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Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is a quick stovetop glaze that turns glossy and amber after a short simmer. It’s brushed on a scored, fully cooked ham during the final bake for a sticky, caramelized finish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup brown sugar Packed for best caramel flavor.
Honey and juice base
  • 0.25 cup honey Adds sweetness and shine.
  • 0.25 cup pineapple or orange juice Use pineapple for a fruity note or orange for citrus.
Flavorings
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard Tangy depth that balances the sweetness.
  • 2 tbsp butter Helps the glaze melt smoothly.
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Bright acidity to round out the glaze.
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon Warm spice aroma.
  • 0.25 tsp ground cloves A small amount gives classic ham spice warmth.

Equipment

  • 1 saucepan

Method
 

Make the glaze
  1. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, pineapple or orange juice, Dijon mustard, butter, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, until the surface starts bubbling steadily.
  3. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and glossy, with a slow coating consistency.
Glaze the ham
  1. Brush the warm glaze over a fully cooked ham during the last 30 minutes of baking, every 10 minutes, so each layer looks glossy as it sets.
  2. Spoon the remaining warm glaze over sliced ham at the table for extra shine and stickiness.

Notes

Pro tip: Keep the glaze warm so it stays fluid for brushing; if it thickens, rewarm gently on low. Store leftover glaze in the fridge up to 5 days and reheat to brush again; freezing is not recommended because the texture may thin and separate. For a lower-sugar option, use a reduced-sugar brown sugar substitute and keep the honey amount the same only if your substitute is not sweet enough—otherwise adjust to taste.