What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade ham glaze is easy to make and adds a sweet, tangy kick to your holiday centerpiece. You’ll love how it transforms a simple ham into something special.
- Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples like brown sugar, mustard, and spices, so you likely have everything on hand.
- Perfect balance – Sweet, savory, and a little spicy, with just the right amount of stickiness.
- Versatile flavor – Works with any ham, whether smoked, spiral-cut, or fully cooked, for a delicious finish every time.
Recipe
Elevate your holiday ham with this simple, homemade glaze recipe that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s quick to prepare and will transform your dish into a showstopper.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat and allow the glaze to cool slightly before brushing it over your ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Notes:
- Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your preferences by altering the amounts of honey and cloves.
Equipment:
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
Time:
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: Makes enough glaze for a 7-10 pound ham.
Nutrition
The nutritional information for the homemade ham glaze is based on a single serving size.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30 g |
| Sugars | 28 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade ham glaze with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted veggies, as they balance the sweetness perfectly. Don’t forget a crisp apple cider or light white wine to complement the flavors. A simple green salad adds a fresh touch, making the meal feel complete.
Side Dishes
When you’ve got a ham with a delicious glaze, you’ll want sides that complement it perfectly, so I often go for creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. The buttery potatoes balance the ham’s sweetness, while caramelized carrots or Brussels sprouts add a savory crunch. I also love serving a fresh green bean casserole or a tangy coleslaw to lighten things up. A warm, cheesy cornbread or honey-glazed biscuits are always crowd-pleasers too. For holidays, I’ll toss in a sweet potato casserole with marshmallows for extra comfort. These sides make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight from the star—your perfectly glazed ham.
Beverage Pairings
Once the ham’s been glazed and the sides are ready to go, it’s time to think about drinks that’ll tie everything together. I love pairing sweet-glazed ham with a crisp white wine, like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, because they balance the richness perfectly. If you’re more into cocktails, a classic Old Fashioned with its woody, caramel notes is a winner. For something non-alcoholic, try sparkling apple cider—it’s fizzy, invigorating, and just sweet enough. Coffee or tea works too, especially if you’re ending with dessert. Whatever you choose, make sure it complements the meal without stealing the ham’s spotlight!
