The Perfect Ham Glaze

This Ham Glaze adds the most beautifully delicious sticky exterior to any baked ham recipe!

For a beautifully sweet-salty flavor, this ham glaze recipe needs just a few minutes and a handful of ingredients.

Ham Glaze Tips

A ham glaze is really easy to make and adds the most delicious flavor to a roast ham.

Score the ham: For the best results, score the ham or thin skin on top to allow the glaze to get into the meat, especially if you aren’t using a spiral ham. Spiral cut hams don’t need scoring as the glaze seeps between the slices naturally.

Remove the rind if needed: Most store-bought hams come without the rind. If your ham has a tough, thick, leathery rind, remove it, as it won’t soften during cooking. Look for a fat layer underneath, and if it’s present, you can score it for better results.

How To Make A Glaze For Ham

The ham glaze below needs just a handful of ingredients.

  • Sweet: The caramelization of the sugars creates a delicious, sticky exterior. This recipe uses brown sugar, but you can replace it with honey, melted apricot jam, or apple jelly.
  • Tangy: I most often use orange or pineapple juice. You can also replace it with apple juice.
  • Spices: I always add Dijon mustard to ham with a pinch of clove or ginger.

When to Glaze the Ham?

Glaze the ham about 20-30 minutes before it’s done cooking (when it reaches about 115 to 120°F on a meat thermometer) to avoid burning the sugars. Use a brush to generously apply the glaze on the outside, and you can repeat the basting for extra flavor.

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The Best Ham Glaze (Easy)

Give your ham a flavor boost with this 5-ingredient ham glaze!

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 cup of glaze

  • Whisk all ingredients together.

  • Brush over a spiral cut or scored ham about 20-30 minutes before the ham is done.

  • If desired, brush extra overtop and broil to make the glaze golden.

Nutrition information is based on 1 tablespoon of ham glaze.
Unused glaze can be stored in the fridge in a covered container for up to 4 days. Stir before using again.
 

4.99 from 180 votes

Calories: 38 | Carbohydrates: 9g | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 22mg | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Vitamin C: 1.9mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dressing, Sauce
Cuisine American
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