This Honey Glazed Ham recipe cooks the ham in its own juices and glazes it with honey, pineapple juice, and brown sugar. The ham is soft, juicy, and just the right amount of sweet. This honey-baked ham is buttery, sticky, sweet, and salty, and it will be the star of any holiday table! PLUS I HAVE SLOW COOKER INSTRUCTIONS TOO!
Yes, I love Easter! Actually, I love any holiday that calls for lots of tasty food and almost too many family members to enjoy it.
Since I was a little girl, Easter Sunday was always special. My mom bought me new clothes (Sunday best, of course) and combed my hair more firmly than usual.
After church service, I enjoyed the usual egg hunts and outdoor play until lunch was ready. The location of our meal rotated each year but the contents of the table stayed the same. There were Big Mama’s dinner rolls, candied sweet potatoes, collard greens, and best of all, Glazed Honey Ham.
This honey-baked ham recipe makes a main dish that will be praised for holidays and other special events. In addition to Easter, it’s perfect for Christmas and Thanksgiving too!.
Today’s easy honey glazed ham recipe with brown sugar is an ode to the memories of my childhood. It’s sweet yet salty, always tender and sticky on the fingers. You might not be ready for this y’all!.
That glistening honey glaze on holiday hams is more than just a sweet topping – it’s the crowning glory that makes ham extra special. When you know how to make honey glaze for ham, you can create homemade versions that take your ham to the next level.
So what exactly makes up this classic glaze? Let’s dive into the key ingredients and simple methods for making honey glaze at home
A Sweet and Tangy Blend
The foundation of honey glaze is – not surprisingly – honey! The naturally sweet and slightly floral honey provides distinctive flavor. Many glazes also contain brown sugar or maple syrup to build even more sweetness and depth.
Mustard and vinegar offer a tangy counterpoint to the sugar. Popular options are Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. The tartness brightens the glaze and helps it cling to the ham.
Spices like ginger, cinnamon, cloves or nutmeg add warmth Citrus zest can also contribute a nice twist Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors.
Finally, butter rounds out and enriches the glaze. As it simmers, the glaze develops an irresistibly thick, glossy texture.
Easy to Make at Home
The great news is that honey glaze comes together in just 10 minutes on the stovetop. There’s no complex culinary technique needed.
Simply combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan. For a 1-cup glaze, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1-2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Spices and citrus zest to taste
Heat the mixture over medium, stirring frequently, until blended and warmed through. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes as it thickens slightly.
And that’s it – you have homemade honey glaze ready for your holiday ham!
Brushing on Sweet, Sticky Glaze
The glaze can be used immediately or cooled and stored for later use. When your ham comes out of the oven, brush on the glaze liberally.
For best results:
- Score the ham by making shallow cuts in a criss-cross pattern. This helps the glaze seep into the meat.
- Apply an even layer of glaze over the top and sides. Use a pastry brush or large spoon to coat completely.
- Let the ham sit for 10 minutes, then repeat the glazing process 2-3 more times. The ham will become lacquered with glistening glaze.
- If the glaze gets too thick, simply stir in 1-2 teaspoons of water to thin it out.
Transforming an Ordinary Ham
The honey glaze takes a basic baked ham from bland to spectacular. As the sugar caramelizes, it forms a shiny, sticky exterior with balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
Making your own glaze allows you to customize it to your tastes. The honey and mustard provide classic flavor, while spices, citrus and vinegar offer your own unique twist.
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making honey glaze from scratch. In less than 10 minutes, you can create the sweet finishing touch that makes your holiday ham irresistible. It’s easier than you think!
With a homemade honey glaze made with quality ingredients, you’ll never go back to the premade versions from the store. I hope these tips give you the confidence to make your own signature glaze. Your ham – and your guests – will thank you.
What to Serve with Ham
Since this is a holiday recipe, I would suggest serving this ham alongside your favorite sides. From mashed potatoes and deviled eggs to sweet rolls and cornbread dressing, ham goes with just about anything.
If you need a few ideas, here are a few of Grandbaby Cakes’ BEST side dishes:
Slow Cooker Glazed Ham
As if this recipe couldn’t get any easier, this baked ham recipe is a slow-cooker friendly.
Early Easter afternoon is a busy time. The oven is on high and everyone is busy in the kitchen with their aprons on tight. So, why not free up a little space in the oven and make use of your slow cooker?.
The slow cooker’s low heat slowly braises the ham, making the best pork you’ve ever had that melts in your mouth.
TOP TIP: Use the Right Ham! You don’t wanna use a boneless ham in a slow-cooker. Instead, buy a spiral-cut ham that is fully cooked and has the bone in. Butt-end hams fit into slow-cooker a bit more easily. A 10-pound ham is as big as you can fit into a 6-quart slow-cooker. Make sure you spray it completely with non stick spray.
- Place the ham in the slower cooker. Make sure you’ve already prepped it!.
- After letting the ham cook slowly, pour the glaze over it and try to cover as much of it as you can. Don’t worry if there are uncovered portions.
- The key here is LOW AND SLOW. On the low setting, set a timer for about 8 hours (it could take 5 hours depending on the size of the ham). Try to brush the ham with glaze about once an hour. I would also suggest flipping the ham halfway through cooking.
Leftover ham is rare because man, does it go quickly. But, if you find yourself with a few extra slices, it’s important to store it properly. Store the ham (in its juices) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
BONUS TIP: This ham makes for the best next-day ham sandwiches. Make sure you’ve got good bread and some extra mustard on hand. Dipping the sandwiches in the juices takes it to a new level.
Brown Sugar And Honey HAM GLAZE Recipe
FAQ
Is glazing a ham necessary?
What is honey ham made of?
How to thicken honey glaze for ham?
What is in the glaze packet that comes with ham?
How do you make honey glaze for Ham?
An amazing Honey Glaze for Ham takes 5 minutes following my easy honey glaze recipe! Savory and sweet, it’s the ideal complement to ham. Melt butter in the microwave in 30 second intervals, or in a saucepan on the stovetop. Add honey, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper to a bowl, then add the butter. Mix until fully combined.
Is honey baked ham gluten free?
Yes, all the products from that brand, such as the hams, turkey breasts and whole turkeys are gluten-free. Always check the gluten-free logo in the products you choose.
Can you substitute honey for Ham glaze?
Maple syrup is a great alternative to honey. Or, for something a little different you can substitute fruit preserves, such as cherry, apricot or plum. Basically anything sweet and syrupy can be used in place of honey for your ham glaze. Why do you add the glaze at the end of cooking?
Do hams come with a glaze?
Some hams come with a packet of glaze that is often made from some honey and brown sugar, but also has corn syrup, dyes, and other artificial flavoring. Homemade glaze has a much better flavor. Most recipes have similar ingredients, such as sugar. This recipe also has fresh orange juice and spices to really deepen the flavor.