A perfectly glazed ham is the highlight of any holiday table. This homemade ham glaze recipe makes sure your ham has a tasty coating. Made with pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, and warm spices, it makes every bite of your ham mouthwatering.
You’ll find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Be sure to check out the blog post itself for extra tips and tricks!
There’s nothing quite like the smell of a ham baking in the oven, filling the kitchen with warm, festive aromas. Growing up, my family always had a glazed ham at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It was the dish we looked forward to most, and the secret was always in the glaze.
Most hams come with premade packets, but I find that those can sometimes be overwhelmingly sweet. I like to add a little pazazz to my glaze, like mustard and spices, making it a unique yet delicious glaze for ham.
If you need a ham recipe, try my baked ham or my air fryer Holiday ham.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
This easy ham glaze requires just a few pantry staples:
- Sweet and Tangy Base: Pineapple juice, brown sugar, and honey
- Flavor Boosters: Yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce
- Seasonings: Black pepper, onion powder, ground cloves
Tools Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush (or spoon)
- Stovetop
- Airtight container
How to Make This Ham Glaze Recipe
Making your own homemade ham glaze couldn’t be easier! Follow these simple steps:
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, onion powder, and ground cloves.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and let the glaze cool for a few minutes. Brush or spoon it over a fully cooked ham prior to baking the ham covered in the oven.
You'll also want to brush the glaze on the ham during the last 10-20 minutes of baking (uncovered) for the perfect caramelized finish.
This glaze is enough to cover a whole 10 pound ham.
Other Delicious Ways to Use This Ham Glaze
This glaze isn’t just for ham! Try it on these delicious alternatives:
- Roasted Vegetables – Toss carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes with a drizzle of the glaze before roasting.
- Grilled Chicken or Pork – Brush it over chicken thighs or pork chops while grilling for a flavorful coating.
- Salmon Glaze – This glaze works beautifully on baked salmon for a sweet and tangy seafood dish.
How to Store Leftover Ham Glaze
If you have extra glaze, here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate – Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze – The glaze can be frozen for up to 2 months. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving space for expansion.
- Reheat – Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or juice to loosen it if needed.
You can always make this glaze ahead of time to free up some prep on your big day. Just store it in the fridge or freezer beforehand.
Tanya’s Top Tip
Apply the glaze prior to baking and throughout the last 10-20 minutes of baking for the best flavor.
I’d love to hear how this ham glaze recipe turns out for you! Leave a comment below and let me know how you like it.
Homemade Ham Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together all ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before brushing over the ham.
Notes
- Use on ham prior to baking, covered, as well as during fully cooked ham during the last 10-20 minutes of baking, uncovered.
- This glaze is enough to cover a whole 10-pound ham. The glaze yields 1 ½ cups.
