Looking for a sweet and sticky ham glaze to elevate your weeknight dinner? This easy homemade recipe uses brown sugar and mustard for a quick and delicious family favorite – Save for later and try it tonight with your loved ones.

Ham Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This ham glaze recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their holiday meals or special occasions with a sweet, sticky, and savory glaze that’s incredibly easy to make. Using everyday ingredients, you can create a flavor profile that’s both balanced and impressive, making it perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your dinner table or simply want to try something new, this ham glaze recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and spices creates a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that complement the ham perfectly. Plus, the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making it convenient to prepare.
• Ease of preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort and time, as it involves simply mixing the ingredients together and brushing the glaze over the ham during the last stages of cooking.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this glaze transforms the ham into a stunning centerpiece for any meal, with its caramelized, sticky exterior and juicy interior sure to impress your guests.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this ham glaze include brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can also customize the glaze with additional ingredients such as cloves, cinnamon, or orange zest to give it a unique twist. For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, and use a gluten-free mustard if necessary. The versatility of this recipe allows you to experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect glaze.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare the glaze by mixing together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
2. Step 2: Place the ham on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and score the surface in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a beautiful, caramelized crust.
3. Step 3: Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines. You can use a pastry brush or a spoon to apply the glaze, depending on your preference.
4. Step 4: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). During the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, baste the ham with the pan juices and glaze every 10 minutes to create a sticky, caramelized crust.

Handy Tips

• When preparing the glaze, make sure to mix the ingredients well to avoid any lumps or uneven distribution of flavors. You can also adjust the amount of spices and seasonings to your taste preferences.
• To prevent the glaze from burning or becoming too dark, keep an eye on the ham during the last stages of cooking and cover it with foil if necessary.
• For a more intense flavor, you can let the ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking, allowing the glaze to penetrate the meat more evenly.

Heat Control

When cooking the ham, it’s essential to maintain a consistent oven temperature to ensure even cooking and prevent the glaze from burning. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham, and avoid overcooking, as this can make the meat dry and tough. During the last stages of cooking, keep an eye on the ham and adjust the oven temperature if necessary to prevent the glaze from becoming too dark or caramelized.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the caramelized glaze on the surface of the ham. To achieve a perfectly crunchy crust, make sure to baste the ham with the pan juices and glaze every 10 minutes during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. This will help create a sticky, caramelized exterior that’s both crunchy and delicious. If you prefer a crunchier crust, you can broil the ham for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make the glaze more intense, you can reduce the amount of olive oil and add more honey or brown sugar to the mixture.
• For a more even glaze, you can brush the ham with the glaze every 10 minutes during the last stages of cooking, rather than all at once.
• To prevent the ham from drying out, you can cover it with foil during the cooking process and remove it during the last 20-30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.

Storage Tips

• Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• To reheat the ham, simply place it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• The glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply give it a good stir before using.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to give this ham glaze as a gift, you can package it in a decorative jar or container with a ribbon and a gift tag. Simply mix the glaze ingredients together and spoon them into the jar, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top. You can also include a packet of spices or a small bottle of honey to complement the glaze. For a more rustic look, you can wrap the jar in a piece of burlap or twine and add a handwritten label with the ingredients and instructions.

Flavor Variations

• 🌟 Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the glaze a spicy kick.
• 🌟 Creative toppings: Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, over the ham during the last stages of cooking for a fresh and fragrant flavor.
• 🌟 Ingredient swaps: Substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the glaze becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or olive oil. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it over low heat for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute it with whole-grain mustard or even honey mustard.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on the ham’s internal temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed. If the glaze is becoming too dark or caramelized, cover the ham with foil to prevent burning.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the glaze for up to 3 months. Simply mix the ingredients together and spoon them into an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw the glaze overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before applying it to the ham.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, this glaze is gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions. However, if you’re using a store-bought mustard, make sure to check the ingredients list to ensure it’s gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more glaze. Simply multiply the ingredients and mix them together in a larger bowl. You can also make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Conclusion

This ham glaze recipe is a simple yet impressive way to elevate your holiday meals or special occasions. With its sweet, sticky, and savory flavor profile, it’s sure to become a favorite among your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and ingredients to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. Happy cooking, and enjoy your deliciously glazed ham!