Irresistible Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: A Sweet & Savory Delight

Introduction

What’s better than a glazed ham, glistening with a sticky, caramelized coating? Whether for a holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or a special gathering, a honey brown sugar ham glaze transforms a simple ham into a show-stopping centerpiece. Combining sweet honey, rich brown sugar, and warm spices creates a perfect balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.

But here’s the secret: making the best ham glaze isn’t complicated. It’s surprisingly easy, requiring just a handful of pantry staples. The magic happens when the glaze caramelizes in the oven, forming a luscious crust that enhances every juicy bite of ham.

Before we dive in, I recommend you take a look at some of our other delightful recipes that pair wonderfully with our Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze. If you’re in the mood for something savory, try our Italian Easter Pie, a rich and hearty dish perfect for festive gatherings. For a flaky, buttery treat, master the art of Sourdough Croissants and impress your guests. If you love fun baking projects, our Lorax Cookie Recipe is a must-try. And for a snack that’s both chewy and golden brown, learn how to make Homemade Soft Pretzels from scratch. Happy cooking!

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this honey brown sugar ham glaze so special? It’s all about the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors complementing the rich, smoky ham. The sticky glaze enhances the taste and creates a beautifully caramelized crust that locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Unlike store-bought glazes, this homemade version allows you to control the sweetness and depth of flavor. The natural richness of honey pairs perfectly with the deep molasses notes of brown sugar, while a touch of mustard and apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness with a hint of tang. Add a dash of cinnamon or cloves, and you get a warm, aromatic glaze that fills the kitchen with an irresistible holiday aroma.

I remember the first time I made this glaze for a family gathering. My grandmother, firmly believing in traditional ham recipes, took one bite and nodded approvingly. “Now this is how you glaze a ham,” she said. That’s when I knew I had found the perfect combination of ingredients.

Whether making this for Christmas, Easter, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this glaze will take your ham from simple to spectacular!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This honey brown sugar ham glaze comes together with simple pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect sweetness, depth, and tang balance.

Sweeteners (The Caramelizing Duo)

• 1 cup brown sugar – Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create a rich caramelized crust. Light or dark brown sugar both work, but dark brown sugar adds a stronger flavor.
• ½ cup honey – Brings a smooth, floral sweetness and helps the glaze adhere to the ham. Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for a slightly different flavor profile.

Tangy & Savory Balancers

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – Adds a touch of tang and complexity without overpowering the sweetness. Yellow mustard works too, but Dijon brings a smoother depth.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Cuts through the richness and enhances the glaze’s overall flavor. Orange juice or pineapple juice can be used for a fruitier twist.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional) – Adds a hint of umami, making the glaze even more flavorful.

Aromatic Spices

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Warms up the glaze with a cozy, spiced note.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves – Complements the ham’s natural smoky flavor. Nutmeg or allspice can also work.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Balances the sweetness with a subtle kick.

Thickening & Enhancing

• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and helps the glaze coat the ham evenly.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional) – If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix with a little water before adding.

Substitution Tips:

• No honey? Try maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Want more citrusy brightness? Swap vinegar for orange or pineapple juice.
• Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that our delicious ingredients are ready, it’s time to bring this honey brown sugar ham glaze to life! Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly caramelized, flavor-packed ham that will be the star of your table.

Prepare the Ham

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). It ensures even cooking and prevents the ham from drying out.
2. Unwrap the ham and place it on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. If your ham has a thick layer of skin or excess fat, trim it down to about ¼ inch to allow the glaze to penetrate better.
3. Score the surface of the ham by making shallow diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart, creating a diamond pattern. It helps the glaze soak into the meat and gives it a beautiful presentation.
4. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake according to its weight—typically 15-18 minutes per pound for a fully cooked ham.

Make the Glaze

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to foam. It gives the glaze a silky texture and enhances its richness.
2. Add the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (if using), cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens. If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then add it to the saucepan and stir until smooth.
4. Remove from heat and let the glaze cool for a few minutes it will thicken slightly as it cools, making it easier to brush onto the ham.

Glaze & Bake the Ham

1. When the ham has about 30-40 minutes left of baking time, remove it from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C).
2. Brush a generous layer of the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get into the scored cuts. The glaze will create a caramelized, glossy crust as it bakes.
3. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 30-40 minutes. Baste with more glaze every 10-15 minutes to build up layers of flavor and shine.

Caramelize the Glaze for a Perfect Finish

1. For an extra sticky, golden crust, broil the ham for 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! The sugars in the glaze will bubble and slightly darken, creating that irresistible caramelized texture.
2. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Serve & Enjoy!

1. Transfer the ham to a serving platter and drizzle any extra glaze from the pan over the top.
2. Slice thinly and serve warm, pairing it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttery rolls.

Your honey-brown sugar ham glaze is now ready to impress! 🍯🔥 Every bite perfectly balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Enjoy your masterpiece!

Pro Tips for Success

Want to take your honey brown sugar ham glaze to the next level? Here are some expert tips to ensure the best results every time!

✅ Use a Bone-In Ham – Bone-in hams are more flavorful and juicy than boneless ones. Plus, the leftover bone makes an incredible soup or stock!

✅ Don’t Skip Scoring – Scoring the ham helps the glaze penetrate deeper, giving you maximum flavor in every bite.

✅ Glaze in Layers – Apply the glaze multiple times during the last 30-40 minutes of baking. It builds a thick, sticky coating that caramelizes beautifully.

⚠️ Avoid Overcooking – A fully cooked ham only needs to be reheated to 140°F (60°C). Overbaking can dry it out, so use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

⚠️ Watch the Broiler Closely – While broiling gives the glaze a gorgeous caramelized finish, it can burn quickly. Keep an eye on it and remove it once golden and bubbling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you put the glaze on the ham before or after cooking?

Both! Start by baking the ham covered to keep it moist, then apply the glaze during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking. It prevents the sugars from burning while still allowing them to caramelize beautifully.

What to glaze a ham with?

A great ham glaze balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The best options include honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices like cinnamon or cloves. Want a fruity twist? Try adding pineapple juice or orange zest!

How do you get the glaze to stick to ham?

Scoring the ham (cutting shallow diamond-shaped grooves) helps the glaze cling to the surface and soak into the meat. Also, applying the glaze in layers—brushing it on every 10-15 minutes—builds up a thick, sticky coating.

How to reheat and glaze a precooked ham?

Cover the ham with foil and bake at 275°F (135°C) for 10-12 minutes per pound until warmed. During the last 30 minutes, remove the foil, apply the glaze, and bake uncovered at 400°F (204°C) for a caramelized finish.