Honey Orange Glaze Ham
A sweet and tangy honey orange glaze that adds a vibrant citrus flavor to baked ham. Perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, this glossy glaze enhances the meat's natural flavors with a delightful citrus-honey combination. Easy to prepare and irresistibly flavorful, it creates a beautiful finishing touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put orange juice, water, honey, and salt in a saucepan.
- Blend cornstarch with 1/4 cup of the mixture and return it to the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and comes to a boil.
- Boil for two or three minutes.
- Cool the glaze and brush it on the ham. The honey glaze does not tend to run off as some other glazes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use freshly squeezed orange juice if possible, as it provides a brighter flavor than frozen. If honey is too thick, warm it slightly to make it easier to mix. You can substitute agave syrup for honey for a vegan option. If you'd like a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some Dijon mustard to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
This Honey Orange Glaze Ham pairs beautifully with sides like roasted sweet potatoes or Forever Cole Slaw to balance the sweetness. Serve with a refreshing drink like Iced Tea Punch for a complete meal. For a festive touch, garnish the ham with slices of fresh orange and sprigs of rosemary before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired consistency. It can also be used as a delicious drizzle for roasted vegetables or pancakes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Honey Orange Glaze Ham contains roughly 550 calories, with 1g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh orange juice instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Freshly squeezed orange juice will enhance the flavor of the glaze significantly. Just ensure you have the right amount, which is about 6 oz., to maintain the balance of flavors in the recipe.
How can I thicken the glaze if it doesn’t thicken enough?
If your glaze isn't thickening as expected, you can blend an additional tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the simmering glaze. Continue to cook and stir until it reaches the desired thickness.
Can this glaze be used on other meats?
Yes, this glaze works wonderfully on various meats, including chicken and pork. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the meat's size and type. It can also add a unique flavor to roasted vegetables.
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).