One of the better ways to give added depth of flavor to your ham is to make a honey-brown sugar ham glaze. Whether it be Christmas, Easter, or some other family gathering, this sweet and savory glaze will elevate your ham to the centerpiece of any holiday feast. This article will lead you through everything you need to know to make the ideal honey brown sugar ham glaze, from which ingredients to use and how to apply them correctly.
1. Why Choose a Honey Brown Sugar Glaze?
The mix of honey and brown sugar gives the ideal sweetness with a hint of caramelization to match the salty of the ham. The honey lends a floral sweetness and sheen, while the brown sugar gives depth and molasses-like richness. These ingredients work together to not only accentuate the ham’s inherent flavors, but also to create a beautiful golden-brown crust that looks as wonderful as it tastes.
2. Ingredients for the Perfect Glaze
- 1 cup honey: To get the greatest flavor, use high-quality honey. Clover honey is an excellent choice due to its gentle flavor, but you may also try wildflower or orange blossom honey for a distinct twist.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Dark brown sugar provides more molasses taste, but light brown sugar also works well. The brown sugar will caramelize the glaze and add a deep color.
- ¼ cup of Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard (¼ cup) gives a tangy flavor that balances the glaze’s sweetness. If you like, you can use whole grain or yellow mustard instead.
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar: Vinegar adds acidity to balance sweetness and gently tenderize meat. It also imparts a slight tangy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the glaze stick to the ham.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves or whole cloves: Ground cloves give the glaze a warm, spicy scent. If using whole cloves, pierce the ham with them to enhance flavor.
- Optional spices: Optional spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of bourbon for an added depth of flavor.
3. How to Make the Glaze
The honey brown sugar ham glaze recipe is simple and quick to prepare:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, butter, and spices. Stir well to combine everything.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan on medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts, which should take around 5 minutes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but don’t let it boil too quickly, since this will cause the glaze to thicken.
- Reduce the Glaze: Let the glaze simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. It should have a syrupy consistency that covers the back of a spoon. Be careful not to overcook, since it might become excessively hard when cooled.
- Cool the Glaze: Take the glaze off the fire and let it cool for a few minutes. As it cools, it will thicken. The glaze is now ready to be applied on the ham.
4. Preparing and Glazing the Ham
To achieve the greatest results, glaze your ham using these steps:
- Score the Ham: Before applying the glaze, score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This allows the glaze to enter the meat, giving it a more appealing appearance.
- To apply the first layer of glaze: place the ham in a roasting pan lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Brush the first layer of glaze generously over the ham, taking care to get it inside the scored incisions.
- Roast the Ham: To roast the ham, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Cover the ham loosely with foil to keep it from drying out, and bake according to its weight (15-18 minutes per pound). Baste the ham with glaze every 20 minutes.
- Finish with More Glaze: Remove the foil in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking and brush on a generous coat of glaze. This allows the glaze to caramelize, resulting in a sticky, delicious crust.
- Check the Internal Temperature: The ham is done when the internal temperature hits 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the ham to rest for approximately 15 minutes before slicing. This causes the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier ham.
5. Tips for the Best Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
- Don’t Rush the Glazing: Applying the glaze in stages during the cooking process helps to develop the taste and ensures a lovely, thick coating.
- Use Whole Cloves for More Flavor: Studding the ham with whole cloves creates a lovely look while also infusing the meat with extra fragrant taste.
- Customize Your Glaze: Try adding orange zest, maple syrup, or a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a distinctive flavor.
- Avoid Overcooking the Glaze: To avoid overcooking the glaze, keep a close eye on it while it simmers. If it gets too thick, thin it up with some water or orange juice.
6. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
A honey brown sugar-glazed ham goes nicely with a range of side dishes that balance its sweet and salty flavors. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Potatoes: Serve with roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or a cheesy potato casserole as a cozy side dish.
- Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans almondine, or honey-glazed carrots make terrific vegetable side dishes.
- Salads: To counter the ham’s richness, serve a fresh, crisp salad with apples, almonds, and a tart vinaigrette.
- Bread: Soft dinner rolls or cornbread muffins are ideal for soaking up the wonderful glaze.
- Leftover ham slices can be used in sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, salads, and pasta dishes.
7. Storing and Reheating
Wrap leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can freeze the ham for up to two months to extend its shelf life. To reheat, lay the ham pieces in a baking dish with some water or leftover glaze, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F (165°C) until heated through.
Conclusion
The Honey Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is a tried-and-true recipe that adds the ideal balance of sweetness and savory flavors to your ham. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it a popular choice for holiday meals and special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide has all the techniques and tricks you need to make a show-stopping glazed ham that will dazzle your guests and leave them wanting more. Enjoy your delicious ham with its lovely caramelized glaze, and happy cooking!