Simple Brown Sugar Glaze For Ham
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Simple Brown Sugar Glaze For Ham combines brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, fresh orange juice, Dijon mustard, and warm spices for a sweet, tangy glaze that complements savory ham. It comes together on the stovetop in just 15 minutes and creates a glossy, caramelized coating when brushed onto the ham.
Pair with your Fresh Ham Roast or Baked Ham
Quick Look: Simple Brown Sugar Glaze For Ham
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: less than 20 minutes
- Servings: about 6 servings, enough for a 5-8 pound ham
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free
- Method: Stovetop
- Technique: Simmered glaze, brushed on during baking
- Flavor & Texture: Sweet, tangy, slightly sticky with a caramelized crust after being baked on a ham
The Glaze I Keep Coming Back To
I tried many ingredient combinations to make the best brown sugar glaze recipe. After testing 15 different variations, I’ve narrowed it down to one that hits all the marks of flavor and pairs well with any ham. I know you will use it year after year for special occasions.
The simple brown sugar honey glaze turns your boneless ham, bone-in ham, ham steaks, or spiral-cut ham into the most delicious and flavorful honey-baked ham. Perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion, just like this Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey or Oven-baked Turkey Tenderloin.
Made With Amore,
“I love a maple brown sugar glaze. For some reason, the store never gets many in stock (not a fan of honey glaze). I started using this recipe a couple yrs ago. Its the only one I use. My family LOVES it. I usually home make everything but always used the maple brown sugar pack w the ham, not anymore.”
– Vicki
Simple Ingredients
This brown sugar ham glaze uses a handful of ingredients to create the sweet, tangy flavor and glossy finish that pairs so well with ham.
- Butter: Serves as a base to help the flavors caramelize and come together, just like in this Herb Butter for Turkey.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelization to the glaze. You can use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor, or use white sugar or coconut sugar for a different sweet flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Imparts a rich and distinct flavor to the glaze.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Adds a citrusy and tangy element to the glaze. For more orange flavor, you can add some orange zest.
- Dijon Mustard: Gives the glaze a unique tanginess, like in this Roasted Rack of Lamb, and balances out the sweetness. Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard also works, but each brings a slightly different flavor profile to the glaze.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze: Replace the orange juice with pineapple juice and add crushed pineapple for a tropical and fruity glaze. For more ways to cook with pineapple, try these Tacos al Pastor!
- Apricot Dijon Glaze: Add a few tablespoons of apricot preserves along with the Dijon mustard to balance sweet and savory notes. You can use the extra apricot preserves to make this Italian Crostata.
- Warm Spices: Add a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, ground or whole cloves, or allspice to the brown sugar sauce for additional warmth.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glaze for Ham
This brown sugar ham glaze comes together quickly on the stovetop and is ready to brush onto your ham once it has cooled slightly. Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Whisk together the butter, brown sugar, honey, orange juice, mustard, ginger, thyme, and paprika in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes until it is slightly thickened and the sugar is dissolved. Be sure to stir occasionally as it cooks. Remove the brown sugar glaze from the heat and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes to thicken even more.
Brown Sugar Glaze FAQs
For the best results, apply the glaze on the ham before, during, and after cooking. This allows the glaze to caramelize and adhere to the ham, creating a flavorful crust. Baste the entire ham with additional glaze during the cooking process to enhance the flavor and appearance.
Yes. This will help the glaze to caramelize on the ham.
Using too much sugar or not making sure that the sugar fully melts can cause the glaze to become grainy. Cook long enough and stir occasionally to ensure the sugar fully dissolves.
This brown sugar glaze for ham recipe is perfect for a baked ham of about 5-8 pounds. For a larger ham, you can easily double the recipe if needed.
You can make it up to a week in advance. Refrigerate until the day you plan to use it. Reheat it in a saucepan for 5-10 minutes, and then allow it to cool slightly to thicken before brushing it on the ham.
To store any remaining glaze, allow it to cool to room temperature and transfer it to a clean, airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. Before using the glaze, gently reheat it on the stovetop or microwave, stirring well to restore its original consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This brown sugar ham glaze is perfect for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any meal centered around baked ham. For a simple meal, serve your glazed ham with Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Honey-glazed Carrots. For a special, holiday meal, make my Duchess Potatoes or Au Gratin Potatoes, and some Creamed Spinach. Finish your meal on a sweet note with this Carrot Sheet Cake or Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Let The Glaze Cool: Give the glaze 10–15 minutes to cool after simmering so it can thicken before brushing it onto the ham.
- Stir While It Simmer: Stir occasionally while the glaze cooks to help the brown sugar dissolve evenly.
- Baste During The Final Part Of Cooking: Apply the glaze during the last 30 minutes of baking to build a flavorful caramelized coating.
- Reheat If Needed: If the glaze becomes too thick before you are ready to use it, gently reheat it so it returns to a brushable consistency.
- Save Extra Glaze: Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it before using.
More Holiday Main Dish Recipes
Looking for other holiday centerpiece recipes? Try these:
💙 MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💙 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love connecting with you! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Pinterest.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email and I'll send it straight to your inbox.
Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe for Ham
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey, or real maple syrup
- ¼ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed is preferred (pineapple juice will also work)
- 1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, or whole-grain mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon powdered ginger
- 1 sprig thyme, stem removed
- ¼ teaspoon paprika, optional
Optional Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, honey, orange juice, mustard, ginger, thyme, and paprika or other spices (if using). Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes until it is slightly thickened and the sugar is dissolved; stir occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes to thicken even more. Enjoy with fresh ham or smoked ham.
Notes
- Pair with your Fresh Ham Roast or Baked Ham
- Let The Glaze Cool: Give the glaze 10–15 minutes to cool after simmering so it can thicken before brushing it onto the ham.
- Stir While It Simmer: Stir occasionally while the glaze cooks to help the brown sugar dissolve evenly.
- Baste During The Final Part Of Cooking: Apply the glaze during the last 30 minutes of baking to build a flavorful caramelized coating.
- Reheat If Needed: If the glaze becomes too thick before you are ready to use it, gently reheat it so it returns to a brushable consistency.
- Save Extra Glaze: Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it before using.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We had an early Easter meal and I decided to give this recipe a try. It was so delicious and easy to make! All of my guests loved it. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
Yay! SO happy everyone loved it. Here’s to many more delicious recipes. I can’t wait to see what you try next time.
I love a maple brown sugar glaze. For some reason, the store never gets many in stock (not a fan of honey glaze). I started using this recipe a couple yrs ago. Its the only one I use. My family LOVES it. I usually home make everything but always used the maple brown sugar pack w the ham. not any more.
I am so happy this is your go-to recipe! Here’s to many many more where that came from- yumm!
Looks delicious