Ham is a classic dish that graces many holiday tables, but what makes it truly unforgettable is the glaze. A brown sugar ham glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and a hint of spice, turning an ordinary ham into a festive masterpiece. In this article, we’ll explore a delicious and easy-to-make brown sugar ham glaze recipe that will elevate your ham to new culinary heights.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Mix all the ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Heat and Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture as it heats up, ensuring all the ingredients blend smoothly.
- Cook to Thicken: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the brown sugar dissolves completely and the glaze thickens. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Apply Glaze: Once your ham is nearing the end of its baking time (about 30 minutes left), brush the glaze generously over the surface of the ham. You can reapply the glaze a couple more times for an even richer flavor.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Enough to glaze 1 ham
Variations of Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
The classic brown sugar glaze is delicious as is, but there are many ways to tweak it to suit your taste:
- Spicy Brown Sugar Glaze: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Honey-Mustard Glaze: Increase the Dijon mustard and add a bit more honey for a tangier flavor profile.
- Pineapple-Orange Glaze: Substitute the orange juice with pineapple juice and add some crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Bourbon-Infused Glaze: Stir in a splash of bourbon for a richer, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with ham.
Pairing the Glazed Ham with Side Dishes
A well-glazed ham deserves equally impressive side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy, cheesy potatoes are a classic pairing with ham.
- Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and almonds offer a crisp, healthy contrast.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberries balances the sweetness of the ham.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes roasted with herbs and olive oil are hearty and flavorful.
Why Brown Sugar is the Best Choice for Ham Glaze
Brown sugar is the preferred choice for ham glazes due to its rich, molasses flavor and its ability to caramelize beautifully. Unlike white sugar, brown sugar has a deeper, more complex taste that complements the savory ham without overpowering it. The molasses in brown sugar also helps to create a thick, sticky glaze that adheres well to the meat, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor.
Nutritional Information of Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
While delicious, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional content of your glaze:
- Calories: A typical serving of brown sugar glaze contains about 150 calories.
- Sugar: Most of the calories come from sugar, with around 30 grams per serving.
- Fat: If butter is used, the glaze will also contain some fat, approximately 5 grams per serving.
- Sodium: Depending on the amount of Dijon mustard and other ingredients, the glaze may contain 200-300 mg of sodium per serving.
Tips for Storing Leftover Glazed Ham
Leftover glazed ham can be a treat for days if stored properly:
- Refrigeration: Wrap the ham tightly in foil or place it in
Enjoy your perfectly glazed ham with this sweet and spiced brown sugar glaze!