Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

(For a 7–10 lb fully cooked ham)

• ½ cup (120ml) honey
• ½ cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (or whole grain mustard)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or orange juice
• ¼ tsp ground cloves or cinnamon (optional but classic)
• Pinch of black pepper (balances sweetness)

💡 Pro Tips:

• Use real honey—not “honey-flavored syrup.”
• Dark brown sugar = deeper molasses flavor; light = milder sweetness.
• Apply glaze during last 30–45 minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Glossy, Caramelized, Foolproof)

1. Prep the Ham

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Place fully cooked, bone-in ham (flat side down) in a roasting pan.
• Score surface in a diamond pattern (¼-inch deep)—helps glaze penetrate.

2. Make the Glaze

• In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon, vinegar, cloves, and pepper.
• Simmer over medium heat 3–5 minutes, stirring, until thickened and smooth.
• Remove from heat.

3. Glaze & Bake

• Brush ⅓ of the glaze over ham.
• Cover loosely with foil; bake per package instructions (usually 10–12 mins per pound).
• During last 30 minutes: Uncover, brush with remaining glaze every 10 minutes.
• Ham is done when internal temp reaches 140°F (60°C).

4. Rest & Serve

• Let rest 15–20 minutes before slicing—juices redistribute.
• Spoon extra glaze over slices if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• 🥔 Classic pairing: Scalloped potatoes, roasted carrots, or green beans
• 🍍 Sweet contrast: Pineapple rings or mango chutney
• 🥖 For soaking up glaze: Buttery dinner rolls or cornbread
• 🍷 Wine pairing: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or sparkling rosé

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Fridge: Glaze keeps up to 1 week—reheat gently before using.
• Freeze: Freeze glaze up to 2 months—thaw and warm before use.
• Leftover ham: Store sliced in airtight container up to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Gluten-free?A: Yes! Ensure mustard is GF (most Dijon is).

Q: Too sweet?A: Add extra vinegar or mustard to balance—or reduce brown sugar to ⅓ cup.

Q: No Dijon?A: Substitute with yellow mustard + ½ tsp honey.

Q: Can I use this on pork loin?A: Absolutely! Works great on grilled or roasted pork.

❤️ The Heart of the Glaze

This Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze isn’t just a topping—it’s the soul of celebration. It turns an ordinary ham into a memory: sticky fingers, shared laughter, and the kind of meal that lingers long after the table is cleared.

So score that ham, simmer that glaze, and bake with joy. Because the best feasts aren’t complicated—they’re sweet, savory, and made with love.

“Good ham doesn’t need a recipe—it just needs honey, sugar, and someone hungry.” 🍯✨