If you’re looking for a glaze that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and a little bit of a savory kick, you’ve found it with the Ham Glaze with Brown Sugar, Orange Juice, and Dijon mustard Recipe. This glaze is a beautiful combination of rich brown sugar melting into bright orange juice with the subtle heat of Dijon mustard, all enhanced by a touch of garlic and cloves. It creates a shimmering, mouthwatering coating that transforms any ham into a star dish, ideal for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you want to add a little magic to your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This glaze is straightforward but everything included plays an essential role in creating that perfect mouthwatering shine and flavor explosion. Each ingredient complements the others to build layers of taste, texture, and color that will keep your guests asking for seconds.
- ⅔ cup brown sugar: The heart of the glaze, it provides warm sweetness and helps caramelize the ham’s surface beautifully.
- ¼ cup orange juice (or pineapple juice): Adds a bright, citrusy tang that cuts through the sweetness and gives the glaze a fresh, juicy lift.
- 2-3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or grainy mustard): Brings a subtle zing and complexity, balancing the sweetness with a gentle heat and depth.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mild savory backbone that complements the glaze without overpowering it.
- 1 pinch ground cloves: Just a hint adds warmth and a whisper of spice that elevates the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Ham Glaze with Brown Sugar, Orange Juice, and Dijon mustard Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Ingredients
Start by combining all your ingredients in a small bowl. Whisking the brown sugar, orange juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and ground cloves until smooth makes sure that every bite of your ham will be coated evenly with this flavorful glaze. The texture should be classic silky and syrupy, ready to cling beautifully to the ham’s surface.
Step 2: Glaze the Ham Before Finishing
Brush the glaze generously over a spiral-cut or scored ham about 20 to 30 minutes before it’s done cooking, ideally when your ham’s internal temperature reaches 115 to 120°F. This timing ensures the sugars and mustard meld into the ham’s crust without burning, creating that irresistible glossy finish.
Step 3: Caramelize the Glaze
Once the ham is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 138°F, brush on a second coat of glaze if you like things extra sticky and sweet. Then place the ham under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes. This step caramelizes the sugars, giving the glaze a lovely golden crust with irresistible aroma and flavor. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!
Step 4: Rest Before Serving
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, locking in moisture and letting the glaze set perfectly before you carve and serve. It’s worth every minute!
How to Serve Ham Glaze with Brown Sugar, Orange Juice, and Dijon mustard Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your ham presentation with fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme to add a herbal contrast to the sweetness. Thin orange slices or zest scattered around the serving platter complement the glaze’s citrus note elegantly and invite your guests to savor every element of your masterpiece.
Side Dishes
This glaze pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a tangy cranberry sauce. For something playful, try sweet potato casserole or even a refreshing apple coleslaw to carry through the glaze’s balance of sweet and savory tones.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive visual, arrange your ham slices fanned out on a platter with extra glaze drizzled artistically on top. You can also serve small glaze dipping bowls on the side for guests who want an extra burst of flavor. Another fun idea is layering thinly sliced ham inside flaky puff pastry with a touch of the glaze brushed inside for a tasty twist at holiday parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your ham, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The glaze will still shine through when reheated, keeping every slice moist and flavorful for up to 4 days. Just cover the ham well to prevent drying out.
Freezing
Leftover glazed ham freezes beautifully. Wrap slices or chunks tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover ham gently in the oven at 275°F, loosely covered with foil to maintain moisture. You can brush with a little extra of the glaze before reheating to refresh that brilliant shine and flavor burst, warming just until heated through to avoid drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use pineapple juice instead of orange juice for this glaze?
Absolutely! Pineapple juice is a great substitute that adds a slightly different fruity sweetness and bright acidity which pairs beautifully with brown sugar and mustard.
What type of mustard works best in this glaze?
Dijon mustard is ideal for its smooth texture and subtle heat, but grainy mustard also adds a lovely texture if you prefer a bit more bite and a rustic finish.
Can this glaze be used on other meats?
Yes, this glaze is delicious on roasted pork, chicken, or even turkey. Its sweet and tangy profile enhances a variety of roasted meats beyond just ham.
How long can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
You can mix the glaze up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using.
Will the glaze burn under the broiler?
It can if left too long, so watch carefully in the broiler for just 3 to 4 minutes until bubbly and caramelized. The sugars brown quickly, so stay attentive for perfect results.
Final Thoughts
This Ham Glaze with Brown Sugar, Orange Juice, and Dijon mustard Recipe is one of those delightful additions that turns a good ham into a showstopper every time. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and adds that gorgeous sheen that makes your table look special. I really hope you give this recipe a whirl and make your next ham dinner truly unforgettable. Happy cooking!
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Ham Glaze with Brown Sugar, Orange Juice, and Dijon mustard Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (glaze application during ham baking, no separate cooking time)
- Total Time: 5 minutes prep plus ham baking and resting time
- Yield: 1 1/4 cups glaze
- Category: Sauces and Condiments
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This sweet and tangy ham glaze combines brown sugar, citrus juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a hint of cloves to create a delicious coating that enhances the flavor and appearance of your baked ham. Easy to prepare and perfect for holiday meals, the glaze caramelizes beautifully under the broiler for a glossy, flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Ham Glaze Ingredients
- â…” cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice (or pineapple juice)
- 2–3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or grainy mustard)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch ground cloves
Instructions
- Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients together until fully combined and smooth, ensuring the brown sugar dissolves well in the citrus juice and mustard.
- Apply initial glaze: Brush the glaze evenly over a spiral cut or scored ham about 20-30 minutes before the ham finishes cooking or when the ham’s internal temperature reaches 115 to 120°F. Continue baking the ham according to your main recipe until it reaches 138°F internally.
- Broil for caramelization: If desired, brush a second layer of glaze over the ham once it is fully cooked, then place under the oven broiler for 3 to 4 minutes. Watch closely to caramelize the glaze without burning, which produces a shiny and flavorful crust.
- Rest the ham: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute and the glaze to set perfectly.
Notes
- Use a spiral cut or scored ham for optimal glaze absorption and presentation.
- Adjust the mustard quantity to your taste preference, starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more if you like a stronger mustard flavor.
- Orange juice can be substituted with pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
- Monitor closely when broiling to avoid burning the glaze.
- Letting the ham rest after cooking improves juiciness and flavor.
