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Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

Brown sugar ham glaze that turns glossy and thick in just 3-4 minutes on the stove. Made with honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of pineapple or orange juice for a balanced sweet-tang finish.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Brown sugar glaze base
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup pineapple or orange juice juice (choose one)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground cloves

Equipment

  • 1 saucepan

Method
 

Make the glaze
  1. Combine brown sugar, honey, juice, Dijon, butter, vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients before heating.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Look for small steady bubbles along the edges and a smooth, uniform color.
  3. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy, stirring occasionally. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon and look shiny, amber-brown.
Glaze and serve
  1. Brush the warm glaze over a fully cooked ham during the last 30 minutes of baking, repeating every 10 minutes. Use a steady layer so it clings and turns glossy as it heats.
  2. Spoon the remaining warm glaze over sliced ham at the table. Serve while still warm for the richest, most glossy finish.

Notes

For the best cling, keep the glaze warm while the ham finishes baking so it stays pourable and glossy. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 5 days; rewarm in a saucepan over low heat until loosened. Freezing works for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm. For a lighter option, reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon and swap part of the honey for an equal amount of sugar-free honey substitute if you prefer.