A rich, sticky, sweet-and-savory glaze that turns ordinary ham into a beautiful holiday centerpiece. Made with honey, brown sugar, and warm seasonings, this glaze caramelizes perfectly while keeping ham juicy and flavorful.
🛒 Ingredients (For 1 Large Ham)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice or orange juice 🍍🍊
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cloves (optional)
🍳 Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Basting brush
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In saucepan combine:
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Butter
- Mustard
- Juice
- Optional spices
🔸 Step 2: Simmer
- Cook over medium heat for 3–5 minutes
✔ Glaze should become smooth and slightly thickened
🔸 Step 3: Prepare Ham
- Score ham surface lightly in diamond pattern if desired
🔸 Step 4: Glaze Ham
- Brush glaze generously over ham
🔸 Step 5: Bake
- Bake ham according to package directions
👉 Brush additional glaze every 15–20 minutes
✔ Glaze becomes glossy and caramelized
🔸 Step 6: Final Caramelization
- Increase heat slightly during last few minutes if desired for deeper color
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Holiday dinners 🎄
- Mashed potatoes 🥔
- Roasted vegetables 🥕
- Dinner rolls 🥖
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Pineapple juice adds classic ham flavor
✔ Don’t let glaze burn
✔ Apply glaze during final hour of baking
✔ Dijon balances sweetness beautifully
🔄 Variations
🍍 Pineapple Ham Glaze
Add crushed pineapple
🍊 Orange Honey Glaze
Use orange marmalade
🌶️ Spicy Sweet Glaze
Add cayenne or chili flakes
🥃 Bourbon Glaze
Add splash of bourbon
❓ FAQs
Can I make glaze ahead?
Yes—store refrigerated up to 5 days.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Absolutely.
Why is my glaze too thin?
Simmer slightly longer to thicken.
⚖️ Approx. Nutrition (Per Serving of Glaze)
- Calories: ~60–90
- Carbs: ~14g
- Fat: ~2g
⚖️ WW Points (Estimated)
🔹 Standard Glaze
👉 2–4 WW Points
✅ Reduced Sugar Version
👉 1–2 WW Points
🔻 Extra Thick Sweet Glaze
👉 4–5 WW Points