ham glaze in a bowl

Ham Glaze Recipe

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Published 11/07/2024
DFGFNF
Serves 16
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

This ham glaze recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, featuring a rich blend of flavors that caramelizes beautifully on your holiday ham, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that enhances every bite.

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This Ham Glaze Recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, featuring the rich flavor of brown sugar, the bright acidity of pineapple juice and apple cider vinegar, and a hint of mustard for depth. The glaze is beautifully spiced with a mix of warm spices and finished with fragrant thyme, creating a deliciously balanced coating that caramelizes to perfection, adding both flavor and a beautiful, glossy finish to your ham.

glaze drizzled on ham

The Best Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe

This brown sugar glaze is the best ham glaze recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness, enhancing the flavors of literally anything you put it on without overpowering it. The brown sugar provides a rich, caramelized sweetness, while the pineapple juice and apple cider vinegar add a tangy, zesty kick, which balances the overall flavor profile. The touch of mustard brings a subtle heat, and the addition of thyme infuses a fresh, herbal note that ties everything together. It’s not just a glaze—it’s the finishing touch that will have your guests coming back for more. Simple to prepare and packed with layers of flavor, this glaze is the secret to making your holiday dishes truly unforgettable.

brown sugar glaze ingredients

Ingredients for this Ham Glaze Recipe

Dark Brown Sugar: The foundation of the glaze, dark brown sugar brings a rich molasses flavor that gives the ham its signature sweetness.

Pineapple Juice: Not only does it add extra sweetness, but the acidity in pineapple juice also helps tenderize the meat, creating a juicy, flavorful ham.

Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy sharpness that cuts through the sweetness, creating a well-balanced glaze. I prefer using whole-grain mustard for added texture and a rustic look!

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a bold, savory depth to the glaze. For the most intense flavor, use whole garlic cloves and smash them to release all the aromatic goodness.

Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient provides a necessary tang, balancing the sweetness with a delightful sharpness.

Thyme: Fresh thyme infuses the glaze with a bright, herbal note that enhances the other flavors, bringing complexity and depth to the overall taste.

Spices: Ground cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper bring warmth and a rich, aromatic flavor that elevates this glaze and takes it to the next level.

How to Make this Brown Sugar Glaze

Step 1. In a medium sauce pan, add the glaze ingredients.

glaze ingredients in a pot

Step 2. Bring the ingredients in the pan and bring to a boil. Once the glaze comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let the glaze simmer for 8-15 minutes or until it thickens and starts to become syrupy. Stir occasionally. Note, the glaze will continue to thicken as it cools. 

brown sugar glaze

Step 3. Pour the glaze in a serving boil and use it to make the best baked ham with brown sugar glaze recipe or use on other recipes.

baste ham

Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?

Yes, you can. Light brown sugar has less molasses than dark brown sugar, so it will result in a slightly lighter flavor. Dark brown sugar, however, gives a richer, deeper molasses taste that works well with ham.

Can I use this brown sugar glaze for other recipes and not just as a glaze for ham?

Absolutely! This glaze works wonderfully with other meats like pork roast, chicken, salmon or even roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussel sprouts. Its balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors can enhance a variety of dishes.

What if my ham glaze is too thin?

Let the glaze simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken to your desired consistency. Note, the glaze will thicken more as it cools.

What if my glaze for ham is too thick?

Add water or chicken stock to the glaze (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency.

I hope you love this Ham Glaze Recipe! It is absolutely delicious and perfect enough to drink! If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @butterloveandsalt on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews help support Butter, Love & Salt and make it possible for me to continue to create delicious recipes. 

brown sugar glaze
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Ham Glaze Recipe

Prep Time :5 minutes
Cook Time :15 minutes
Total Time :20 minutes
Serves: 16

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup brown sugar dark
  • 1 cup pineapple juice 100%
  • 3 tablespoon Dijon Mustard wholegrain
  • 4 garlic cloves smashed
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 6 sprigs thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • In a medium sauce pan, add the glaze ingredients.
  • Bring the ingredients in the pan and bring to a boil. Once the glaze comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let the glaze simmer for 8-15 minutes or until it thickens and starts to become syrupy. Stir occasionally. Note, the glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Pour the glaze in a serving boil and use it to make the best baked ham with brown sugar glaze recipe or use on other recipes.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 90kcal (5%)Carbohydrates: 23g (8%)Protein: 0.3g (1%)Fat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gTrans Fat: 0.001gSodium: 37mg (2%)Potassium: 60mg (2%)Fiber: 0.3g (1%)Sugar: 22g (24%)Vitamin A: 21IUVitamin C: 2mg (2%)Calcium: 25mg (3%)Iron: 0.3mg (2%)

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