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READY IN 10 mins

Brown Sugar and Spice Dry Ham Rub

Read Reviews (26)

"I created this recipe when frustrated by the packets of glaze that came with spiral hams bought at the grocery store. It is sweet, with the perfect amount of spice, and makes a nice crust on the outside of the ham, similar to the famous ham store's. This recipe makes enough to cover a 3 to 5 pound ham. Store in an airtight tin if not using immediately." — sweetaddiction

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Original recipe makes 1 1/2 cups Change Servings

1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder
freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Directions

Mix together brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, mustard powder, onion powder, and pepper in a bowl until well blended. Makes enough rub to cover one 3 to 5 pound ham. To be sure sugars form a crust, do not cover the ham during cooking. If not using immediately, store in an airtight tin.

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PREP 10 mins
READY IN 10 mins

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Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Aug 23, 2008

We really enjoyed this rub. It was just what I was looking for! I didn't have pumpkin pie spice so I just used equal parts of cinnamon & nutmeg.

—Gretchen

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Jan 26, 2013

It was good but I didn't experience the "crust" as others have, even following the 550, down to 325 as directed. I probably wouldn't make it again, as I prefer more of a fruity sweetness. I'm finding it hard to use this ham in leftovers because of the distinct brown sugar taste.

—lisa

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29 Ratings

Dec 10, 2010

This was enough for my 8.5 lb. fully cooked shank ham. Didn't have pie spice, so used 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. ginger, 1/4 tsp. nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp. ground cloves. Only used 1/2 tsp. ground mustard. Scored it and rubbed it all over the ham, then put it in my Lisk roaster covered and forgot it for 2 hours. It came out moist and delishious. The juice in the bottom of the pan was great on baked sweet potatoes.

—LADYSLEW

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Nov 28, 2009

Fantastic! We smoked a precooked ham for 3 hrs @230 degrees. I first smothered the ham in regular yellow mustard. Then I used this rub over the entire ham and massaged it in. At the 2 1/2 hr mark I mixed up honey & BBQ sauce and put it all over the ham. It looked and tasted awesome! The entire family loved it for Thanksgiving.

—SHERRI0121

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Jul 06, 2012

I'm so glad that everyone has enjoyed this rub! I just wanted to add a quick note. When I make my ham with this rub, I preheat the oven to 550. I cook the rubbed ham uncovered at 550 for about 20 minutes. I then turn it down to 300 or so (whatever the ham directions call for) and cook it for the length of time called for on the directions. This makes the rub crust nicely and helps seal in the juices. I've used this method with all types of hams and never had dryness issues :)

—sweetaddiction

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Dec 25, 2008

Fabulous. Just fabulous. This really made my once-a-year ham really shine.

—Sarah Jo

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Dec 28, 2010

This rub was phenomenal!! We used it on a 10 pound bone in spiral cut ham that we cooked for Christmas in the smoker...what a great flavor!! it is a keeper for sure!

—Jeff

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Dec 17, 2010

This is a very good rub!!! I made this, then kept all the juice, sliced the ham, and then put it in the juice to keep it juicy and have all that rub in the juice get all over the meat. It was great!

—sek_gillis

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Nutrition

Calories
71 kcal
4%

Carbohydrates
18.2 g
6%

Cholesterol
0 mg
0%

Fat
0.1 g
< 1%

Fiber
0.1 g
< 1%

Protein
0.1 g
< 1%

Sodium
5 mg
< 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Brown Sugar and Spice Dry Ham Rub

Serving Size: 1/12 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 71
Calories from Fat: < 1

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.1g < 1 %
** Saturated Fat 0g < 1 %
** Cholesterol 0mg 0 %
Sodium 5mg < 1 %
** Potassium 27mg < 1 %
Total Carbohydrates 18.2g 6 %
Dietary Fiber 0.1g < 1 %
Protein 0.1g < 1 %
** Sugars 17.8g
Vitamin A < 1 %
Vitamin C < 1 %
Calcium 2 %
Iron 2 %
** Thiamin < 1 %
** Niacin < 1 %
** Vitamin B6 < 1 %
** Magnesium < 1 %
** Folate < 1 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.