishes. This rub combines the sweetness of brown sugar with a perfect blend of spices to create a glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, adding both flavour and a striking appearance to your ham. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for a delicious, juicy, and flavourful ham. The sweetness of the brown sugar pairs beautifully with the spices, creating a balanced profile that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this rub is easy to prepare and makes a significant difference in taste.

Instructions

Combine ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix well with a whisk to break up any clumps.

Pro tip: Ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed to provide a consistent flavour.

Prepare the ham

Pat the ham dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the rub adhere better.

Pro tip: If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score it to allow the rub to penetrate.

Apply the rub

Generously rub the mixture all over the surface of the ham, pressing it in to ensure it sticks.

Pro tip: Use your hands to massage the rub into all the nooks and crannies.

Wrap the ham

Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to ensure the rub stays in place.

Pro tip: For deeper flavour, refrigerate the wrapped ham overnight.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) when ready to cook.

Cook the ham

Place the ham on a roasting rack in a shallow pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

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Tips & Tricks

Mix the rub ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Pat the ham dry before applying the rub for better adhesion.
Allow the rub to sit on the ham overnight for maximum flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a brown sugar and spice dry ham rub?

It's a mixture of brown sugar and various spices like paprika, mustard, and cinnamon, used to flavour ham.

How long should I let the rub sit on the ham?

For best results, let the rub sit on the ham overnight in the refrigerator.

Can I make the rub ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rub and store it in an airtight container for up to a month.

How many calories are in a serving of this rub?

Each serving of the rub contains approximately 120 calories.

What other meats can I use this rub on?

This rub is versatile and can also be used on pork chops or chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your ham with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. This rub is also versatile enough to work with pork chops or chicken, giving you multiple options for creating delicious meals. Prepare the rub ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to a month. This way, you have it ready whenever you're planning a special meal. Once your ham is cooked, store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Nutrition per serving

120

Calories

Protein

Fat

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