What ingredients do I need to make a brown sugar ham glaze?

A classic brown sugar ham glaze typically includes light or dark brown sugar, Dijon mustard or yellow mustard, butter, apple cider vinegar or orange juice for acidity, and optional spices like ground cloves or cinnamon. Combining these ingredients creates a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes nicely on the ham during baking.

When should I apply the brown sugar glaze to my ham?

Apply the glaze during the last 20 to 30 minutes of baking. First, cook the ham uncovered or lightly covered until it reaches an internal temperature near 120°F, then brush on the glaze and continue baking uncovered. This prevents the sugars from burning while allowing the glaze to form a sticky, flavorful crust.

How can I thicken a brown sugar ham glaze if it’s too runny?

To thicken the glaze, simmer it gently on the stovetop until it reduces by about one-third and becomes syrupy. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. The thicker consistency helps the glaze adhere better to the ham and intensifies the flavor.

Should I cover my ham while glazing it?

No, remove any foil or covering during the glazing phase to allow the glaze to caramelize properly. Keeping the ham uncovered in the last 20 to 30 minutes helps the sugars brown evenly, creating a glossy and flavorful finish.

How long should I bake a spiral-cut ham with brown sugar glaze?

Bake spiral-cut ham at 275°F for about 20 minutes per pound or at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes per pound. Apply the glaze in the final 20-30 minutes. Check that the ham’s internal temperature reaches between 120°F and 140°F before removing it from the oven for the best texture and flavor.

Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe With Sweet And Savory Taste

Name: Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (8- to 10-pound) bone-in, spiral-cut ham, with no added water or juices; 2 cups packed light brown sugar; 1 cup honey; 1/2 cup Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Ingredients

Scale

1 (8- to 10-pound) bone-in, spiral-cut ham, with no added water or juices

2 cups packed light brown sugar

1 cup honey

1/2 cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1-Start by gathering your ingredients to make the process smooth and enjoyable. Combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and ground cloves in a saucepan for a mix that’s simple yet effective. Heat this over medium heat, stirring often until it thickens to a glossy consistency.

2-Once thickened, let the glaze cool a bit before applying it to your ham. This step ensures even coverage and prevents burning during baking. For those looking for more ways to glaze meats, our bacon wrapped pork tenderloin recipe offers useful techniques to try next.

3-Bake your ham as directed, brushing on the glaze in the final stages for that signature shine. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll end up with a dish that impresses without much fuss. Include any dietary tweaks, like swapping honey, to suit your needs as you go along.

Notes

🍯 Brush the glaze generously and frequently to build layers of flavor and a nice caramelized crust.
🍽️ Tent the ham with foil during baking to maintain moisture, removing it toward the end for caramelization.
🧈 Adding butter to the glaze enhances its richness and helps the sugar caramelize evenly.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking and Glazing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Non-vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice