Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe | Homemade Holiday Classic

As autumn arrives and the holidays near, the smell of a glazed ham fills the air. It brings back memories of family and tradition. This brown sugar ham glaze turns a simple ham into a sweet, sticky delight. It will impress your guests and make your holiday table unforgettable.

Key Takeaways

• This brown sugar ham glaze recipe creates a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• The glaze is designed to coat every slice of a spiral-cut ham, enhancing the smoky flavor of the meat.
• The recipe is easy to make and requires simple, readily available ingredients.
• The glaze can be prepared in advance and stored for up to 5 days, making it a convenient choice for busy holiday hosting.
• Leftovers can be stored and enjoyed for several days, extending the holiday cheer.

Why This Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe Is Perfect for Your Holiday Table

This brown sugar ham glaze recipe is a great choice for your holiday meal. It combines sweet and savory flavors perfectly with baked ham. You’ll need light brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and spices to make it. It’s quick to prepare and tastes like a pro made it.

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

This glaze gets it right with sweet and savory. The brown sugar adds a sweet, molasses-like taste. Honey and Dijon mustard bring depth and tanginess. Spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger add warmth and aroma, boosting the ham’s flavor.

Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients

This brown sugar glaze is easy to make. You only need a few ingredients from your pantry. It’s ready in no time on the stovetop. Cornstarch makes the glaze thick and shiny, sticking well to the ham.

Professional Results at Home

The result of this baked ham recipe is impressive. The ham glaze makes the ham look and taste like a pro made it. Your guests will love the beautiful presentation and delicious taste of this easy glaze.

“This brown sugar ham glaze is the star of the show! It’s so easy to make and really takes my holiday ham to the next level.”

Essential Ingredients for Your Holiday Ham Glaze

To make the perfect holiday ham glaze, you need to balance sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Here are the key ingredients:

• Light brown sugar – It adds a smoky molasses flavor that goes well with ham.
• Honey – Honey makes the glaze syrupy and shiny.
• Dijon mustard – It adds a savory taste that balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter – Butter adds richness and creaminess to the flavors.
• Apple cider vinegar – A bit of vinegar adds a tartness that cuts through the sweetness.

For a pineapple twist, use pineapple juice instead of apple cider vinegar. You can also swap honey for maple syrup or molasses for different flavors. Adding cinnamon and nutmeg can deepen the taste.

“The key to a truly exceptional holiday ham is all in the glaze. With the right mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, you can transform a simple smoked ham into a show-stopping centerpiece.”

How to Make the Perfect Brown Sugar Glaze

Making a delicious brown sugar glaze for your Christmas ham is easy and can make your holiday meal special. The secret is finding the right mix of sweet and savory. Follow these steps to make a glaze that will wow your guests.

Preparing the Glaze Mixture

In a medium saucepan, mix the key ingredients for the brown sugar ham glaze. You’ll need 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup real maple syrup or honey, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard or Dijon, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Heat it over medium-high, stirring often to avoid lumps.

Tips for Achieving the Right Consistency

• Lower the heat to low and simmer, stirring, until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
• If it’s too thick, add a bit of water and stir until it’s right.
• For a glossy finish, whisk in a tablespoon of butter or plant-based butter before removing from heat.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

This brown sugar ham glaze is great because you can make it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat it over low heat until it simmers, then brush it over your christmas ham for the last 20 minutes. It’s an easy ham glaze that will impress everyone.

Step-by-Step Ham Glazing Technique

Preparing a baked ham recipe with a brown sugar glaze is a classic tradition. It can make your holiday feast unforgettable. Follow these easy steps to make a holiday ham that everyone will love.

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F and wrap the ham in foil, leaving a small opening at the top.
2. Bake the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F, which should take around 30 minutes per pound.
3. While the ham is baking, prepare the brown sugar glaze. Mix ½ cup of water, ½ cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and 4 cloves of garlic.
4. When the ham has about 30 minutes left to cook, remove it from the oven, uncover, and brush the warm glaze over the surface. Make sure to work it between the cuts.
5. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking until it reaches the desired internal temperature. For pre-cooked hams, it’s 140°F. For uncooked hams, it’s 160°F.

By following these steps, you’ll create a baked ham recipe that looks great and tastes amazing. Enjoy your perfectly glazed holiday ham with your loved ones!

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

When making a delicious brown sugar ham glaze or baked ham, getting the temperature and timing right is key. This ensures your holiday ham turns out just right. Here are some easy tips to follow.

Optimal Cooking Temperatures

Bake the ham at 275°F for the best results. This slow cooking method keeps the ham moist and tender. You can also bake it at 350°F for quicker cooking, about 10 minutes per pound.

Time Per Pound Recommendations

1. At 275°F, cook the ham for 20 minutes per pound.
2. At 350°F, cook it at 10 minutes per pound.

Important Temperature Checkpoints

• Start with the ham wrapped in foil to keep it moist.
• Glaze the ham and finish cooking it uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
• The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F to 140°F.

By sticking to these temperature and timing tips, you’ll make a holiday ham that’s perfectly cooked and beautifully glazed. Your guests will love it!

Expert Tips for a Picture-Perfect Glazed Ham

Making a beautifully glazed ham is like an art form. With a few expert tips, you can get pro-level results at home. The secret is in the timing and technique for that tasty brown sugar ham glaze.

Start by waiting until the last 30 minutes of cooking to add the glaze. This lets the sugars caramelize and create that shiny, crackling crust. Use a pastry brush to coat the ham evenly, making sure to get the glaze between the slices for extra flavor.

To make your christmas ham look even better, add pineapple rings and maraschino cherries before glazing. Just use toothpicks to hold them in place for a classic, festive look.

Remember, don’t cover the ham after glazing. This lets the sugars caramelize and the ham get that beautiful sheen you see in holiday dishes.

“The key to a picture-perfect glazed ham is all in the timing and technique when it comes to applying that delectable brown sugar glaze.”

With these tips, your ham glaze will look like it’s from a magazine. Just slice, serve, and enjoy every bite of your homemade holiday masterpiece.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

When serving your glazed holiday ham, focus on a stunning presentation. Place the ham on a festive platter or cutting board. Drizzle the pan drippings over it for extra flavor and shine.

Holiday Garnishing Tips

To make your holiday ham look great, use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Sprinkle them around the ham for color and texture. Add some fresh cranberries for extra holiday cheer.

Complementary Side Dishes

The christmas ham is the main attraction, but it needs tasty sides. Try these classic pairings:

• Glazed carrots with brown sugar and orange zest
• Creamy mashed potatoes with butter, sour cream, and chives
• Bacon-wrapped green beans for a savory contrast

For a memorable holiday ham presentation, let the meat be the star. Use creative garnishes and sides to impress your guests. With a bit of creativity, your holiday feast will be unforgettable.

Storage and Leftover Management

Enjoying your brown sugar ham glaze recipe doesn’t have to end when the main course is over. Proper storage and management of leftover holiday ham can extend the savory delight for days. This way, you can enjoy it even longer.

Leftover baked ham can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer-term preservation, the ham can be frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a little moisture to prevent the meat from drying out.

Don’t let those precious leftovers go to waste! Get creative with recipes that showcase the rich, smoky flavor of your homemade brown sugar ham glaze. Try incorporating the ham into hearty soups, cheesy casseroles, or satisfying sandwiches. The possibilities are endless when you have such a delicious foundation to work with.

Whether you’re enjoying the last slices straight from the bone or transforming the ham into a new dish, the key is to handle the leftovers with care. With a little planning and creativity, you can savor the fruits of your holiday ham labors long after the initial feast has ended.

Conclusion

This brown sugar ham glaze recipe is a holiday classic. It makes your holiday ham stand out. It’s sweet, savory, easy to make, and always impresses.

It uses simple, quality ingredients like Dijon mustard and cinnamon stick. These add a rich flavor to the glaze. The step-by-step guide makes sure your ham looks and tastes amazing.

When planning your holiday menu, include this recipe. Your family and friends will love it. You’ll get to enjoy the praise and share a special meal with your loved ones.