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A glazed ham with brown sugar and honey, beautifully caramelized for Christmas dinner.

Brown Sugar Honey Ham Glaze

A quick and forgiving glaze that creates a shiny, sticky finish for your holiday ham, enhancing its flavor and aroma without complicated steps.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Holiday, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Glaze
  • 1 cup Brown sugar For that deep caramel flavor and sticky finish
  • 1/2 cup Honey For shine and a smoother sweetness
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard To cut sweetness and add tang
  • 4 tablespoons Butter For richness and to help the glaze coat evenly
  • 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar or orange juice Just a splash to brighten the flavor
  • 1 pinch Cinnamon or clove Optional for a classic holiday vibe

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine brown sugar, honey, butter, Dijon mustard, and your choice of vinegar or juice.
  2. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze appears smooth.
  3. Allow it to cool slightly for better adherence when brushing.
Glazing the Ham
  1. Score the ham to allow the glaze to penetrate.
  2. Brush the glaze generously all over the ham, focusing on the scored areas.
  3. Bake the ham in a moderate oven (approximately 325°F or 165°C), brushing more glaze every 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Tent with foil if the glaze begins to darken too quickly.
  5. Allow the ham to rest before slicing to keep the juices intact.

Notes

This glaze can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Warm it gently before using. Avoid burning by keeping an eye on the last 20 minutes of baking.