The Sweetest Ham Glaze Recipe for Unforgettable Holiday Feasts

Sticky sweet glazes can elevate a simple ham to mouthwatering delights, and this ham glaze recipe brings a burst of flavor that will make your taste buds dance.

Honey and brown sugar mingle with zesty spices to create a deeply rich coating for your centerpiece protein.

Each ingredient adds depth and complexity to the final dish.

The glaze caramelizes beautifully, forming a gorgeous golden-brown crust that seals in moisture and infuses every slice with incredible taste.

Sharp mustard provides a subtle kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Succulent and irresistible, this ham glaze transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience.

Guests will be asking for seconds before the first plate is clean.

How to Make a Flavor-Packed Ham Glaze

• Create Flavor Base

Grab your saucepan and mix together those sweet and tangy ingredients that’ll make your ham sing with deliciousness.

• Heat and Blend

Warm everything up over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar melts and liquid starts dancing with tiny bubbles.

• Simmer and Thicken

Lower the temperature and let your glaze gently bubble for a few minutes, watching it transform into a rich, clingy coating.

• Cool and Prepare

Take the pan off heat and let the glaze rest for a moment, getting ready to work its magic on your ham.

• Glaze and Caramelize

During the final stretch of baking, lovingly brush the glaze over your ham. Repeat the brushing every 10 minutes to build layers of mouthwatering flavor and create a gorgeous golden-brown exterior that’ll make everyone’s jaw drop.

Sweet and Savory Combos to Experiment With

• Let the glaze cool slightly before brushing to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization on your ham.
• Prepare the glaze up to three days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for convenient meal prep.
• Swap regular sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness and lighter glaze.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika to introduce complex flavor notes that complement the ham's richness.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use alternative thickeners like arrowroot powder if needed.

How to Use Glaze at Holidays or Special Dinners

• Festive Centerpiece Plating: Slice the glazed ham on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh rosemary sprigs, whole roasted clementines, and cranberries for a stunning holiday presentation that will impress guests.
• Leftover Ham Magic: Transform remaining glazed ham into gourmet sandwiches, dice for hearty breakfast omelets, or chop into creamy potato soup for delicious meal extensions that minimize food waste.
• Side Dish Symphony: Pair the sweet and savory ham with classic companions like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and buttery green beans to create a perfectly balanced meal that delights every palate.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the ham's rich flavor with a crisp Riesling or a light Pinot Noir that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the glaze's caramelized notes for an elevated dining experience.

Store Extra Glaze for Next Use

• Transfer remaining glaze to an airtight glass container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore smooth consistency.
• Prepare glaze up to 3 days before your planned ham cooking day, keeping it sealed in refrigerator.
• Pour cooled glaze into freezer-safe container, storing flat for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before using.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Glaze Ingredients That Sweeten Your Ham

• Brown Sugar: Provides rich caramel sweetness and helps create a glossy, sticky coating for the ham.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and contributes to glaze's smooth, glossy texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy depth and helps balance the overall sweetness.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens the glaze with a subtle acidic touch and helps cut through the richness.
• Ground Cloves: Brings warm, aromatic spice that complements the ham's savory profile.

• Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the glaze's flavor profile.

Tools to Mix and Apply That Glossy Finish

• Saucepan: Small, sturdy pot for mixing and heating glaze ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden spoon or whisk: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sugar from sticking.
• Pastry brush: Essential for evenly spreading glaze over the ham's surface.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Heat-resistant spatula: Helpful for scraping down sides of saucepan during cooking.

Tantalizing Ham Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering ham glaze elevates classic holiday centerpieces with sweet and tangy perfection. Succulent glazed ham promises delightful flavor combinations that will impress dinner guests and make memorable meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) honey
• ¼ cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
• ¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice or pineapple juice
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves or allspice
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Glaze Preparation: Merge brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey into a compact saucepan, positioning over medium thermal intensity.
2. Blending Process: Whisk ingredients continuously, transforming the mixture until sugar completely dissolves and liquid reaches a gentle, rolling simmer.
3. Reduction Phase: Lower thermal setting, allowing the glaze to gently bubble and concentrate, developing a rich, glossy consistency for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Cooling Interval: Remove saucepan from heat source, permitting the glaze to rest and slightly condense, creating a smooth, spreadable texture.
5. Ham Glazing Technique: Position fully cooked ham in preheated oven, systematically brushing the crafted glaze across the surface during final 20-30 minutes of roasting. Reapply every 10 minutes to develop deep caramelization, creating a glistening, flavor-packed exterior that enhances the ham’s natural succulence.

Notes

• Maintain medium-low temperature to prevent sugar from burning and creating bitter undertones in the glaze.
• Stir consistently while heating to ensure smooth, even sugar dissolution and prevent grainy texture.
• Apply multiple thin layers during final baking stage for maximum caramelization and rich, deep flavor penetration.
• If glaze becomes too thick, gently thin with a tablespoon of water or fruit juice to maintain perfect brushing texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg