Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is a sweet, sticky, and flavorful coating that transforms an ordinary baked ham into a showstopping centerpiece. This simple yet luxurious glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, enhancing the savory flavor of ham with rich notes of brown sugar, mustard, and spices. Perfect for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or special celebrations, it’s the ultimate finishing touch for any ham.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This glaze delivers the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory—bringing out the best in your ham. Here’s why it’s a must-have:

• Made with pantry staples in minutes
• Creates a glossy, caramelized crust on the ham
• Pairs beautifully with both bone-in and boneless hams
• Ideal for Easter, Christmas, or everyday roasting
• Customizable with your favorite flavors

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Brown sugar (light or dark)
• Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
• Apple cider vinegar or orange juice
• Honey or maple syrup (optional for extra richness)
• Ground cinnamon or allspice (optional for warm flavor)
• Ground cloves or whole cloves (optional for studding the ham)
• Garlic powder (optional for a savory note)
• Salt and black pepper

directions

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar or juice.
2. Stir continuously until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer.
3. Add honey or syrup (if using), and spices as desired. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly—it will continue to thicken as it cools.
5. Brush half the glaze over the ham during the final 30 minutes of baking.
6. Brush the remaining glaze on 10 minutes before the ham is done for a sticky, golden finish.

Servings and timing

Yields enough glaze for a 6–10 lb ham
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy-sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat.
• Citrus twist: Use orange zest and juice instead of vinegar for a fruity finish.
• Maple glaze: Use maple syrup in place of honey for deeper flavor.
• Bourbon glaze: Add a splash of bourbon for a boozy, smoky layer.
• Pineapple flavor: Use pineapple juice and add crushed pineapple for a tropical touch.

storage/reheating

Leftover glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Reheat in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until warm and pourable.
Glazed ham leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What does brown sugar glaze do to ham?

It adds a sweet, caramelized coating that enhances the ham’s flavor and helps lock in moisture.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a few days in advance. Store in the fridge and reheat gently before using.

What type of mustard works best?

Dijon adds a tangy kick, while yellow mustard gives a more classic, mild flavor.

How often should I glaze the ham?

Glaze once during the last 30 minutes, then again about 10 minutes before it’s finished baking.

Should the glaze be thick or thin?

It should be pourable but slightly thickened—enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Can I use this glaze on other meats?

Yes! It’s great on pork tenderloin, chicken, or even meatloaf.

What kind of ham works best with this glaze?

Both bone-in and boneless hams work well. Spiral-sliced hams absorb the glaze best.

Can I stud the ham with cloves?

Yes, whole cloves add a beautiful presentation and warm spice—press them into the surface before glazing.

Can I add fruit to the glaze?

Absolutely—try pineapple, orange zest, or even cranberries for extra dimension.

Does the sugar burn?

If applied too early or at too high a temperature, it might. Add the glaze in the final 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is a simple way to turn your ham into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced, it adds richness and shine that make any ham holiday-worthy. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or making a cozy Sunday dinner, this glaze will become your go-to finishing touch.

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