Easy Ham Glaze

Cook: 5 min Cuisine: American

A sweet and tangy ham glaze with syrup, brown sugar, mustard, and warming spices, perfect for enhancing baked ham for family dinners or holiday feasts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup light or dark syrup
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons prepared mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • a dash of ground cloves

Instructions

  1. In a 2-quart saucepan, combine all ingredients.
  2. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat and boil for 5 minutes.
  3. Brush frequently on ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using maple syrup instead of regular syrup. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a bit more ground ginger or even incorporate a touch of cayenne pepper. The glaze can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator; just reheat it gently before using. This glaze pairs beautifully with the 5-Layer Dessert for a delightful meal finish.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Ham Glaze is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, enhancing the flavor of your ham. Serve it alongside classic sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. For a sweet finish, consider pairing it with the Easy Surprise Cake, which complements the savory notes of the ham beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm the glaze in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency. Avoid boiling it again, as this may alter the flavor and texture. You can also use it as a marinade for grilled meats.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Easy Ham Glaze contains roughly 246 calories, with 2g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), calcium (10% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

246 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.7g 3% DV
Total Fat 3.3g 4% DV
Carbs 57g 21% DV
Fiber 3.9g 14% DV
Sugar 40.5g 81% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 70.5mg 3% DV
Potassium 269.3mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 4.8mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 63.3mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 8.6mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 135.4mg 10% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this glaze on other meats?

Absolutely! This glaze works wonderfully on pork chops, chicken, or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking times according to the meat you're using. The sweet and tangy flavors will enhance any dish, making it versatile for various meals.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?

If you find the glaze too sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute. Alternatively, adding a bit more mustard can help balance the sweetness, creating a more savory profile that complements your ham perfectly.

Can I make this glaze in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before using it on your ham. This not only saves time on the day of serving but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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