This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Ham Glaze adds the most beautifully delicious, sweet, sticky exterior to any baked ham recipe!
Sweet and savory, this ham glaze recipe uses ingredients you likely have on and takes just a few minutes to prepare.
What You’ll Need To Make Ham Glaze
The ham glaze below needs just a handful of ingredients.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar caramelizes to create a delicious, sticky exterior. It can be replaced with honey, maple syrup, melted apricot jam, or apple jelly.
- Juice: Orange or pineapple juice adds flavor and makes the glaze easy to brush onto the ham. It can be replaced with almost any juice, including apple juice.
- Mustard: I add Dijon mustard for flavor, along with a pinch of clove or ginger. Any variety of Dijon or grainy mustard can be used.
When to Glaze the Ham
Ham glaze contains sugar, which allows it to brown to make a sticky, sweet coating. If the glaze is added too early, it will burn.
Glaze the ham about 20-30 minutes before it’s done baking—approximately when the ham reaches 115 to 120°F with a meat thermometer.
To glaze the ham, use a brush to apply the glaze on the outside. I recommend scoring the ham to allow the glaze to seep in if you’re not using a spiral ham.
Ham Glaze Tips
A ham glaze is easy to make and adds the most delicious flavor to an oven-roasted ham.
- Score the ham: For the best results, score the ham or thin skin on top to allow the glaze to get into the meat, especially if you aren’t using a spiral ham. Spiral cut hams don’t need scoring as the glaze seeps between the slices naturally.
- Remove the rind if needed: Most store-bought hams come without the rind. If your ham has a tough, thick, leathery rind, remove it, as it won’t soften during cooking. Look for a fat layer underneath, and if it’s present, you can score it for better results.
Did your family enjoy this homemade Ham Glaze? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
The Best Ham Glaze (Easy)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice or pineapple juice
- 2-3 tablespoons Dijon mustard or grainy mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch ground cloves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients together.
- Brush over a spiral cut or scored ham (see notes) about 20-30 minutes before the ham is done or when the ham reaches 115 to 120°F. Continue baking according to your recipe or until the ham reaches 138°F.
- If desired, brush a second glaze overtop once the ham is done cooking and broil for 3 to 4 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Remove from the oven and let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dressing, Sauce
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
This looks amazing. I have a question (basically looking for a suggestion). We have about 15 large thick slices of ham for a memorial service and I’d like to use this glaze. Do you think lying them on a full size sheet pan, after getting them to temperature, to baste them individually would be sufficient? I’m thinking so but would like to know your opinion. Thank you
I have never tried, but I think that would work. I would love to hear how it turns out for you!