Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Holiday Ham

Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: the secret to transforming an ordinary ham into a show-stopping centerpiece that will have your guests raving! Forget dry, bland holiday hams – we’re about to embark on a culinary journey that will infuse your ham with a symphony of sweet and savory flavors.

The tradition of glazing hams dates back centuries, with roots in European culinary practices where preserving and enhancing the flavor of meats was paramount. Over time, the addition of sweeteners like brown sugar evolved, creating a delightful contrast to the saltiness of the ham. This particular brown sugar ham glaze recipe builds upon that rich history, adding a modern twist for an unforgettable taste experience.

What makes this glaze so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, glistening crust that’s simply divine. The subtle molasses notes in the brown sugar complement the smoky flavor of the ham, while a hint of spice adds depth and complexity. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can elevate your ham to gourmet status. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a ham that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to be the star of your next holiday feast!

Ingredients:

• 1 (10-12 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional, for extra sweetness and tang)
• 1/4 cup water (if needed, to adjust consistency)
• Whole cloves (for studding the ham, optional)

Preparing the Ham:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature will ensure the ham heats through evenly without drying out.
2. Prepare the ham for glazing. Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any wrapping or netting. Place the ham in a large roasting pan. If your ham has a tough skin, you can score it in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the ham and create a beautiful presentation. To score, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts about 1 inch apart, then repeat in the opposite direction to create a diamond pattern. Be careful not to cut too deep, just through the skin.
3. Optional: Stud the ham with whole cloves. If you’re using whole cloves, insert them into the points of the diamond pattern on the ham’s surface. This adds a festive look and a subtle spicy flavor.
4. Add water to the roasting pan. Pour about 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help to create steam and keep the ham moist during cooking. Be sure the water doesn’t touch the ham directly.

Making the Brown Sugar Glaze:

1. Combine the glaze ingredients. In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pineapple juice (if using).
2. Simmer the glaze. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly. Be careful not to burn the glaze. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
3. Adjust the consistency (if needed). If the glaze becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue simmering for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the ham but still pourable.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings. Give the glaze a taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want to add a pinch more cinnamon or cloves, or a little more honey for sweetness.

Glazing and Baking the Ham:

1. Bake the ham initially. Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, being careful not to touch the bone.
2. Begin glazing the ham. During the last 30-45 minutes of baking, begin glazing the ham. Remove the ham from the oven and brush it generously with about one-third of the brown sugar glaze.
3. Return to the oven and continue baking. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking for another 15 minutes.
4. Glaze again. Remove the ham from the oven again and brush it with another third of the glaze.
5. Final bake and glaze. Return the ham to the oven and bake for the final 15-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. Brush with the remaining glaze during the last 10 minutes of baking. Watch carefully to prevent the glaze from burning. If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Rest the ham. Once the ham is cooked through and the glaze is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.

Carving and Serving:

1. Carve the ham. Place the ham on a large cutting board. To carve, start by making a few slices along the top of the ham, parallel to the bone. Then, use a long, sharp knife to cut down along the bone, separating the meat from the bone. Once you’ve separated the meat, you can slice it into thin, even slices.
2. Serve and enjoy! Serve the carved ham immediately. It’s delicious on its own or with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls. The brown sugar glaze adds a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the savory ham perfectly.

Tips and Variations:

• For a spicier glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
• For a fruitier glaze: Use orange juice or cranberry juice instead of apple cider vinegar. You can also add some chopped dried cranberries or cherries to the glaze.
• To prevent the ham from drying out: Place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while the ham is baking. This will create steam and help to keep the ham moist.
• If you don’t have a roasting pan: You can use a large baking dish or even a disposable aluminum pan. Just make sure the pan is large enough to hold the ham comfortably.
• Leftover ham: Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s great in sandwiches, salads, soups, and omelets. You can also freeze leftover ham for longer storage.
• Using a spiral-cut ham: If you’re using a spiral-cut ham, the cooking time will be shorter. Follow the package directions for cooking time and temperature. You can still use the brown sugar glaze, but you may need to reduce the amount of glaze since the ham is already pre-sliced.
• Adding a touch of bourbon: For a richer, more complex flavor, add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze. The alcohol will cook off during baking, leaving behind a delicious bourbon flavor.
• Using maple syrup: Substitute the honey with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile. This will add a warm, caramel-like sweetness to the glaze.
• Glaze without mustard: If you’re not a fan of Dijon mustard, you can omit it from the glaze. The glaze will still be delicious, but it will have a slightly sweeter flavor. You can also substitute the Dijon mustard with yellow mustard or brown mustard.
• Make ahead: The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Brown Sugar Ham Glaze recipe is truly a game-changer, transforming an ordinary ham into a show-stopping centerpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds. I know, I know, I might be a little biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of the rich brown sugar, the tangy Dijon mustard, and the hint of spice creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it’s guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients (most of which you probably already have in your pantry!), and delivers maximum flavor. Forget those store-bought glazes that are often overly sweet and artificial-tasting. This homemade version is far superior in every way. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is simply divine – a true testament to the magic that’s happening in your oven.

But the best part? This glaze is incredibly versatile! While it’s absolutely perfect on a classic bone-in ham, you can also use it on a boneless ham, a spiral-cut ham, or even ham steaks. For serving suggestions, I love to pair it with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the glaze complements the earthy flavors of the vegetables beautifully. A side of creamy mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes is also a fantastic choice. And don’t forget the dinner rolls! You’ll want something to soak up all that delicious glaze.

Looking for variations? Get creative! Add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist. A pinch of ground cloves or allspice can add extra warmth and depth. For a spicier kick, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño. You could even incorporate a bit of bourbon or rum for a more sophisticated flavor. The possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment and find what works best for your taste.

I truly believe that this Brown Sugar Ham Glaze will become a staple in your holiday cooking repertoire. It’s the perfect way to elevate your ham and create a memorable meal for your family and friends. It’s more than just a glaze; it’s an experience. It’s the smell of home, the taste of tradition, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some culinary magic! I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love this recipe. And more importantly, I’m eager to hear about your experience. Did you try any variations? What did your family think? What sides did you serve with it?

Please, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below and share your thoughts and photos. I love seeing your creations and hearing about your successes. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! I can’t wait to hear how much you loved this Brown Sugar Ham Glaze!