Easy Ham Glaze
Ditch the pre-made packets and learn how to make ham glaze with three ingredients instead. Sweet and tangy, it’s refined sugar-free and adds the best flavor to baked ham, pork belly, and more!
Serving a holiday ham for Easter or Christmas? Prepare a side of easy deviled eggs, cheesy scalloped potatoes, or oven roasted carrots to go along with it!
No holiday is complete without glazed ham, right? However, we don’t love the overly sweet flavor of the glazes you get with ham from the grocery store. Not to mention, they’re loaded with added sugars and preservatives.
So, when we first hosted Christmas dinner, we took matters into our own hands and created this 3-ingredient ham glaze recipe. Try it for yourself, and you’ll never go back to packaged glazes again!
🍊 Recipe Ingredients
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete ingredients and instructions!
- Dijon Mustard – You can substitute American mustard (yellow mustard), but we much prefer the rich, tangy flavor of Dijon mustard to add depth and balance the sweetness of the glaze. Orange Juice – Pineapple juice will also work. Either way, freshly squeezed is best, but bottled will also work. Just make sure the orange juice is pulp-free.
- Maple Syrup – This sticks to the ham and caramelizes as it bakes, creating a beautiful crust. Light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, honey, or molasses will also work. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on what you use.
👨🏻🍳 How to Make Ham Glaze (and Baked Ham)
- Make the glaze. Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Prepare the ham. If not using a spiral cut ham, slice slits across the thop. Then, brush the glaze generously on top.
- Bake. Place the ham in a roasting pan and bake according to the package instructions. Then, spread the remaining glaze on top and broil just until golden. Getcha some of that!
🍍 Possible Variations
- Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar-free maple syrup or brown sugar substitute to reduce the sugar content even further.
- Swap the Juice: Use apple juice or mango juice for a tangier taste.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic for a pungent flavor.
- Spices: Include smoked paprika, nutmeg, cinnamon, or cloves for extra warmth.
🫙 How to Store
Technically, you can create the glaze and store it covered in the fridge for up to a week. However, it’s best used fresh.
Instead, we recommend baking the ham completely. Then, store leftover ham covered with aluminum foil or transferred to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Or, freeze for up to six months.
Tip: Save leftovers to use in ham and split pea soup!
⁇ Common Questions
If using uncooked ham, add the glaze near the end of the cooking time to prevent it from burning. However, if using cooked ham, you can add it before baking. We recommend saving a little extra to use near the end, too, for a saucier coating and bolder flavor.
Whisk in a little extra maple syrup if you prefer a thicker consistency. Alternatively, if the glaze becomes too thick, add an extra splash of orange juice.
The exact cooking time will vary depending on factors like whether you’re using a bone-in ham, a pre-cooked spiral ham and how big it is. However, the general rule of thumb is to plan for at least 10-20 minutes per pound when cooking between 325°F (160°C) or 350°F (175°C).
🍽️ More Easy Recipes
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes
- Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Carrot Cake Overnight Oats
- Baked Potatoes
Did you find this Easy Ham Glaze Recipe? We want to know! Leave a comment below, and tag us @getchasomeofthat in your recreations on Instagram. Your support means the world and allows us to continue to share our recipes with you!
3-Ingredient Ham Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 ounces (60 mL) orange juice
- 1 ½ Tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 Pre-cooked spiral cut ham
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl, whisk the mustard, orange juice, and maple syrup until smooth.2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 ½ Tablespoons pure maple syrup, 2 ounces (60 mL) orange juice
- Remove the pre-cooked ham from the packaging and place it in a baking dish. If the ham is not spiraled or scored, make ½ inch cuts along the ham. Spread the glaze on the ham generously. Place the ham in a baking pan and cover with aluminum foil.1 Pre-cooked spiral cut ham
- Bake the ham in the preheated oven until it reaches an internal temperature between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually takes about 2 ½ hours (15-20 minutes per pound).
- With 30 minutes left, add another layer of glaze and let the ham bake the remainder of the time uncovered.
- Remove the ham, and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Getcha some of that!
We love that this ham glaze isn’t too sweet! Quick, easy, and way better than the packaged stuff, it’s now a staple on our holiday table!