The Sweet, Glossy Finish That Makes Ham Unforgettable
This Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze turns a simple baked ham into a stunning centerpiece—shiny, caramelized, and perfectly balanced with sweet, tangy, and savory flavor. Made from just five pantry staples in under five minutes, it delivers a juicy interior and a richly glazed exterior that feels worthy of any celebration.
Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or effortless entertaining, this glaze proves that the most memorable dishes are often the simplest.
Why You’ll Love This Glaze
- 🍯 Sweet with gentle tang—rich but never overpowering
- ⏱️ Ready in 5 minutes with minimal effort
- 💛 Naturally nut-free and easy to keep gluten-free
- 💸 Budget-friendly—enough for a large ham
- ✨ Creates a beautiful, glossy caramelized crust
Ingredients
(For a 7–10 lb fully cooked ham)
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tbsp Dijon or whole-grain mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- ¼ tsp ground cloves or cinnamon (optional, classic warmth)
- Pinch of black pepper (balances sweetness)
Pro Tips
- Choose real honey, not syrup blends.
- Dark brown sugar gives deeper molasses flavor; light keeps it mild.
- Apply glaze during the last 30–45 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ham
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the fully cooked bone-in ham flat-side down in a roasting pan.
- Score the surface in a diamond pattern (about ¼-inch deep) so the glaze seeps into every bite.
2. Make the Glaze
- Combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, spices, and pepper in a small saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat.
3. Glaze and Bake
- Brush one-third of the glaze over the ham.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake according to package timing
(usually 10–12 minutes per pound). - During the final 30 minutes, uncover and brush with remaining glaze
every 10 minutes for a deep caramelized finish. - Ham is ready when internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
4. Rest and Serve
- Let the ham rest 15–20 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Spoon any extra warm glaze over the slices for added shine and flavor.
Serving Ideas
- 🥔 Classic comfort: scalloped potatoes, roasted carrots, or green beans
- 🍍 Sweet contrast: pineapple rings or fruity chutney
- 🥖 For soaking up glaze: soft dinner rolls or cornbread
- 🍷 Wine pairing: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or sparkling rosé
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Refrigerate glaze: up to 1 week, gently rewarm before using.
- Freeze glaze: up to 2 months; thaw and heat to restore texture.
- Leftover ham: store sliced in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it gluten-free?
Yes—just confirm your mustard is labeled gluten-free.
Too sweet?
Add extra vinegar or mustard, or reduce the brown sugar slightly.
No Dijon available?
Use yellow mustard plus a touch of honey as a quick substitute.
Can this glaze be used on other meats?
Absolutely—it’s delicious on roasted or grilled pork as well.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s what transforms a simple ham into a moment of celebration. Sticky, glossy, and deeply flavorful, it brings warmth to the table and turns an everyday meal into something memorable.
Score the ham, simmer the glaze, and let the oven do the rest—because the best feasts are sweet, savory, and shared with people you love. 🍯
