Introduction
Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is a classic, festive condiment, perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions. This sweet, tangy glaze, featuring brown sugar, mustard, and warm spices, delivers rich, caramelized flavors that elevate any ham. Presented in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cloves or a sprig of rosemary, this Brown Sugar Ham Glaze offers a vibrant, festive aesthetic that enhances any table. This recipe provides a traditional version, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing glaze that brings warm, celebratory charm to any meal.
Ingredients
For the Brown Sugar Ham Glaze:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
For Serving:
- Optional: Ground cloves, sprinkle, rosemary sprig
- Suggested Accompaniments: Spiral ham, roasted vegetables
- Suggested Pairings: Mashed potatoes, red wine
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
- Suggested Equipment: Small saucepan, whisk, measuring cups/spoons, pastry brush
Step-by-Step Process
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, butter, ground cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, about 2–3 minutes.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste a small spoonful of the glaze (once cooled slightly) and adjust with additional honey for sweetness, mustard for tang, or cloves for spice to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
- Apply to Ham: Brush half the glaze over a pre-cooked spiral ham during the last 30 minutes of baking at 325°F (165°C). Brush with remaining glaze every 10 minutes until caramelized.
- Serve: Transfer any extra glaze to a white ceramic bowl, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cloves or a rosemary sprig. Serve with ham, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or red wine.
Tips for Better Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
- Use packed brown sugar for accurate measurement and rich flavor; dark brown sugar adds deeper molasses notes.
- Taste the glaze before simmering to balance sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, as mustard strength varies.
- Simmer gently to avoid burning the sugar; stir frequently for a smooth texture.
- Apply glaze in layers during baking for a glossy, caramelized finish.
- Use a white ceramic bowl for a vibrant presentation, highlighting the rich glaze and festive garnish.
- Make ahead: Prepare glaze and refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently before using.
- Check consistency; if too thick, thin with a splash of apple cider vinegar; if too thin, simmer longer.
- Enhance aesthetic: Present in a white ceramic bowl with cloves or rosemary for a festive, inviting look.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: Ensure Dijon mustard and other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Vegan Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: Replace honey with maple syrup and butter with vegan margarine.
- Spicy Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or 1 tsp hot sauce for heat.
- Low-Sugar Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: Reduce brown sugar to 1/2 cup and use a sugar substitute for the remainder.
- Orange Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: Replace apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup orange juice and add 1 tsp orange zest.
- Bourbon Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: Add 2 tbsp bourbon for a smoky depth.
- Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: Replace apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup pineapple juice.
- Mustard-Free Brown Sugar Ham Glaze: Omit mustard and increase honey to 1/3 cup for a sweeter profile.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw in the fridge and reheat before using.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and glossy texture.
- Use as a glaze for spiral ham, pork roast, or even roasted vegetables.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted carrots to complement the sweet, tangy flavor.
- Presented in a white ceramic bowl with vibrant garnishes for a festive, inviting charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 12 servings (2 tbsp each):
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin A: 1% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 0% Daily Value
- Calcium: 2% Daily Value
- Iron: 2% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by brand. High in sugar; pair with vegetables for balance.
Conclusion
This Brown Sugar Ham Glaze recipe offers a sweet, tangy condiment, perfect for any occasion, transforming simple ingredients into a festive classic. Its quick preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The glossy, caramelized finish and warm spices delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its celebratory, versatile appeal.
Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe: Sweet and Tangy
Classic Brown Sugar Ham Glaze with sweet, tangy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
- Optional: Ground cloves rosemary sprig
- Suggested Pairings: Ham mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, honey, butter, and spices in a saucepan. Heat until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until glossy.
- Brush on ham during the last 30 minutes of baking at 325°F, reapplying every 10 minutes.
- Serve extra glaze in a white ceramic bowl with cloves, rosemary, ham, and potatoes.
Notes
- Use packed brown sugar for rich flavor.
- Store in the fridge for 1 week or freeze for 2 months.
- Try vegan or spicy variations.
- Pair with roasted vegetables.
