What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade ham glaze recipe is easy to make and adds a delicious, sweet touch to your holiday meal. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up with just a few pantry staples.
- Perfect balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, and a little spicy, with ingredients like brown sugar, mustard, and cloves.
- Quick and fuss-free—ready in minutes, so you can focus on enjoying time with family instead of stressing in the kitchen.
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing—works great on baked ham, grilled dishes, or even as a glaze for roasted veggies.
Recipe
Intro:
A homemade ham glaze adds a sweet and savory touch to your holiday ham. This simple recipe combines pantry staples for a delicious, glossy finish that enhances the natural flavors of the ham.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth (about 3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before brushing over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Notes:
- Adjust sweetness by reducing or increasing honey or brown sugar.
- For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Equipment:
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
Time:
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Enough for one 8-10 lb ham
Nutrition
This homemade ham glaze recipe adds a sweet and savory flavor to your ham. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients.
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 5mg
Total Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugars: 29g
Protein: 0g
What To Serve With It
When I make my homemade ham glaze, I always think about the side dishes that’ll make the meal shine—think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad. A good beverage pairing, like a crisp white wine or sparkling apple cider, really ties everything together. It’s all about finding flavors that complement the ham’s sweetness without stealing the spotlight!
Side Dishes
Though ham’s rich flavor takes center stage, pairing it with the right sides can make your meal unforgettable. I love serving roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, because they caramelize beautifully and add a sweet, savory balance. Creamy mashed potatoes are a must—they’re comforting and soak up the glaze perfectly. For freshness, I’ll toss a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Cornbread or dinner rolls are great for mopping up any extra glaze, and scalloped potatoes feel fancy without much effort. Don’t forget mac and cheese—it’s always a crowd-pleaser! These sides create a harmony that’s hard to beat.
Beverage Pairings
If you’re looking to round out your ham dinner with the perfect drink, you’ve got plenty of options that can complement that smoky, sweet, and savory goodness. I love pairing ham with a crisp white wine, like Chardonnay or Riesling, because they balance the glaze’s richness. For non-alcoholic choices, sparkling apple cider or pineapple juice add a festive touch. If you prefer something cozier, a smooth bourbon or whiskey cocktail works wonders, especially during colder months. And don’t forget beer—a malty amber ale or hoppy IPA can hold its own against the ham’s bold flavors. Cheers to a delicious meal!
