brown sugar honey glaze for ham recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best brown sugar honey glaze for ham recipe

I’ve been making brown sugar honey glaze for ham for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The sweet and savory flavors of the glaze pair perfectly with the salty ham, making it a staple at our family gatherings.

I love that this recipe is so easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. The best part is that it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a Tuesday night.

My kids love helping me make the glaze, and they always get excited when they see the ham come out all golden and delicious. As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe is quick and easy to prepare, yet impressive enough for company.

Plus, it’s great for meal prep – I can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. The health benefits of this recipe are also a plus – brown sugar and honey are natural sweeteners that add flavor without adding refined sugars.

The honey also has antibacterial properties that help preserve the meat. When I’m short on time, I like to use pre-made glaze or even just a mixture of brown sugar and honey as a substitute.

However, if I have more time, I love to make the glaze from scratch using real butter and spices. Either way, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household.

Brown Sugar Honey Glaze for Ham

4.5 from 618 votes

A sweet and sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully on baked ham. This simple combination of brown sugar, honey, and warm spices creates a glossy, flavorful coating.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Glaze

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
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 ground nutmeg

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, and unsalted butter.
2Whisk continuously until the butter is fully melted and the sugar dissolves, about 2 to 3 minutes, forming a smooth, bubbling liquid.
3Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg.
4Continue stirring for 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze is well blended and slightly thickened, with a glossy appearance.
5Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the glaze cool for 5 minutes.
6It will thicken further as it cools.
7Brush the glaze generously over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking, reapplying every 10 minutes for a rich, caramelized finish.

🔧Equipment

Small saucepan
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Pastry brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 4g💛Saturated Fat: 2.5g❤️Cholesterol: 10mg🧂Sodium: 55mg🌾Total Carbs: 23g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 22g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

For a spicier glaze, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Leftover glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; reheat gently before using.

Watch Video Of How Brown Sugar Honey Glaze for Ham Works

This brown sugar honey glaze for ham recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday dinner or just a regular Tuesday night. It’s perfect for family gatherings because everyone loves the sweet and savory flavors together.

Plus, it’s super easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to a week. When reheating leftovers, simply place them in a baking dish covered with foil at 325°F (165°C) until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Honey Glaze for Ham

What type of ham should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a bone-in ham or a boneless ham with a fat cap intact. This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during cooking.

Can I use store-bought brown sugar honey glaze instead of making my own?

While store-bought glazes can be convenient, they often contain added preservatives and artificial flavorings that can affect the taste and quality of your dish. Making your own glaze from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and ensure it’s free from additives.

How do I adjust the amount of glaze to suit my ham size?

A general rule of thumb is to use about 1/4 cup of glaze per pound of ham. So if you’re using a 5-pound ham, you’ll need about 1 1/4 cups of glaze.

Can I use this recipe for other types of meat besides ham?

While this recipe is specifically designed for ham, you can experiment with other meats like pork tenderloin or even chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and size of meat you’re using.

What if I don’t have honey on hand? Can I substitute it with another sweetener?

If you don’t have honey or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. However, keep in mind that these alternatives may change the flavor profile slightly.

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