The Best Homemade Ham Glaze Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade ham glaze recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress your family and friends. With just a few ingredients, you can elevate your ham to the next level. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up, the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, and the irresistible shine it gives your ham. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can make it just how you like it!
Recipe
A flavorful ham glaze enhances the taste of your holiday ham, adding a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. This simple recipe uses common ingredients to create a glossy, caramelized finish on your ham.
Ingredients:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the glaze from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in a roasting pan.
- Brush the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring it coats evenly.
- Bake the ham according to its weight, basting with additional glaze every 30 minutes.
- Once cooked, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes:
Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by tweaking the honey or vinegar quantities. For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Equipment:
Small saucepan, whisk, roasting pan, pastry brush
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: Varies based on ham size
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 8-10
Nutrition
This homemade ham glaze adds a sweet and savory touch to your dish. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 100 mg |
| Total Carbs | 13 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
What To Serve With It
When I serve a ham with this glaze, I like pairing it with classic side dishes, like roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes. For dessert, something light and sweet, such as a fruit tart or lemon bars, balances the meal perfectly. It’s all about creating a combo that’s both tasty and satisfying!
Side Dishes
Pairing the perfect sides with your homemade ham glaze isn’t just an afterthought—it’s what turns a great meal into something truly memorable. I love balancing rich, sweet ham with creative sides like roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled in balsamic or a tangy apple slaw. Seasonal accompaniments make it even better—think spring asparagus or fall sweet potatoes. A buttery cornbread or garlic mashed potatoes never disappoint, and a crisp green salad cuts through the glaze’s sweetness. Don’t forget warm rolls to soak up every last bit. These combos keep things exciting, letting the ham shine while rounding out the plate.
Dessert Pairings
After enjoying a delicious ham dinner, I always look forward to ending the meal with a dessert that complements the flavors perfectly. My go-to is pumpkin pie, its warm spices and creamy texture balancing the savory richness of the ham. I love drizzling a bit of caramel sauce on top—it adds a sweet, buttery finish that ties everything together. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up a quick caramel drizzle to pour over vanilla ice cream, too. These treats feel like the perfect way to wrap up a comforting meal, leaving everyone at the table smiling and satisfied.
