When it comes to holiday feasts or special Sunday dinners, nothing quite steals the spotlight like a beautifully glazed ham. The rich, smoky meat paired with a golden, sticky-sweet glaze is a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you're prepping for Easter, Christmas, or just craving that comforting flavor, this homemade honey ham glaze will elevate your ham from good to unforgettable.
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Why Make Your Own Glaze?
Store-bought glazes often fall short—they’re overly sweet, one-dimensional, and loaded with preservatives. When you make your own glaze, you control the balance of sweetness, spice, and tang. This honey glaze combines natural ingredients for a rich, complex flavor that caramelizes beautifully and forms that irresistible crust on your ham.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup honey (the star of the show—use high-quality for the best flavor)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on how deep you want the molasses notes)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds a little zing and balances the sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a touch of acidity)
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional, for texture and a bold flavor pop)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (or use whole cloves studded in the ham for extra aroma)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons orange juice or pineapple juice (for added fruitiness and acidity)
Instructions
1. Combine the Ingredients
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, brown sugar, mustards, vinegar, spices, and salt. Stir gently until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened—about 3–5 minutes.
Tip: Don’t let the glaze boil too long—it can burn quickly due to the sugar content.
2. Prep Your Ham
Score the surface of your ham in a diamond pattern (about 1/4 inch deep). This helps the glaze seep into the meat and creates that gorgeous crust. If using whole cloves, stud a clove into the center of each diamond.
3. Glaze and Bake
Brush your ham generously with the glaze. Tent it loosely with foil and bake according to your ham's weight—typically about 15 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C).
4. Re-Glaze for Extra Flavor
Every 20–30 minutes, baste the ham with more glaze. Remove the foil for the final 20–30 minutes of baking to let the glaze caramelize and form a deep, golden crust.
5. Let It Rest, Then Serve
Once your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) (if pre-cooked), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices and makes for the perfect presentation.
Serving Ideas
This honey ham glaze pairs beautifully with:
- Scalloped potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Fresh dinner rolls
- Cranberry sauce or apple chutney for contrast
Storage Tips
Leftover glazed ham can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or use slices in sandwiches, omelets, or soups.
Variations
Want to switch it up? Try these tweaks:
- Spicy kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne.
- Boozy twist: Swap the juice for bourbon or rum.
- Maple vibe: Replace half the honey with pure maple syrup.
Final Thoughts
Making your own honey ham glaze is a simple way to take your centerpiece dish from ordinary to extraordinary. With just a few pantry staples and a little love, you’ll have a ham that’s glazed to perfection—sticky, savory, sweet, and bursting with flavor.
Let me know if you try this recipe! I'd love to hear how your ham turns out, or if you have any fun twists of your own. Happy cooking.