Ham Glaze Recipe

Ham glaze is a sweet or savory mixture that is brushed on the surface of a ham during the cooking process to add flavor and create a delicious crust. A glaze typically contains ingredients such as sugar, honey, maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, fruit juices, spices, and herbs.

Glazing a ham not only enhances its flavor, but it also helps to keep it moist and tender. As the glaze cooks, it caramelizes on the surface of the ham, creating a shiny and crispy coating that adds a depth of flavor and texture to the dish.

There are many variations of ham glaze, from sweet and sticky to tangy and spicy, and the ingredients used can vary depending on personal preference and regional traditions. Some popular ham glaze recipes include honey-mustard glaze, brown sugar glaze, pineapple glaze, and maple-bourbon glaze.

Do I glaze ham before or after cooking?

It is generally recommended to glaze ham during the last 30 minutes to 1 hour of cooking, depending on the recipe and size of the ham. This will give the glaze enough time to caramelize and create a delicious crust on the ham without burning it.

However, some recipes may require you to glaze the ham before cooking and then cover it with foil to prevent the glaze from burning during the cooking process. It is always best to follow the specific recipe instructions for the best results.

Simple recipe for a sweet and tangy ham glaze:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

Steps:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Whisk everything together until well combined.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let the glaze simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
3. Remove the glaze from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
4. When you are ready to glaze your ham, preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to cover it completely.
5. Bake the ham for about 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it is heated through and the glaze has caramelized and formed a crispy crust.
6. Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your delicious ham with this sweet and tangy glaze!