The Best Baked Ham Glaze: Sweet, Savory, and Irresistible

Why You’ll Love This Ham Glaze

  • Balanced Flavor: The perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory, with rich ingredients like brown sugar and mustard.
  • Easy to Make: Minimal effort with maximum flavor payoff. This glaze is incredibly simple and takes just minutes to prepare.
  • Beautiful Finish: Creates a golden, caramelized crust that adds texture and enhances the visual appeal of the ham.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a holiday feast, a special family dinner, or a casual gathering, this glaze will make your ham the star of the table.

Key Ingredients for the Best Baked Ham Glaze

  • Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a rich, caramelized crust.
  • Honey: Adds depth to the sweetness and complements the smoky flavors of the ham.
  • Dijon Mustard: Balances the sweetness with a slight tang and savory punch.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity to cut through the richness of the ham, creating a more balanced flavor.
  • Ground Cloves: Adds warmth and a subtle spice, making it perfect for festive meals.
  • Orange Zest & Juice: Brings brightness and a citrusy kick to the glaze.

Optional Add-Ins

  • Maple Syrup: For an extra touch of sweetness and flavor complexity.
  • Whiskey or Bourbon: Adds a smoky, rich note to the glaze, perfect for adding depth to the flavor profile.

How to Make the Perfect Baked Ham Glaze

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons maple syrup or whiskey for added richness

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ham

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate the meat.

2. Make the Glaze

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, orange zest, and orange juice.
  • Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze becomes thick and syrupy, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Apply the Glaze

  • Brush the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring that every part is coated. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake according to the ham’s instructions (usually 15 minutes per pound).

4. Baste During Baking

  • Every 30 minutes, remove the foil and brush the ham with more glaze. This will help the ham develop a beautiful, sticky crust.

5. Caramelize the Glaze

  • During the final 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil completely and allow the glaze to caramelize. If you want an extra-crispy finish, turn the broiler on for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

6. Let it Rest

  • Once baked to perfection, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This ensures that the juices redistribute, keeping the ham moist and flavorful.

Tips for Glazing Success

  • Score the Ham: Scoring the surface of the ham helps the glaze seep into the meat, giving it even more flavor.
  • Baste Regularly: Basting throughout the cooking process ensures the glaze forms a beautiful, sticky crust.
  • Broil at the End: For a more caramelized, crispy crust, finish by broiling for a few minutes at the end of baking.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F to prevent overcooking.

What to Serve with Glazed Baked Ham

  • Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and green beans complement the sweetness of the ham glaze.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the savory-sweet flavors of the ham.
  • Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, glazed ham.
  • Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are a must-have side for soaking up all the extra glaze.

Variations of the Baked Ham Glaze

  • Spicy Honey Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to your glaze.
  • Pineapple Glaze: Replace the orange juice with pineapple juice for a tropical twist on the classic glaze.
  • Maple Mustard Glaze: Swap out honey for maple syrup and add a touch more mustard for a sweet-savory combination.

Conclusion

A perfectly glazed ham is the ideal centerpiece for any special occasion, from holiday dinners to Sunday feasts. With its sticky, caramelized crust and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this baked ham glaze will have your guests asking for the recipe and reaching for seconds.

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