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Easy Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe

Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe

Sarah Brown
You’ve got a beautiful holiday spread set up, and your guests are buzzing with excitement. There’s a perfectly baked ham at the center, glistening in the light. You can just imagine the delightful sounds of forks clicking on plates. 
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 20 Servings
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Large saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups water
  • 4-6 kg / 8-12 lb bone-in ham with rind and fat intact

Brown Sugar Ham Glaze:

  • 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup Dijon-style mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Spices:

  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard powder mild, not hot
  • Presentation optional:

Decorative ribbon

  • A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or other aromatic herbs such as thyme

Instructions
 

  • Creating this glaze is a breeze with the right preparation. Let’s dive into some step-by-step instructions that will have you drooling in no time.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  • Before you start, make sure you’ve rounded up all your ingredients. Having everything in front of you takes the stress out of cooking. Plus, you might even find a way to get a little creative—maybe throw in a dash of your favorite spice?

Step 2: Prepare the Ham

  • While you can use a fully cooked ham, a bone-in ham with rind and fat intact (between 8-12 lb) is ideal. This will keep the meat juicy and ensure it holds onto the glaze wonderfully. Preheat your oven according to the ham’s cooking requirements.

Step 3: Combine Your Ingredients

  • In a medium saucepan, mix the brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until it’s smooth. Then toss in the ground spices and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Apply the Glaze

  • Once your glaze is a silky concoction, it’s onto the ham! Brush a hefty layer of glaze over the meat, ensuring each part gets its fair share. Don’t be shy; use a generous amount. Reserve some glaze for later additions.

Step 5: Bake the Ham

  • Pop that glory in the oven. Bake according to the package instructions or approximately 12-15 minutes per pound. Baste the ham with the reserved glaze every 20 minutes. Keep a close watch; you want that exterior to caramelize but not burn.

Step 6: Serve It Up

  • When your ham reaches the proper temperature, take it out and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This is crucial—resting helps the juices redistribute. Slice it up, and don’t forget to drizzle some extra glaze on top right before serving.

Notes

Here are a few insider tips to make your glaze game strong:
  • Choose Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the glaze. Opt for organic or high-quality mustard and honey.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer something less sweet, reduce the amount of brown sugar and honey.
  • Spice It Up: Feel free to experiment with spices. A dash of cayenne can add a pleasant heat.
  • Double It Up: Making extra glaze? It can serve as a delightful sauce for leftovers.
  • Keep an Eye on the Oven: Every oven is different. Check your ham a little earlier than suggested to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSugar: 22g
Keyword Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe
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