Hey y’all! If you’re looking to elevate your holiday centerpiece or Sunday dinner, this Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is your secret weapon. It turns any ordinary ham into a sticky-sweet, caramelized masterpiece, bursting with deep flavor and mouth-watering aroma. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or just a cozy family gathering, this glaze is the perfect finishing touch to impress your loved ones. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
- Quick and easy to whip up—ready in under 10 minutes!
- Packed with sweet, tangy, and savory flavors for a mouthwatering crust.
- Perfect for holiday feasts, family dinners, or even sandwiches.
- Made with everyday pantry staples—no special trip needed.
- Versatile and customizable to suit your personal taste.
Ingredients for Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
- 1/2 cup honey (your favorite variety)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Directions for Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
1. Combine Your Glaze Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, and butter. Heat over medium, stirring gently as the mixture melts together (about 2-3 minutes) until smooth and glossy.
2. Add Flavor Boosters
Add the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and salt. Whisk well to combine everything evenly.
3. Simmer to Perfection
Continue to simmer the glaze gently for 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick—you’re looking for a syrupy, slightly thickened texture. Remove from heat.
4. Glaze Your Ham
Brush or spoon the Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze liberally over a fully cooked or partially cooked ham (approximately 8-10 lbs). For best results, bake at 325°F (165°C) for about 1.5-2 hours, brushing with extra glaze every 20-30 minutes. Here’s a great method for glazing ham.
Notes: Ham Glazing Success
- Let your ham rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before applying the glaze to help it caramelize evenly.
- The glaze can be made ahead, cooled, and refrigerated for up to a week. Warm gently before using.
- For more on brown sugar types and their flavors, visit King Arthur Baking.
Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha for heat.
- Orange Zest Twist: Stir in 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest for a citrusy brightness.
- Maple Magic: Substitute maple syrup for half the honey to add rich, earthy complexity.
Required Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or silicone spatula
- Basting brush or spoon
- Oven-safe roasting pan for the ham
Storage Instructions for Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If glazing leftover ham slices, reheat glaze gently over low heat before using. Leftover glazed ham can be refrigerated up to 4 days, or frozen for 2-3 months (wrapped tightly).
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, and a tangy cranberry sauce.
- Try it in sandwiches or breakfast omelets for extra flavor.
- Pair with a crisp Riesling or classic sparkling cider for the perfect holiday meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
- Baste the ham frequently (every 20-30 minutes) to build up that luscious, sticky crust.
- Score the ham in a crisscross pattern before glazing to help flavors soak deep inside. Learn scoring techniques.
- Don’t let the glaze burn: Tent with foil if it darkens too quickly during baking.
FAQ: Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
- Do I need to use both honey and brown sugar?
- Using both gives the glaze balance—honey adds floral notes, while brown sugar brings caramel depth.
- Can I use this glaze on other meats?
- Absolutely! Try it on pork loin, chicken, or roasted turkey for a sweet-savory upgrade.
- Is this glaze gluten-free?
- Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your mustard and vinegar!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1In a medium saucepan, combine the honey and brown sugar over medium heat.
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2Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble, about 2-3 minutes.
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3Whisk in the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
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4Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
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5Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Brush generously over ham during the last 30 minutes of baking, or use as a table sauce.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
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1In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and unsalted butter.
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2Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
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3Add the apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine.
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4Simmer the glaze gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
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5Remove from heat. Brush half of the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking, basting every 10 minutes. Reserve the rest for serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
