Honey Dijon Glaze for Ham | Easy Brown Sugar Recipe

Creating the perfect honey Dijon glaze for ham can transform your ham or holiday meal from ordinary to extraordinary. See the simple ingredients and easy instructions and you’ll have a great glaze ready in a few minutes, far better than store bought. Finally, see this in our categories like Condiments & Flavorings, Sauces & Marinades, Dips & Spreads, Ham, Holidays, Thanksgiving, & Christmas.

What ingredients do I need for a Brown Sugar Honey Dijon Glaze for Ham?

Essential ingredients for the perfect ham glaze

Brown sugar and honey provide the sweet foundation for your glaze. Next, Dijon mustard is a must-have, offering a subtle kick and contrast to the sweetness. A bit of butter helps to bind the ingredients and adds a smooth, creamy consistency. These ingredients work together to create a coating that’s both sweet and savory, making it the perfect complement to a baked ham.

Substitutions and variations for this mustard and honey glaze

Brown Sugar substitute: For a less sweet glaze, consider reducing the amount of brown sugar or replacing it with a sugar substitute or plant-based sugar.

Honey Substitute: You can swap out the honey for maple syrup if you prefer a different kind of sweetness.

Dijon Mustard Substitute: Finally, if Dijon mustard is too low, try a spicy brown mustard or a stone ground mustard. For more, check out this post on “Dijon Mustard Substitutions“.

For a more robust flavor, you might add a splash of bourbon or apple cider to the mix. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, use olive oil instead of butter.

How to balance sweet and savory flavors in your glaze

Achieving the perfect balance of sweet and savory in your glaze is key to elevating the flavor of your ham. Start by carefully measuring your ingredients, ensuring that the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey doesn’t overpower the tangy bite of the Dijon mustard. If you find your coating too sweet, a small splash of vinegar can quickly help cut through the sweetness and add a touch of acidity. Adjusting the amount of mustard can also help you reach the desired level of tanginess because it has a vinegar base.

How do I make a Brown Sugar Honey Dijon Glaze for ham?

Step-by-step instructions for preparing the glaze

Preparing this brown sugar honey Dijon glaze for ham is a straightforward process that requires just a few steps. Begin by melting the butter in a small sauce pan at medium-low heat.

Then, add in the rest of the ingredients such as a little water, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, cinnamon, paprika. As the mixture begins to simmer as a mild bubbling, continue stirring to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. This pause allows the flavors to meld and the coating to thicken further. It’s now ready to be brushed onto your ham (after its 1st hour of baking).

How long to cook the glaze for optimal flavor

The cooking time for your glaze plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and consistency. After getting the glazing hot and mildly bubbling on a medium-high burner in a small sauce pan, lower it to medium-low. Then, allow it to simmer (bubbling, not boiling) for 1-2 minutes, which helps enhance the flavors. Other recipes may call for 10-15 minutes but that’s not necessary with this set of ingredients. If it’s too thick, add a couple of tablespoons of water. If it’s too thin, know that it will thicken as it cools down.

Microwave ham glaze

Also, you can cook in the microwave ham glaze (covered) for 45 seconds. Then, repeat as necessary for 15 second increments until the sugar has fully dissolved.

How to make ham glaze thicker

If you find the honey Dijon glaze for ham is too thin after the initial cooking time, continue to simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.

How to make ham glaze thinner

On the other hand, if ham glaze becomes too thick, a small amount of water or apple juice can help make it thinner. I tend to use just 1 tablespoon of water for 1/2 cup of this sauce. Then, if it’s still too thick, I’ll repeat the additions, 1 tablespoon each time.

Also, here’s an alternate Dijon mustard honey ham glaze similar to mine but a bit different you might like.

Best Tips to apply honey Dijon glaze for ham

How and when do you put ham glaze on?

Applying the glaze to your ham at the right time is essential for achieving that perfect glazed finish. So, ensure you wait until the first hour of ham baking time to begin the first glazing. This delay ensures that the sugars in the covering don’t burn and that the flavors have time to penetrate the meat.

To apply the glaze, use a basting brush to coat the entire surface of the ham generously. The layer will caramelize as it bakes, creating a beautiful, glossy finish. For the absolute best flavor, brush on a coat of glazing about every 30 minutes after the first brushing. This technique helps build a thicker, more flavorful crust that your guests will love. For spiral hams glazing, keep reading.

How to glaze a spiral sliced ham

Glazing a spiral-sliced ham outdoors on the grill or indoors in an oven requires a bit of extra care to ensure the glaze penetrates between the slices. The initial brushing of this paste with the basting brush is still after the first hour of baking, whether in the oven or on the grill. As you brush it onto the ham, strongly separate the slices with a knife, tongs, or spatula. Don’t hesitate to brush liberally a lot of coating between the slices and deep into any other crevices. This method ensures that each slice is infused with flavor, not just the outer surface.

How often should I baste the ham during cooking?

Basting your ham with glaze throughout the cooking process helps build layers of flavor and keeps the meat moist. After applying the initial coating, plan to baste the ham every 30 minutes. This lets it caramelize and thicken gradually, creating an extremely flavorful crust. Optionally, you can  use the juices that accumulate in the roasting pan or, if grilling, the drip pan. However, when grilling, the drip pan is usually not accessible which is okay because you have the added flavors by the grilled smoking environment.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning during baking?

Ideal baking temperature for glazed ham

Choosing the right baking temperature is crucial for preventing your glaze from burning. Typically, an oven temperature of 325°F (163°C) is ideal for baking a glazed ham. Also, if on a grill, a range of 300-350°F is a common practice. This moderate heat allows this outer layer to caramelize slowly, without scorching the sugars. If you bake at a higher temperature, you risk burning the outer covering before the ham is fully heated.

Monitoring the internal temperature of the ham is also important, as overcooking can lead to a dry texture. So, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the ham’s progress. With that, you can end up with a perfectly glazed ham with a delicious, unburnt crust.

Using foil to protect the glaze from burning

Use foil to protect your glaze from burning during baking. If you notice it darkening too quickly, cover the ham and wrap it around the bulk of the ham. This foil tent barrier helps regulate the heat, prevents the sugars in the sauce from scorching while still allows the ham to cook thoroughly. Be sure to remove the foil during the last part of baking to allow it to set and caramelize.

Can I make the Brown Sugar Honey Dijon Glaze ahead of time?

Storage tips for pre-made glaze

Making your glaze ahead of time can be a convenient option, especially during busy holiday preparations. To store it, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to a week, ensuring that it remains fresh and flavorful. If you plan to store it for longer, consider freezing this coating sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

When you’re ready to use it, simply remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and let it come to room temperature. Or, slowly defrost it in a microwave.

How to reheat and use stored glaze

Reheating stored glaze is a simple process that requires just a few steps. Begin by transferring it to a saucepan and heating it over medium-low heat. Stir it gently as it warms, ensuring that it doesn’t burn or separate. If the paste has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water or apple cider to loosen it up.

Once it’s smooth and warm, it’s ready to be applied to your ham or other dishes.

What other dishes can I use this glaze for besides ham?

Adapting the glaze for chicken or pork recipes

This versatile glaze isn’t just for ham; it can also enhance a variety of other dishes, including chicken recipes and pork recipes. To adapt it for these other meats, simply follow the same preparation steps and apply it generously to the meat. For chicken, consider using it as a marinade, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat before cooking.

When using on pork, apply it similarly to how you would with ham. The outer layer will caramelize and form a delicious crust that complements the richness of the pork.

Conclusion of Honey Dijon Glaze for Ham

Now you’ve seen how easy and fast it is to make a honey Dijon glaze for ham. Also, when do you put ham glaze on, and how to do glaze a spiral ham. Later, you saw how to make it ahead and store this sweet and savory sauce. Lastly, you’ve seen other meats this special coating can be applied to. Now, get out there and see what items to get and make this ahead of time.