If you’re looking to elevate your holiday ham or simply craving a vibrant burst of flavor, this Sweet and Spicy Ham Glaze with Orange and Dijon Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This glaze perfectly balances the tangy brightness of orange juice with the subtle heat and depth from Dijon mustard, rounded off by sweet brown sugar and warm spices. It effortlessly transforms a simple ham into a show-stopping centerpiece that’s both visually stunning and deeply satisfying. Trust me, once you try this glaze, your ham dinners will never be the same again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients — each one plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible harmony of sweet, spicy, and citrusy notes that define this glaze. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll craft a beautiful sauce that adds flavor, moisture, and a lovely caramelized finish to your ham.
- Brown sugar: Provides the sweetness and helps create that irresistible caramelized crust.
- Orange juice (or pineapple juice): Adds bright citrus acidity that balances the sugar’s sweetness and keeps the glaze fresh.
- Dijon mustard (or grainy mustard): Brings a gentle heat and depth, cutting through the sugar with its tangy sharpness.
- Garlic powder: Introduces a subtle savory background note that complements the glaze beautifully.
- Ground cloves: Just a pinch offers a warm, aromatic touch that adds complexity without overpowering.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Ham Glaze with Orange and Dijon Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Your Ingredients
Start by combining the brown sugar, orange juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and ground cloves in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture looks smooth and glossy. This is the magic sauce that will transform your ham from delightful to unforgettable.
Step 2: Apply the Glaze to Your Ham
About 20-30 minutes before your ham is done, brush the glaze generously over the surface. If you’re working with a spiral-cut ham or one that’s been scored on the outside, this glaze will seep into every nook and cranny, soaking the meat with its wonderful flavor. It’s best to start glazing when your ham hits roughly 115 to 120°F to let the sugars have time to caramelize without burning.
Step 3: Continue Baking and Add a Second Coat
Return your ham to the oven and continue cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 138°F. If you want an even richer finish, brush a second layer of glaze over the ham once it’s fully cooked, then switch your oven to broil for 3 to 4 minutes. This quick broiling step caramelizes the glaze further, creating a sticky, shiny crust that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is juicy and flavorful. Now you’re ready to impress your guests with a beautifully glazed ham that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Ham Glaze with Orange and Dijon Recipe
Garnishes
Personally, I love sprinkling some fresh rosemary sprigs or thin orange zest curls over the glazed ham for a pop of color and aroma. These simple garnishes highlight the citrus notes in the glaze and add an inviting fresh smell that makes the presentation even better.
Side Dishes
This glaze’s sweet and tangy profile pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette. You can also complement it with sweet potatoes or a vibrant cranberry relish to round out an unforgettable meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get fancy, serve your glazed ham on a beautiful wooden board garnished with edible flowers and sliced oranges. Alternatively, carve the ham into thick slices and arrange them in a fan shape on a large platter to show off that gorgeous caramelized crust and the juicy interior beneath the glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover ham (which is quite likely!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for up to 4 days. The glaze seeps into the meat, so even cold or reheated slices remain flavorful and moist.
Freezing
You can also freeze sliced ham with the glaze for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Frozen ham with glaze will maintain quality for about 1 to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm slices of ham in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven wrapped in foil, which helps the glaze stay moist and avoid drying out. If you want to refresh the glaze, brush a little more over the top before warming for that fresh-out-of-the-oven shine.
FAQs
Can I use fresh orange juice or bottled orange juice?
Both work well; fresh orange juice adds a brighter, more natural citrus flavor, while bottled juice is convenient and still delicious. Just choose what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using, as some settling may occur.
Can I substitute Dijon mustard with another type?
Yes, grainy or whole-grain mustard works great and adds more texture. Yellow mustard is milder but will change the flavor profile slightly.
How spicy is the glaze?
The glaze is mildly spicy, mainly from the Dijon mustard’s tangy heat. It’s balanced by the sweetness and citrus, so it’s not overpowering for most palates.
What is the best type of ham to use this glaze on?
This glaze shines on spiral-cut hams or scored whole hams, as the cuts help the glaze penetrate better, but feel free to use it on any ham you prefer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Sweet and Spicy Ham Glaze with Orange and Dijon Recipe that turns an ordinary ham into the star of your table. It’s quick to make, impressive to serve, and full of vibrant flavors that your friends and family will rave about. So next time you’re preparing ham for a celebration or a cozy dinner, give this glaze a try – I promise it’ll become a cherished tradition in your recipe collection.
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Sweet and Spicy Ham Glaze with Orange and Dijon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes glazing time plus broiling if desired (3-4 minutes)
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving (sufficient glaze for one ham)
- Category: Sauce/Glaze
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and flavorful ham glaze recipe that combines brown sugar, citrus juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and ground cloves to create a sweet and tangy coating. Perfect for brushing over spiral-cut or scored ham during the last stages of baking to add a caramelized, delicious 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 together the brown sugar, orange juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and ground cloves until smooth and well combined.
- Apply the glaze: About 20-30 minutes before the ham is done—or when the ham’s internal temperature reaches 115 to 120°F—brush the glaze liberally over a spiral-cut or scored ham. Continue baking according to your ham recipe until it reaches 138°F.
- Caramelize the glaze: If desired, apply a second coat of glaze once the ham is fully cooked, then broil it for 3 to 4 minutes to caramelize and deepen the flavor of the glaze.
- Rest the ham: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute and the glaze to set perfectly.
Notes
- Use orange juice or pineapple juice depending on your preferred citrus flavor.
- For best results, use a spiral-cut or scored ham to allow the glaze to penetrate better.
- Monitor the ham’s internal temperature carefully to avoid overcooking.
- The broil step is optional but adds a nice caramelized finish to the glaze.
