Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is a simple yet flavorful way to elevate your holiday or Sunday roast ham. Combining sweet and warm spices, it creates a beautifully caramelized finish that enhances every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
2. Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Step 3: Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Pour the warm glaze over your ham before baking as desired.
5. Step 5: If the glaze cools and hardens, gently reheat it to loosen before using again.

Tips & Variations

• For a citrus twist, try substituting orange juice with pineapple juice or adding a splash of lemon juice.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth and complexity.
• If you prefer a smoother glaze, strain the mixture before pouring onto the ham.

Storage

Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before using, as it may harden when chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day or two in advance. Store it refrigerated and gently reheat before brushing onto the ham.

Will this glaze burn while baking?

The sugar content can caramelize quickly, so it’s best to watch your ham closely during the last part of baking to prevent burning. You can tent the ham with foil if needed.

Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 106 reviews

A sweet and aromatic brown sugar ham glaze made with brown sugar, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and ground cloves. This glaze is easy to prepare on the stovetop and adds a flavorful, caramelized coating to baked ham.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Enough glaze for a 6 to 8-pound ham
• Category: Sauce/Glaze
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together the brown sugar, orange juice, honey, cinnamon, and ground cloves until well combined.
2. Boil Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely.
3. Thicken Glaze: Allow the mixture to cook for 3-4 minutes after boiling, stirring frequently to thicken the glaze slightly. Be careful not to let it burn.
4. Apply Glaze: Pour the hot glaze over your prepared ham before baking, ensuring an even coating for best flavor and caramelization.
5. Reheat if Needed: If the glaze cools and hardens, gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it loosens before applying again.

Notes

• Reheating the glaze helps if it becomes too thick or hard to spread.
• The glaze complements both fully cooked and spiral-cut hams before baking.
• Use a brush or spoon to evenly distribute the glaze on the ham.
• Adjust spices to taste for a more or less intense flavor.

Keywords: brown sugar glaze, ham glaze, sweet ham glaze, holiday ham glaze, honey cinnamon glaze