Description
This easy and flavorful ham glaze combines brown sugar, citrus juice, mustard, garlic powder, and a hint of cloves to create a perfect sweet and tangy coating for your baked ham. Ideal for spiral cut or scored hams, this glaze enhances the savory taste and adds a beautiful caramelized finish to your holiday or special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prepare 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: Brush the glaze generously over a spiral cut or scored ham about 20-30 minutes before the ham is fully cooked, when the internal temperature reaches 115 to 120°F. This timing allows the glaze to infuse flavor while the ham finishes baking.
- Continue baking: Proceed with baking the ham according to your original recipe or until the internal temperature reaches 138°F, allowing the glaze to meld with the ham’s surface.
- Caramelize the glaze: Optionally, brush a second layer of glaze over the ham once it is done cooking and place it under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze, creating a beautiful, glossy crust.
- Rest the ham: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting helps retain the juices and enhances the overall flavor.
Notes
- Use a spiral cut or scored ham to allow the glaze to penetrate deeply and evenly.
- Orange juice can be substituted with pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
- Adjust mustard quantity to taste between 2 to 3 tablespoons for desired tanginess.
- Broiling to caramelize the glaze adds a deliciously crisp texture but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches safe internal temperatures.
