Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe: A Perfect Sweet and Savory Finish for Your Ham

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Choose your ham: For the best results, start with a fully cooked, bone-in ham. You can choose either a spiral-cut ham or a whole ham. The size of the ham will depend on the number of servings you need, but typically a 7-10 pound ham is perfect for most gatherings.
Score the ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and create a more flavorful crust.

Step 2: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s fully melted and beginning to bubble.
Add the sugar and honey: Stir in the brown sugar and honey, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Incorporate the spices and mustard: Add the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. Stir continuously until all the ingredients are well combined.
Simmer: If using, stir in the pineapple juice for an extra layer of sweetness and tanginess. Reduce the heat to low and let the glaze simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The glaze should thicken slightly but remain pourable.

Step 3: Glaze and Bake the Ham

Apply the first layer of glaze: Brush a generous amount of the brown sugar glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to get into the scored cuts. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Bake the ham: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake according to the weight of your ham (typically 15-18 minutes per pound). Baste the ham with additional glaze every 20-30 minutes to build up a rich, caramelized coating.
Final glaze and finish: During the last 15-20 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush on a final thick layer of glaze. Turn up the oven to 400°F (204°C) to help the glaze caramelize, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 4: Serve the Ham

Rest the ham: Once the ham is fully cooked and the glaze is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful ham.
Slice and serve: Carve the ham into slices, making sure each piece gets a bit of that delicious glaze. Serve the ham alongside your favorite sides, and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your brown sugar, honey, and spices will directly impact the flavor of the glaze. Opt for fresh spices and pure honey for the best results.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or increase the amount of mustard and vinegar for more tanginess.
Pineapple juice alternative: If you don’t have pineapple juice, orange juice or apple juice can also add a nice fruity note to the glaze.
Double the glaze: For an extra-large ham or if you like a particularly thick glaze, consider doubling the glaze recipe to ensure you have plenty to baste with throughout the cooking process.

ENJOY IT 💛