Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

This Brown Sugar Ham Glaze creates a wonderfully sticky and caramelized crust that brings out the juiciness and flavor of the bone-in ham. The sweetness of the brown sugar and honey, combined with the tang of mustard and cider vinegar, makes for a glaze that is perfectly balanced and utterly delicious.

Ideal for holiday gatherings, this ham recipe transforms an ordinary cut of meat into a showstopping centerpiece. Whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or a big festive party, this recipe is simple to prepare yet impressive enough to leave your guests coming back for seconds.

Full Recipe:

• 4-6 kg / 8-12 lb bone-in ham, rind and fat on
• 2 cups water (or substitute with white wine or juice)
• Brown Sugar Ham Glaze:
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or substitute with white wine vinegar)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Spices (Optional):
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 3/4 tsp mustard powder

Directions:

1. Prepare the ham: Take ham out of the fridge 1 hour before cooking. Preheat oven to 160°C / 320°F (standard) or 140°C / 285°F (fan).
2. Remove the rind: Carefully remove the skin of the ham, leaving the fat intact. Score a 2.5 cm / 1 inch diamond pattern into the fat without cutting into the meat.
3. Make the glaze: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, mustard, cider vinegar, pepper, and spices. Heat over medium-high until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly.
4. Glaze and bake: Place ham on a rack in a baking pan. Baste the ham with the glaze, covering all exposed areas except the handle. Bake for about 1.5 hours, basting every 20 minutes with more glaze and pan juices.
5. Caramelize and rest: If parts of the ham brown too quickly, cover with foil. Once done, rest the ham for at least 15-30 minutes, basting generously with the pan drippings to enhance the color and flavor.
6. Serve: Carve the ham thinly and serve with the glaze on the side. Garnish with rosemary or herbs for presentation if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Kcal: 503 kcal per serving (nutrition based on 20 servings from a 4-6 kg ham)

About the Recipe

The Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is a classic, easy-to-make recipe that takes a bone-in ham to the next level. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and subtly spiced flavors, which caramelize beautifully in the oven. With just a few ingredients, you can create a glossy, sticky finish that turns a regular ham into a stunning main course for any festive occasion like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter.

Tips for the Perfect Ham Glaze

1. Use Bone-In Ham: A bone-in ham retains more moisture and flavor during cooking. It not only adds to the juiciness of the meat but also enhances the overall taste of the glaze.
2. Leave the Fat on: When you remove the rind or skin from the ham, make sure to leave a layer of fat on top. This helps in absorbing the glaze and provides a delicious, caramelized crust. Score the fat in a diamond pattern so the glaze can seep into the meat.
3. Balance the Sweet and Sour: The glaze uses brown sugar and honey for sweetness, balanced with Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar to add a bit of tartness. Feel free to adjust these ingredients to suit your personal preference.
4. Basting is Key: To achieve a beautifully glazed ham, basting is essential. Baste every 20 minutes as it bakes to build up the layers of flavor and help the glaze stick to the meat.
5. Avoid Burning the Glaze: Since the glaze contains sugar, it can burn quickly. Keep an eye on the ham as it bakes, and if certain parts brown faster than others, simply cover those areas with foil.
6. Rest the Ham Before Serving: Letting the ham rest for at least 15-30 minutes after baking ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This step also allows the glaze to set and gives you time to baste more pan drippings over the ham for a final glossy finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the glazed ham as a centerpiece dish with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or a refreshing salad.
• The pan juices make a flavorful sauce, so don’t let them go to waste! Thin with a bit of water if needed and serve on the side for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tips: The ham and glaze can be prepared a day or two in advance. Glaze and bake on the day of serving. Alternatively, cook the ham a day before and reheat on the day, basting well with the pan juices to freshen up the glaze.
• Leftover Ham Ideas: The ham makes for great leftovers! Use it for breakfast omelets, sandwiches, soups, or add to a frittata. You can also use the leftover ham bone to make soups or stews, such as a hearty ham and bean soup.

Variations and Customizations

• Spices: The optional spices, such as cinnamon, allspice, and mustard powder, add a festive touch to the glaze. However, you can modify the spices based on what you have or prefer. Clove-studding the ham can also add a traditional holiday aroma.
• Sweetener Substitution: You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness, or even mix both for a unique flavor.
• Alternative Glazes: If you’re looking for a twist on this classic recipe, try a maple and mustard glaze, or add a touch of bourbon or whiskey for an adult version with a deeper, more complex flavor.

Pairings and Presentation

Pair this ham with a crisp white wine, such as a Riesling or Chardonnay, or go bold with a Pinot Noir. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs perfectly with wines that have a touch of acidity to cut through the richness of the meat.

For presentation, consider garnishing the ham with fresh rosemary sprigs, citrus slices, or berries. Wrapping the handle of the ham with ribbon not only makes for a festive touch but also makes it easier to carve.

Ingredient Breakdown and Alternatives

Choosing the Right Ham

• Type of Ham: The best ham for this recipe is a bone-in, fully cooked, ready-to-eat ham. The bone helps retain moisture, and the fat cap ensures that the glaze adheres well during baking.
• Whole vs. Half Ham: If you’re serving a large group, a whole ham makes an impressive centerpiece. However, for smaller gatherings, a half ham with a handle is easier to carve and still presents beautifully.

The Glaze Ingredients

1. Brown Sugar: The primary sweetener in the glaze, brown sugar caramelizes wonderfully, giving the ham a shiny, sticky coating. You can opt for dark brown sugar if you prefer a more intense molasses flavor.
2. Honey (or Maple Syrup): Honey adds a floral, sweet depth to the glaze, while maple syrup offers a richer, slightly smoky sweetness. You can also use agave syrup or golden syrup as substitutes.
3. Dijon Mustard: The sharpness of Dijon mustard cuts through the sweetness, providing a balance to the glaze. You can experiment with whole-grain mustard for added texture or even yellow mustard for a milder taste.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar adds the necessary acidity to balance the flavors and helps tenderize the meat. You can substitute with white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, or even rice vinegar for a milder acidity.
5. Spices (Cinnamon, Allspice, Mustard Powder): These spices provide a subtle warmth and a festive aroma. Nutmeg, clove powder, or a pinch of ginger can also be used to add a different dimension to the glaze.

Optional Presentation Touches

• Clove Studding: Stud the scored fat with cloves before glazing for a traditional and aromatic touch. The cloves not only look decorative but also infuse a delicate spice into the ham.
• Herb Garnish: For a fresh look, garnish the ham platter with rosemary sprigs, thyme, or parsley. Adding a few slices of citrus fruits like oranges and lemons can enhance the presentation.

Technique Tips for a Perfect Glazed Ham

Scoring the Ham

• Scoring the fat in a diamond pattern serves two purposes: It allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, and it creates a beautiful, caramelized texture on the surface. Make sure not to cut into the meat itself; just score the fat layer.

Basting for the Best Flavor

• Frequent Basting: Basting every 20 minutes is crucial. It helps build a thick layer of sticky glaze on the surface. Use a silicone brush to evenly coat the entire ham, especially the scored parts to enhance caramelization.
• Post-Baking Basting: After baking, let the ham rest and continue to baste it with pan juices. This step adds that final glossy finish and ensures all parts of the ham are equally coated.

Foil Covering for Even Cooking

• If certain parts of the ham brown too quickly, cover those areas with small patches of foil. This prevents over-browning and burning while still allowing the rest of the ham to achieve a deep golden-brown color.

Roasting Pan Considerations

• Water in the Pan: Adding water (or juice/wine) to the roasting pan creates a moist environment, preventing the pan drippings from burning and allowing you to make a flavorful sauce. The steam helps keep the ham juicy, while the liquid in the pan reduces and mingles with the glaze for a rich sauce to serve alongside.

Flavor and Pairing Ideas

Flavor Profile of the Glaze

The combination of brown sugar, honey, and mustard creates a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze that perfectly complements the salty, smoky flavor of the ham. This glaze has a balanced flavor that pairs well with both savory sides and sweet dishes.

Side Dishes to Complement the Ham

• Classic Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: The creaminess of mashed potatoes balances the bold flavors of the glazed ham. For a touch of sweetness, try mashed sweet potatoes or a sweet potato casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus make excellent sides. The caramelization of the vegetables enhances the flavors of the ham glaze.
• Fresh Salads: A bright and tangy arugula salad with pomegranate seeds and a citrus vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich ham.
• Fruit-Based Sides: Incorporate some fruit-forward dishes like cranberry sauce, apple compote, or a pineapple salsa to balance the savory and sweet notes of the ham.

Pairing with Beverages

• Wine Pairings: Pair the ham with a slightly sweet white wine like a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer. If you prefer red wine, choose a light Pinot Noir or a Zinfandel for a great match.
• Non-Alcoholic Pairings: A spiced apple cider or a sparkling cranberry punch are wonderful non-alcoholic options that echo the festive spirit and flavor of the ham.

Cooking Variations and Dietary Adjustments

Make It Spicier or Sweeter

• For a Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat. You can also use a spicier mustard, such as spicy brown mustard.
• For a Sweeter Ham: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit more honey or brush the ham with a layer of pineapple juice before glazing. A touch of molasses can also deepen the sweetness and give the glaze a richer color.

Dietary Preferences

• Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels of store-bought ingredients (such as mustard and vinegar) to ensure they are gluten-free.
• Sugar Substitutions: For a refined sugar-free version, use coconut sugar or date syrup in place of brown sugar and honey.

Storage, Reheating, and Using Leftovers

• Storing the Ham: Wrap the leftover ham in a ham bag or a vinegar-soaked cloth to keep it moist. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Instructions: To reheat, cover the ham with foil and warm in the oven at a low temperature (around 120°C / 250°F) until just heated through. Baste with pan drippings or additional glaze to freshen up the flavor.
• Creative Ways to Use Leftovers:
  • Ham and Cheese Omelet: Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast by adding diced ham to your omelet or scrambled eggs.
  • Ham Pasta Salad: Toss ham chunks with pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, and a light vinaigrette for a quick and tasty meal.
  • Ham Bone Soup: Don’t let the bone go to waste! Use it to make a flavorful soup or broth, like a split pea soup or a bean and vegetable stew.

Conclusion

The Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is an exceptional recipe that elevates a simple ham into a mouthwatering centerpiece for any festive occasion. Its perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, combined with the ease of preparation, makes it a favorite for gatherings like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. With helpful tips on ingredient selection, cooking techniques, and serving suggestions, this glaze not only enhances the taste of the ham but also creates memorable experiences around the dining table. By incorporating these insights, your readers will be well-equipped to impress their guests with a stunning and delicious ham dish.