How to make a homemade ham glaze

Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Homemade Ham Glaze for Your Holiday Feast

As the holiday season approaches, one of the most anticipated dishes on the table is the succulent, glazed ham. While you could opt for a store-bought glaze, why not take the opportunity to create your own homemade masterpiece? A homemade ham glaze not only elevates the flavor of your holiday centerpiece, but it also allows you to customize the taste to your family's preferences.

In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of homemade ham glazes, exploring the perfect ingredients, techniques, and tips to ensure your holiday ham is the star of the show.

Ingredients for the Perfect Ham Glaze

The foundation of a delicious ham glaze lies in a few key ingredients. Let's take a closer look at what you'll need:

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is a must-have for any ham glaze. Its rich, caramelized flavor adds depth and sweetness to the overall profile. The amount you use can be adjusted to your taste preferences, with more brown sugar resulting in a sweeter glaze. We discussed making your own homemade brown sugar in a past blog.

BBQ Sauce

While it may seem unconventional, a touch of our Sweet BBQ Sauce can work wonders in a ham glaze. The tangy, smoky notes of the sauce complement the natural sweetness of the ham beautifully.

Maple Syrup

For a touch of natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor, pure maple syrup is a fantastic addition to your homemade ham glaze. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.

Optional Extras

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with other ingredients to enhance your glaze. Some popular options include pineapple, cherry preserves, or even a touch of apricot or peach jelly. These additions can add a unique twist to your holiday ham.

Selecting the Right Ham

Before you can start glazing, you'll need to choose the perfect ham. When it comes to hams suitable for glazing, look for a bone-in, spiral-sliced ham. These hams are pre-cooked, making them easy to heat and glaze.

As for portion size, a good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 pound of ham per person. This will ensure you have enough to satisfy your guests without too much leftover.

Preparing the Glaze

Now, let's dive into the process of making your homemade ham glaze. Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and maple syrup. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well-incorporated.
  2. If you're adding any optional extras, such as pineapple or cherry preserves, or jellies stir them in now.
  3. Heat the glaze over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can cause the sugar to caramelize too quickly.
  4. Once the glaze is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. It should have a thick, but still pourable, texture.
  5. Another fun and cleaver trick is heat this in your smoker while heating the ham. This will. add that kiss of smoke.

Glazing Techniques

With your homemade glaze prepared, it's time to apply it to your holiday ham. Here are some tips for achieving the perfect glazed finish:

  1. Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended for your ham, typically around 325°F (165°C). If using a smoker or grill follow the same techniques.
  2. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern, cutting through the outer layer of fat but not into the meat.
  3. Brush or spoon the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
  4. Bake the ham, basting it with the remaining glaze every 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Cooking the Glazed Ham

The key to a perfectly cooked, glazed ham is to strike the right balance between the cooking time and temperature. Here's what you need to know:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it loosely with foil. ( If your in a smoker and wanting more of the smoke flavor skip this step.
  3. Bake the ham for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
  4. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 10 minutes to create a beautiful, caramelized crust.

Serving Suggestions

Once your glazed ham is cooked to perfection, it's time to present it to your guests. Here are some tips for serving:

  1. Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
  2. Slice the ham into thin, even slices, revealing the beautiful glaze and spiral pattern.
  3. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs, pineapple slices, or maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
  4. Serve the ham alongside classic holiday side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

In conclusion, creating a homemade ham glaze for your holiday feast is a simple way to elevate your holiday centerpiece. By following these tips and techniques, you'll be able to impress your guests with a perfectly glazed ham that's bursting with flavor. So, don't be afraid to get creative and make this year's holiday ham the star of the show.