Perfect Glaze for Ham (Easy 5-Minute Recipe + Pro Tips!)

Glaze for ham next to a finished slow cooker ham recipe.

5 from 4 votes

Perfect Glaze for Ham (Easy 5-Minute Recipe + Pro Tips!)

My glaze for ham is glossy, glowy, and tastes incredible. It also takes 5 minutes to whip up. I love the look of a caramelized, baked ham surrounded by perfect potatoes and side dishes, sliced and ready to go.

Prep Time5

Cook Time7

Total Time12

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Glaze for Ham

Servings:

Author: Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

Ingredients

½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
½ cup orange juice or pineapple juice
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp ground cloves optional for warm spice

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Whisk all ingredients together in a small saucepan. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
First Glaze: Brush a thin layer of glaze over the ham about 25-30 minutes before the ham is done baking (see notes below). Increase the oven temperature to 425°F for a beautifully caramelized finish.
Second Glaze: Brush on a second layer 10-15 minutes before it’s done.
Optional Third Glaze: After removing the ham from the oven, brush with a final layer for a glossy finish.
Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute. Serve with any extra glaze from the pan for drizzling.

Video

Notes

How to Estimate Glaze Time: Plan to glaze the ham during the final 25-30 minutes of baking. Most hams bake at 325°F for 10-15 minutes per pound to reach 135°F internally.

Example:

A 6-pound ham at 325°F takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

You’d apply the glaze at the 1-hour mark for the last 30 minutes.

OR Use a Thermometer: The most accurate way is to check the internal temperature. When the ham reaches around 110-115°F, you’re about 25-30 minutes away from the finish line.

If your ham is fully cooked (most store-bought hams are), you only need to heat it to 135°F to 140°F. The USDA recommends this range for reheating cooked ham. It’s safe because the ham was already cooked during processing.

Nutrition