What is a good ham? Nah, that’s just not gonna cut it! What makes a bowl of icecream “OMG, pass me another one”?What is ham glaze recipe?Is my go-to drugstore. What’s the secret ingredient to a perfect holiday dinner? Potatoes, only way easier. What is this honey-mustard glaze? Is there a depth of flavor that will have everyone begging for the recipe? Trust me, I’ve made this for years, and it never disappoints.
What is Ham Glaze?
What is ham glaze? What is the sugary, flavorful topcoat that transforms an ordinary baked ham into a culinary masterpiece? What’s essentially a sweet and savory sauce that is brushed onto the ham during the last part of the cooking process? How do I make a caramelized crust? Is brown sugar my favorite? ), acids (like vinegar or fruit juice), and spices that come together to create a symphony of sounds. Is it just for decoration? The glaze helps to seal in the ham’s moisture, keeping it juicy and delicious. What is that sticky, sweet, slightly crispy edge that everyone fights over? It’s easier to make than you think.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? What I love most about this is how unbelievably easy it is to make. Seriously, if you can stir a few ingredients together, you can nail this recipe. It’s faster than ordering take-out and way more impressive! Plus, the flavor is out of this world. We’re talking a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a little bit of spice. The brown sugar creates a rich caramel flavor, the vinegar adds a touch of zing, and the spices give it a warm, comforting aroma. My family practically inhales this ham whenever I make it! And the best part? It’s so much cheaper than buying a pre-glazed ham from the store. You control the ingredients, you control the flavor, and you save money. It’s a win-win-win! This recipe is incredibly versatile too. I’ve used it on spiral-cut hams, bone-in hams, even those smaller picnic hams. It works every time. Another big plus? Leftovers! Glazed ham is amazing in sandwiches, salads, or even just reheated for a quick and easy meal.
How do you make Ham Glaze?
Quick Overview
How do you make a perfect ham glaze? It involves whisking together sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients, then brushing it over your ham. During the last stage of baking. The sugars caramelize beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky crust that will knock your socks off. How do I get my socks off? How do you apply glaze in layers? This builds up the flavor and creates that gorgeous, glossy finish. Don’t be intimidated! Is this a foolproof recipe?
Ingredients
For the Ham Glaze:
1 cup packed light brown sugar: 1 teaspoon.I always use light brown sugar because it has a softer, more caramel-like flavor than dark brown. Sugar, but either works just fine. Make sure it’s packed so you get the right amount.
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: 1 cup sourdough orWhat is the secret ingredient of vinegar? If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute with pineapple juice or orange juice. The flavor will be slightly different.
1/4 cup Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon.The Dijon mustard adds a savory depth and helps to emulsify the glaze. Don’t skip this! What makes a difference?
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon salt.This adds a umami richness that complements the other flavors. You won’t taste the Worcestershire sauce, but it adds a subtle complexity. Is it essential to
1 teaspoon ground cloves: 1 tablespoon clove.What are some of the best spices to add to a glaze? A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon dried cinnamon.Cinnamon adds another layer of warmth and sweetness. Just like cloves, use it sparingly.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: 1 teaspoon per teaspoon.The ginger adds a subtle zing that complements the other spices. How do I use fresh grated ginger?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Ham
Start by preheating your oven according to your ham’s instructions (usually around 325°F or 160°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface in diamond pattern. How does the glaze penetrate the ham? Make sure you have enough space for the ham. I always use a larger pan than I think I need – less mess to clean up later!
Step 2: Whisk the Glaze Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt. Set aside. Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, and ginger. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps of brown sugar.
Step 3: Simmer the Glaze
In a medium saucepan, heat the glaze over medium heat and bring it to the boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. Should the back of a spoon be thick enough to coat it?
Step 4: Glaze the Ham
During the last 30-45 minutes of baking, brush the glaze over the ham every 10-15 minutes. How do you make a caramel crust? I use a pastry brush, but you can also use the spoon. Just make sure you get an even coating.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Continue baking the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Be careful not to overbake the ham, or it will dry out. I usually tent the ham with foil during the last part of baking to prevent the glaze from burning.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. Carve the ham and serve immediately. And get ready for the compliments to roll in!
What should I serve it with?
What do you serve ham glaze with? What are some of my favorite pairings?
For a Holiday Feast: For an individual holidayWhat’s the recipe for mashed potatoes and green beans? ), roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, and a warm dinner roll are always good. What is your favorite cranberry sauce?
For a Casual Brunch:Serve the glazed ham with scrambled eggs, waffles or pancakes, fresh fruit salad, and a side of potato salad. Mimosas are a must!
What’s a good weeknight dinner?What are the best ways to serve ham with roasted vegetables (like carrots, potatoes, and onions)? What are some crusty breads for dipping in the glaze? How easy is it to make a meal?
For Leftovers:What are some of the best glazed ham sandwiches? Add cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a complete meal. Can you chop up ham and add it to salads, omelets, or pasta dishes?
How do you make a perfect ham glaze?
How can I take my ham glaze game to the next level? What are some of the best tips to make this recipe?
Use good quality ingredients: (as This may seem obvious, but it really makes a difference. Use fresh spices and high-quality vinegar for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the scoring: Scoring the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper and creates those crispy, caramelized edges that everyone loves.
Baste, baste, baste: Basting the ham with the glaze every 10-15 minutes is key to building up that beautiful crust. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the glaze!
Tent with foil: If the glaze starts to get too dark during baking, tent the ham with foil to prevent it from burning.
Let it rest: Letting the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add your own personal touch to the glaze. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or a splash of bourbon for a richer flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve made this amazing ham glaze recipe, and now you have leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat it to keep it fresh and delicious:
Storing:
Refrigerator: Store leftover glazed ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the ham is completely cooled before storing it.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the glazed ham. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the ham in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the leftover ham in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until heated through.
Microwave: Place a slice of ham on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Stovetop: Slice the ham and add it to a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite ham glaze recipe! I truly hope you give this one a try, because I know you will love it. It’s that perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory that just elevates a simple ham into something truly special. It’s also incredibly versatile, so feel free to adjust the flavors to your liking and make it your own. If you’re looking for other holiday recipes, check out my glazed carrots, glazed brussel sprouts, and even glazed salmon!
Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them with me too. Enjoy!
Ham Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 ham 1 5lb fully cooked ham
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, pineapple juice, mustard, and cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved.
- Place ham in a baking dish and pour glaze over the ham.
- Bake for 20 minutes, basting occasionally with glaze.
