The Ultimate Brown Sugar Glaze for a Show-Stopping Ham

The scent of a glazed ham baking is pure holiday magic to me. I remember being a little girl, perched on a stool in my grandmother’s kitchen, mesmerized as she basted the ham with a bubbling, fragrant mixture. The way the sweet, caramelized glaze clung to the smoky ham, promising a symphony of flavors, is a memory I cherish. Now, years later, I carry on that tradition, and this brown sugar glaze recipe is my go-to for creating that same delicious, heartwarming experience. It’s simple, quick, and transforms an ordinary ham into a truly spectacular centerpiece.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: Varies depending on ham size and baking instructions
• Total Time: 5 minutes (plus baking time)
• Servings: Varies depending on ham size
• Yield: Enough glaze for a medium-sized ham
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (check sherry label)

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mustard or 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons dry sherry (optional)
• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 3 tablespoons water

Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan or bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Basting brush
• Oven
• Roasting pan (for the ham)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan or heat-proof bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, dried mustard (or prepared mustard), and cinnamon. Ensure there are no large lumps of brown sugar for a smoother glaze.
2. Whisk or stir in the dry sherry (if using), vinegar, and water.
3. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until a smooth paste forms. If using a saucepan, you can gently heat the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly, to help the sugar dissolve more quickly, but this is not essential.
4. Follow the instructions that came with your pre-cooked ham. For a spiral cut ham, this typically involves baking in a roasting pan with water in the bottom covered in foil for about 10 minutes per pound at 325°F (160°C).
5. About 30-45 minutes before the ham is fully heated (depending on the size of the ham and the oven), remove the foil.
6. Using a basting brush, generously spread the brown sugar glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham. Ensure the glaze gets into all the crevices of a spiral-cut ham.
7. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking. Baste the ham with the glaze every 10-15 minutes for the remaining baking time. This repeated basting creates a beautiful, caramelized crust.
8. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is a rich, glossy brown. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the ham, away from the bone.
9. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra depth of flavor: Consider adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the glaze. A dash of smoked paprika can also add a lovely smoky note.
• Preventing a burnt glaze: If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the ham with foil. This will help to slow down the caramelization process and prevent burning.
• Make-ahead option: The glaze can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using.
• Using prepared mustard: If using prepared mustard instead of dry, reduce the amount to 1/4 teaspoon, as prepared mustard has a stronger flavor. Dijon mustard works particularly well.
• Whiskey or Bourbon: Swap the sherry for whiskey or bourbon for a deeper, richer flavour profile.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your beautifully glazed ham as the centerpiece of your holiday feast. It pairs perfectly with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and dinner rolls.

Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftover ham for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat leftover ham, bake it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. Add a little water to the bottom of the baking dish to keep the ham moist. You can also reheat slices of ham in a skillet or microwave.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated, per serving – based on glaze alone, not including ham)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	110 kcal	6%
Total Fat	0.5g	1%
Saturated Fat	0g	0%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	27g	9%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Sugars	25g	N/A
Protein	0g	0%

Variations & Substitutions

• Maple-Brown Sugar Glaze: Substitute half of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness.
• Honey-Mustard Glaze: Replace the brown sugar with honey and use Dijon mustard for a tangy-sweet flavor.
• Pineapple-Ginger Glaze: Add crushed pineapple and grated ginger to the glaze for a tropical twist. This works especially well with a smoked ham.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a touch of heat.
• Citrus Zest: Add zest from an orange, lemon or lime for added aromatics.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use this glaze on other types of meat?
A: While designed for ham, this glaze can also be used on pork loin or roasted chicken, though you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q: What if I don’t have dry sherry?
A: The dry sherry adds depth of flavor, but you can omit it or substitute it with apple juice or chicken broth.

Q: How do I prevent the glaze from becoming too thick?
A: Adding a tablespoon or two of water will help thin the glaze if it becomes too thick during the baking process.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients to make a larger batch of glaze.

Q: My glaze is bubbling and spitting in the oven. Is this normal?
A: Yes, it is normal for the glaze to bubble and spit as the sugar caramelizes. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

I sincerely hope you give this brown sugar glaze recipe a try. It’s more than just a glaze; it’s a way to infuse your ham with love, tradition, and unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this glaze is sure to impress. I encourage you to experiment with the variations and substitutions to create a glaze that is uniquely yours. Don’t forget to share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how it turns out! Pair your glazed ham with a crisp Riesling or a rich Pinot Noir for the perfect culinary experience. Happy cooking!