The Ultimate Brown Sugar Mustard Ham Glaze Recipe
This brown sugar mustard ham glaze recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering or special occasion. The combination of sweet brown sugar, tangy mustard, and a hint of spice creates a caramelized crust that’s both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. This glaze elevates a simple ham into a showstopping centerpiece. We’ll walk you through each step, from choosing the right ham to achieving the perfect glaze consistency and baking time. Get ready to impress your guests with this irresistible ham glaze!
Why This Recipe Works
* **Sweet and Savory Balance:** The brown sugar provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that perfectly complements the sharp tang of the mustard. This balance is key to a glaze that’s not overly sweet but also not too acidic.
* **Caramelization:** Brown sugar’s high molasses content encourages beautiful caramelization in the oven, creating a sticky, glossy glaze that seals in moisture and adds depth of flavor.
* **Versatility:** This glaze is easily customizable. You can adjust the amount of mustard, add spices like cloves or cinnamon, or incorporate fruit juices for a unique twist.
* **Simple Ingredients:** The recipe uses readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Easy to Prepare:** With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, this glaze is accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Ham:** A bone-in, fully cooked ham (around 8-10 pounds) is recommended for the best flavor and presentation. You can use a spiral-cut ham for convenience, but a regular ham will work just as well.
* **Brown Sugar:** Packed light or dark brown sugar will work. Dark brown sugar has a more intense molasses flavor.
* **Mustard:** Dijon mustard provides a classic tangy flavor. You can also use yellow mustard for a milder taste or experiment with other mustards like spicy brown or whole-grain mustard.
* **Honey (Optional):** Adding a touch of honey enhances the sweetness and creates a stickier glaze.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar (Optional):** A small amount of apple cider vinegar balances the sweetness and adds a subtle tang.
* **Spices (Optional):** Ground cloves, cinnamon, or allspice can add warmth and complexity to the glaze.
* **Pineapple Juice (Optional):** For an extra fruity flavor, pineapple juice can be incorporated into the glaze.
**Exact measurements:**
* 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
* 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
## Equipment
* Roasting pan with rack
* Small saucepan
* Whisk
* Basting brush
* Aluminum foil
* Meat thermometer
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Prepare the Ham
* **Remove Packaging:** Carefully remove the ham from its packaging and discard any netting or plastic. Pat the ham dry with paper towels.
* **Score the Ham (Optional):** If you’re using a whole ham (not spiral-cut), score the surface in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. Make shallow cuts, about 1/4 inch deep, to help the glaze penetrate the meat.
* **Place in Roasting Pan:** Place the ham in a roasting pan fitted with a rack. The rack allows air to circulate around the ham, promoting even cooking.
### 2. Make the Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze
* **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), apple cider vinegar (if using), spices (if using), and pineapple juice (if using).
* **Heat and Stir:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the brown sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Avoid boiling the glaze.
* **Simmer (Optional):** For a thicker glaze, simmer the mixture for a few minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to burn it.
### 3. Glaze and Bake the Ham
* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
* **First Glaze Application:** Brush about half of the glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham. Ensure the glaze gets into the scores, if you made them.
* **Cover with Foil:** Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the surface from drying out during the initial baking period.
* **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham to check the temperature. Avoid touching the bone with the thermometer, as it will affect the reading.
* **Second Glaze Application:** During the last 30-40 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining glaze every 10-15 minutes. This will create a beautiful, caramelized crust. Watch carefully to prevent the glaze from burning.
* **Final Baking:** Continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is deep golden brown and sticky.
### 4. Rest and Serve
* **Rest:** Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
* **Carve and Serve:** Carve the ham and serve immediately. The glaze will be sticky, so use a sharp carving knife.
## Tips for the Perfect Brown Sugar Mustard Ham Glaze
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the ham will result in a dry and tough product. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature.
* **Glaze in Layers:** Applying the glaze in multiple layers during the final stage of baking creates a richer, more flavorful crust.
* **Watch for Burning:** The high sugar content in the glaze makes it prone to burning. Monitor the ham closely during the last 30-40 minutes of baking and adjust the oven temperature or cover loosely with foil if necessary.
* **Use a Good Quality Ham:** The quality of the ham will significantly impact the final result. Choose a ham that is well-marbled and has a good flavor.
* **Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste:** Feel free to experiment with different types of mustard, spices, and sweeteners to create a glaze that suits your preferences.
* **Basting is Key:** Basting frequently in the last 30-40 minutes of baking ensures the glaze properly adheres to the ham and caramelizes evenly.
## Variations and Additions
* **Maple Brown Sugar Glaze:** Substitute maple syrup for some of the brown sugar for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Honey Mustard Glaze:** Use more honey than brown sugar for a stickier, honey-flavored glaze.
* **Spicy Brown Sugar Glaze:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
* **Fruit Glaze:** Incorporate fruit preserves like apricot or pineapple jam into the glaze for a fruity twist.
* **Bourbon Glaze:** Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a boozy, sophisticated flavor.
* **Garlic Herb Glaze:** Mince some garlic and add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the glaze for a savory option.
## Serving Suggestions
This brown sugar mustard glazed ham is delicious served with a variety of side dishes, including:
* **Scalloped Potatoes:** Creamy scalloped potatoes are a classic accompaniment to ham.
* **Green Bean Casserole:** A comforting and traditional side dish.
* **Sweet Potato Casserole:** A sweet and savory side dish that complements the ham’s sweetness.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus are healthy and flavorful options.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious glaze.
* **Salad:** A fresh green salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish.
* **Coleslaw:** A crunchy and tangy coleslaw complements the sweetness of the ham.
## Make Ahead Tips
* **Prepare the Glaze:** The brown sugar mustard glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
* **Score the Ham:** You can score the ham a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
## Storage Instructions
* **Leftover Ham:** Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover ham in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
## Troubleshooting
* **Glaze is Burning:** If the glaze is burning, lower the oven temperature or cover the ham loosely with foil.
* **Glaze is Not Thickening:** If the glaze is not thickening, simmer it for a few minutes longer on the stovetop until it reaches your desired consistency.
* **Ham is Drying Out:** If the ham is drying out, make sure to cover it loosely with foil during the initial baking period and baste it frequently with the glaze during the final stage of baking.
* **Ham is Not Cooked Through:** If the ham is not cooked through, continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
## Brown Sugar Mustard Ham Glaze Recipe Card
**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 2-3 hours
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
* 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Remove ham from packaging and pat dry. Score the ham (optional).
3. Place ham in a roasting pan with a rack.
4. In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, mustard, honey (if using), apple cider vinegar (if using), cloves (if using), and pineapple juice (if using).
5. Heat over medium heat, stirring until brown sugar is dissolved.
6. Brush half of the glaze over the ham.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
8. Remove foil and brush with remaining glaze every 10-15 minutes during the last 30-40 minutes of baking.
9. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is golden brown and sticky.
10. Rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Enjoy your delicious brown sugar mustard glazed ham!
## Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving)
* Calories: Approximately 300-400
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*