Barrel-Cut Sugar Ham from Cracker Barrel features thick, juicy slices of smoked ham glazed with sweet, caramelized brown sugar, delivering a savory and subtly sweet flavor with a tender, succulent texture.
Equipments
- Smoker or oven
- Roasting pan
- Basting brush
- Sharp carving knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk (for glaze)
- Kitchen tongs
Ingredients
- 1 whole smoked ham (about 6-8 lbs, barrel-cut or center-cut)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
When selecting your ham, choose a whole smoked ham weighing 6-8 lbs, preferably barrel-cut or center-cut for optimal flavor and texture. The brown sugar in the glaze is essential for achieving the sweet and caramelized finish characteristic of this dish. Use fresh Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness with a slight tang. Ground cloves and black pepper add subtle warmth, so measure carefully to avoid overpowering the glaze. You can recreate the signature taste of Barrel-Cut Sugar Ham from Cracker Barrel with this copycat recipe by following these ingredient guidelines.
Instructions
- Preheat smoker or oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Pat ham dry with paper towels.
- Place ham in roasting pan, cut side down.
- In mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, ground cloves, and black pepper to make glaze.
- Brush ham generously with glaze using basting brush.
- Cover ham loosely with aluminum foil.
- Roast or smoke ham for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and baste with more glaze.
- Continue roasting, basting every 20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), about 1-2 more hours.
- For caramelization, remove foil for last 20 minutes and baste again with glaze.
- Remove ham from oven or smoker, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 15-20 minutes.
- Transfer ham to cutting board and carve thick slices with sharp carving knife.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
When preparing a Barrel-Cut Sugar Ham from Cracker Barrel copycat recipe, you can substitute smoked ham with spiral-sliced ham if barrel-cut is unavailable, ensuring similar marination and glazing techniques. Your kitchen setup can adapt if you don't have a smoker; an oven set to low heat works well to achieve tender, smoky flavors without specialty equipment. Use aluminum foil to tent the ham during roasting, which preserves moisture and enhances succulence. If brown sugar is out of stock, dark muscovado sugar offers a deep molasses flavor that complements the glaze. When applying the glaze, a basting brush ensures even coverage, but a spoon can be used if needed, just be mindful of evenness to avoid burning.
Tips
Make sure to pat your barrel-cut sugar ham dry before glazing to help the caramelized brown sugar adhere better and create a rich, glossy finish. Maintain the smoker or oven temperature at a steady 325degF (163degC) throughout the cooking process to ensure even heat distribution and prevent the ham from drying out. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 140degF (60degC), which guarantees the ham is heated through safely while staying tender and juicy. After cooking, let your ham rest covered loosely with foil for 15-20 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and making carving easier with your sharp knife.
Nutritions
Barrel-Cut Sugar Ham from Cracker Barrel is a rich source of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and repair. The glaze, made with brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard, contributes additional calories primarily from sugars, providing a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors. This ham contains moderate amounts of sodium due to the smoking and curing process, which you should monitor if you follow a low-sodium diet. By combining this ham with nutrient-dense sides, you can create a balanced meal that supports your dietary needs.
Storage
Store your leftover Barrel-Cut Sugar Ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Refrigerate the ham promptly, ideally within two hours of cooking, and consume it within 3 to 5 days for optimal freshness. For longer storage, freeze the ham in a sealed freezer bag or vacuum-sealed package, where it will stay good for up to 2 months.
Variation or Alternatives
If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider adding wood chips like hickory or applewood to your smoker. You can substitute Dijon mustard with whole-grain mustard for a slightly different texture and tang. For a richer glaze, mix in a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to enhance the caramelized sweetness. Your ham will benefit from resting under foil, allowing juices to redistribute and improve tenderness before slicing.
Allergies
Barrel-Cut Sugar Ham from Cracker Barrel contains potential allergens such as mustard, which can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. The ham glaze includes honey and brown sugar, which are generally safe but may cause issues for people with specific allergies or intolerances to those ingredients. Always check the ingredient list carefully to ensure the product aligns with your dietary restrictions and allergy concerns.
Why this recipe?
Barrel-Cut Sugar Ham from Cracker Barrel restaurant is loved for its unique, thick-cut texture and rich, smoky flavor that delivers a hearty and satisfying dining experience. The ham's perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes, achieved through a special sugar glaze, captivates the palate and makes it a standout menu item. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this iconic taste at home, offering a cost-effective and customizable alternative to dining out. Your homemade Barrel-Cut Sugar Ham replicates the authentic Cracker Barrel experience, impressing family and guests with its tender, juicy quality.