Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish to your holiday or special occasion ham. The rich combination of honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard creates a glossy, flavorful crust that perfectly complements the savory meat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 8- to 10-pound spiral-cut ham
• Aluminum foil (for wrapping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 275°F. Line a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet with two sheets of aluminum foil, long enough to wrap around the ham.
2. Step 2: Remove the ham from its packaging and place it cut-side down in the prepared pan. Fold the foil up and around the ham, sealing it well to form a pouch that keeps the ham moist during baking.
3. Step 3: Bake the ham until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center (avoiding the bone) reads at least 120°F, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Check the temperature after 1 1/2 hours.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, butter, and apple cider vinegar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir regularly to break up lumps, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently until the glaze thickens, darkens, and reduces by about one third, approximately 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: When the ham has about 30 minutes left to bake, carefully remove it from the oven and uncover. Brush the warm glaze over the ham, working it between the spiral cuts whenever possible.
6. Step 6: Return the uncovered ham to the oven and bake until the thermometer reads between 120°F and 140°F, about 30 more minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Using a long, thin knife, cut around the bone and then slice along the natural fat lines to separate the spiral slices for serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon to the glaze while simmering.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, continue simmering it gently until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Use a high-quality honey and Dijon mustard for the best balance of sweetness and tang.
• Resting the ham briefly after baking helps the juices redistribute for moist, tender slices.

Storage

Store any leftover ham covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in a low oven or microwave to preserve moisture and glaze flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this glaze on a bone-in ham that isn’t spiral-cut?

Yes, the glaze works well on whole bone-in hams, too. Apply it evenly over the surface during the last 30 minutes of baking, but slicing will need to be done differently since there are no pre-cut slices.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the glaze up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and gently rewarm it before basting the ham.

Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 150 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 to 14 servings 1x

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Description

This Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze recipe creates a beautifully glazed, tender spiral-cut ham perfect for holiday feasts or special gatherings. The glaze combines sweet honey and brown sugar with tangy Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar, simmered to a rich, thick consistency, then basted onto the ham for a flavorful, caramelized finish. Slow-baked at a low temperature, the ham remains moist and juicy with a deliciously sticky glaze that complements every slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ham

• 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham, 8 to 10 pounds

Glaze

• 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. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat it to 275°F. Line a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet with 2 sheets of aluminum foil large enough to wrap around the ham.
2. Position the Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and place it cut-side down in the prepared pan. Fold the foil around the ham tightly to create a sealed pouch to help retain moisture during baking.
3. Bake the Ham: Place the foil-wrapped ham in the oven and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours total, or about 15 to 20 minutes per pound. After 1 1/2 hours, start checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. The ham is ready for glazing when it reaches 120°F internally.
4. Make the Glaze: While the ham bakes, combine 2 cups light brown sugar, 1 cup honey, 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently, bringing the mixture to a simmer to dissolve lumps, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it gently simmer for about 20 minutes until reduced by one-third, thickened and darkened. Remove from heat.
5. Glaze the Ham: With about 30 minutes remaining of baking time, remove the ham from the oven and carefully open the foil. Generously baste the warm glaze over the ham, especially working it into the slices. Return the ham uncovered to the oven and continue baking for the final 30 minutes until the temperature reaches between 120°F and 140°F.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a long, thin knife to carefully cut around the bone and separate the spiral-cut slices along the natural fat lines for serving.

Notes

• Use an instant-read thermometer to accurately monitor the ham’s internal temperature and prevent overcooking.
• Make sure to baste the ham thoroughly to get the glaze deep into the cuts, ensuring maximum flavor.
• Leftover glaze can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated for serving alongside the ham.
• This method keeps the ham moist and tender by baking it low and slow wrapped in foil before finishing uncovered to caramelize the glaze.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: ham glaze, spiral ham recipe, honey brown sugar glaze, holiday ham, baked ham glaze