Name: Honey-Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze for Your Ham Made Easy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 95 min
Ingredients: ½ cup local raw honey (recommended for a robust flavor); ½ cup light brown sugar (firmly packed); 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (for a sharp, tangy flavor); 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard (adds texture and complexity); 2 tsp apple cider vinegar (to brighten flavor); 1 tsp kosher salt (to elevate taste); ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (adds a hint of heat); ½ tsp ground cinnamon (adds warmth); ⅛ tsp ground cloves (optional; use sparingly); 8-10 lbs fully cooked bone-in spiral ham

As I stood in front of my oven, the unmistakable aroma of sweetness and tang wafted through my kitchen, transforming the air into a welcoming embrace. This Honey-Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze for Your Ham is my go-to recipe for elevating any gathering, especially during the holidays. With its delightful harmony of flavors—rich honey, robust mustard, and a touch of brown sugar—it turns a simple spiral ham into a stunning centerpiece. The best part? This glaze is not only incredibly easy to whip up using pantry staples, but it also makes for a crowd-pleasing dish that leaves guests raving. Want to know how to create your own masterpiece that will impress family and friends alike? Let’s dive in!

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Why is this glaze a must-try?

Simplicity at Its Finest: Crafting this glaze is a breeze, requiring minimal cooking skills and just a handful of pantry ingredients.

Bold Flavors: The dance between sweet honey and tangy mustard offers a flavor explosion that will elevate any ham.

Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holiday gatherings, this glaze transforms an ordinary dish into a stunning centerpiece that impresses family and friends alike.

Versatile Application: While perfect for spiral ham, you can easily adapt the glaze to suit various meats, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prep the glaze in advance to save time on cooking day, allowing you to enjoy your gathering stress-free.

Experience similar delight with our Cinnamon Roll Sugar cookies to complement your holiday spread!

Honey-Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze Ingredients

For the Glaze
• Honey – ½ cup of local raw honey is recommended for a robust flavor that really shines.
• Light Brown Sugar – ½ cup, firmly packed, for that rich caramelization that gives the glaze its perfect sweetness.
• Dijon Mustard – 2 tbsp to impart a sharp, tangy flavor that plays beautifully against the sweetness of the honey.
• Whole-Grain Mustard – 1 tbsp adds texture and enhanced complexity to the glaze.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – 2 tsp for brightening up the flavor profile and balancing the sweetness.
• Kosher Salt – 1 tsp to elevate the overall taste of the glaze.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – ½ tsp introduces a hint of heat and depth.
• Ground Cinnamon – ½ tsp to add a warm undertone that makes the glaze irresistible.
• Ground Cloves – ⅛ tsp (optional) for a subtle holiday twist; use sparingly for a nuanced flavor.

For the Ham
• Fully Cooked Bone-In Spiral Ham – About 8-10 lbs is the star ingredient, offering a rich base for the glaze and easier carving.

This Honey-Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze for your ham is sure to be the highlight of your holiday feast! Enjoy the beautiful marriage of flavors that will leave your guests begging for more.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey-Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze for Your Ham

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Ham
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Carefully remove the ham from its packaging and discard any glaze packet included. Place the fully cooked bone-in spiral ham cut-side down on a wire rack inside a large roasting pan, ensuring there’s enough space for the heat to circulate evenly, promising a beautifully glazed ham.

Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine ½ cup honey, ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Set aside a portion of this flavorful honey-brown sugar mustard glaze for later serving.

Step 3: Warm the Ham
Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil to help retain moisture during cooking. Bake it in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F. In the last 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil, allowing the surface to crisp up for a delectable finish on your ham.

Step 4: Apply Glaze
Once the ham has warmed, use a basting brush to generously coat half of the honey-brown sugar mustard glaze over the surface of the ham. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, letting it caramelize. Afterward, brush on the remaining glaze and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the glaze becomes sticky and beautifully glossy.

Step 5: Rest & Serve
After baking, take your ham out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains tender and juicy. Serve the glazed spiral ham alongside the extra glaze you set aside, delighting your family and friends with a truly festive dish!

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What to Serve with Honey-Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze for Ham

Enhance your holiday feast with delightful accompaniments that will elevate your glazed ham to new heights.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These fluffy potatoes provide a rich, buttery contrast that beautifully balances the sweet glaze on your ham.
Garlic Roasted Green Beans: Fresh, crispy green beans add a burst of flavor and color, creating a vibrant plate to complement the ham.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: Served warm, these sweet carrots echo the honey notes in the glaze for harmony on your holiday table.
Savory Stuffing: A traditional side that adds texture; the herbed notes soak up the glazed goodness for a comforting harmony.
Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, fruity side that brings a refreshing zing, perfectly offsetting the richness of the ham’s glaze.
Grilled Pineapple Slices: The caramelized sweetness of pineapple pairs nicely with the glaze, offering a tropical twist that’s hard to resist.
Sparkling Apple Cider: This refreshing drink provides a sweet and tart sparkle, enhancing the festive spirit of your meal.
Pumpkin Pie: Finish your meal on a sweet note with this classic dessert, whose warm spices tie beautifully into the meal’s theme.

Make Ahead Options

These Honey-Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze for Your Ham is perfect for meal prep, making your holiday gatherings effortless! You can prepare the glaze up to 24 hours in advance by cooking it as directed, letting it cool, and then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will not only save you time on the day of your meal but also intensify the flavors. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the glaze on the stove over low heat before applying it to the ham. Follow the remaining cooking instructions, and you’ll have a beautifully glazed ham that tastes just as delicious as if it were made fresh!

Expert Tips for Honey-Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze

Perfect Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure even cooking. A slow warm-up allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Glaze Reserve: Remember to set aside some of your honey-brown sugar mustard glaze before brushing it on the ham. It’s the perfect accompaniment when serving!
Moisture Retention: Loosely tent your ham with foil during the initial baking phase. This prevents it from drying out and keeps it juicy.
Caramelization Check: Keep an eye on the ham when it’s baking without foil. The glaze should turn sticky and glossy but avoid burning!
Resting Time: Allow the glazed ham to rest for 10 minutes before carving. This crucial step ensures each slice is juicy and tender.

These simple tips will help you achieve the best results when preparing your honey-brown sugar mustard glaze for your ham!

How to Store and Freeze Honey-Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze

Fridge: Keep any leftover honey-brown sugar mustard glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Freezer: If you want to save the glaze for later, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using it again.

Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid leaving the glaze at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness and flavor.

Reheating: When reheating, ensure the glaze reaches a simmer to reactivate its flavors and achieve that lovely sticky consistency before brushing it onto your ham.

Honey-Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze Variations

Feel free to get creative with this delightful glaze, enhancing its flavors and tailoring it to your preferences!

Tangy Twist: Substitute honey with additional Dijon mustard for a more pronounced tang. This will elevate the flavor profile even further, perfect for mustard lovers!
Smoky Option: Incorporate smoked ham instead of a regular spiral ham to add a depth of flavor. The smokiness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze, creating an irresistible combination.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a spicy surprise. This extra heat balances the sweetness and adds an exciting element to your dish.
Maple-Sweetened: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a delightful alternative. The rich, earthy flavor of maple syrup adds a unique twist that pairs wonderfully with ham.
Herbal Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the glaze for a fragrant and herby adaptation. This elevates the glaze, giving it a lovely fresh taste that complements the ham beautifully.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate some orange or lemon zest into the glaze for a refreshing citrusy note. This brightens up the flavors and adds a lovely brightness to your dish.
Nutty Aroma: Sprinkle in some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, just before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness to the glazing experience.
Fruity Splash: Toss in some crushed pineapple or diced peaches in the glaze for an unexpected sweetness. This fruity addition will wow your guests and provide a unique flavor contrast.

For additional inspiration, consider pairing this dish with delightful desserts like Cinnamon Roll Sugar cookies or savor some delicious Brown Sugar Pop tarts after your holiday feast!

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Honey-Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze for Ham Recipe FAQs

What type of ham is best for this glaze?
Absolutely! A fully cooked bone-in spiral ham (about 8-10 lbs) is ideal as it provides great flavor and is easier to carve. However, feel free to adapt this honey-brown sugar mustard glaze for other types of ham, like smoked or pre-sliced varieties; just adjust cooking times as needed.

How should I store leftover glaze?
After your delightful meal, store any leftover honey-brown sugar mustard glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring it’s ready to brush onto any leftover ham or for dipping!

Can I freeze the glaze for future use?
Yes, you can! To freeze the glaze, pour it into a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat it until it simmers before serving to bring back its irresistible flavor.

What if my glaze is too thick or too thin?
If your glaze turns out thicker than desired, no worries! Simply add a tablespoon or two of warm water to loosen it up, whisking until you reach your preferred consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simmer it on low heat until it reduces and thickens, intensifying the flavor along the way.

Is this glaze suitable for dietary restrictions?
While this honey-brown sugar mustard glaze contains common ingredients like honey and mustard, always consider personal dietary needs. If allergies are a concern, ensure you’re using honey and mustards that are free from unwanted additives. Always consult with family and friends about any dietary restrictions before serving!