Ham is often the star of holiday dinners and celebrations, cherished for its rich flavor and festive presentation. To elevate this beloved dish, a delicious ham glaze can make all the difference. A glaze adds sweetness, depth, and a beautiful shiny finish to the ham. This ham glaze recipe combines simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering finishing touch that will impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own ham glaze is not only easy but also allows you to customize the flavors to suit your taste. Store-bought glazes can be filled with preservatives and artificial flavors, but when you make your own, you know exactly what goes into your dish. This particular glaze is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and warm spices, perfectly complementing the savory profile of the ham. Plus, making a glaze is a simple process that enhances the overall taste, aroma, and presentation of your meal.
How to Make Ham Glaze
Creating a delicious ham glaze takes just a few minutes and a handful of ingredients. With this straightforward recipe, you’ll have an aromatic and flavorful glaze that will transform your ham into a gourmet dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- ¼ cup orange juice (or pineapple juice)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (or allspice)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.
- Brush the glaze generously over a fully cooked ham during the last 20-30 minutes of baking. Reapply every 10 minutes for a deeper flavor and caramelization.
How to Serve Ham Glaze
Once your ham is fully cooked and beautifully glazed, it’s time to serve it! Slice the ham into thick pieces to showcase the glaze, allowing your guests to admire its caramelized exterior. Pair your glazed ham with classic side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. This dish is not only a centerpiece for holiday meals but also an excellent choice for casual family dinners or any special occasion.
How to Store Ham Glaze
If you have leftover ham glaze, don’t worry! You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to let the glaze cool completely before sealing it in a container. To use it later, simply reheat the glaze in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s warmed through and smooth again.
Tips to Make Ham Glaze
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar or honey. Conversely, you can add more if you like a sweeter taste.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to enhance the flavor with extra spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
- Glaze Technique: For an extra crispy and caramelized ham, consider brushing the glaze on while the ham is in the oven and then broil for a minute or two before serving. Just be careful not to burn it.
- Garnishing: After glazing your ham, garnish it with fresh fruit like orange slices or cherries for an appealing presentation.
Variations
While this ham glaze is fantastic on its own, you can explore various variations to suit your preferences:
- Fruit Juices: Substitute the orange juice with apple juice or cranberry juice for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Glaze: Add a kick with some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper if you enjoy a spicy note.
- Maple Version: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
FAQs
1. Can I use this glaze for other meats?
Yes! This glaze works wonderfully with other meats such as pork or chicken. Just follow the same glazing technique.
2. How long should I bake the glazed ham?
You should bake the fully cooked ham for about 20-30 minutes with the glaze applied, reapplying it every 10 minutes for optimal flavor and caramelization.
3. Can I make the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze a few days ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before using.
4. What type of ham is best for glazing?
A fully cooked ham, such as spiral-sliced or bone-in ham, works best for this glazing technique. Ensure it is prepared beforehand so that the glaze can add the finishing touch.
With this easy and delicious ham glaze recipe, your next meal is bound to be a hit. Enhance the flavor of your ham while adding a touch of homemade charm that both you and your guests will enjoy. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple family gathering, this glaze is sure to bring smiles around the table. Happy cooking!
Ham Glaze Recipe
Equipment
- Small Saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar light or dark
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice or orange juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Whisk continuously and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat. Brush half of the glaze over your ham during the last 30 minutes of baking, and reserve the rest for a second coating just before serving.
