Wow your crowd with this sweet and tangy 3 Ingredient Ham Glaze Recipe that transforms simple ingredients—orange juice, brown sugar, and mustard—into a glossy masterpiece. Perfect for your bone-in ham or spiral ham, this glaze turns every slice into a showstopper, making it a hit for holiday feasts, Sunday suppers, or any day ending in “Y.”

Here’s the deal: I’ve officially retired those powder packets that hitch a ride with spiral hams. They’re fine if you’re into meh, but I’m here to show you how to whip up a 3-ingredient ham glaze that’s fruity, sweet, and so good it’ll have you brushing on extra just because you can. This glaze starts with fresh orange juice (from a jug works, no judgment), a scoop of brown sugar, and prepared mustard—Dijon for me, but yellow or even cranberry mustard works beautifully. The result? A tangy glaze that turns a 10-15 pound bone-in ham into the MVP of your Sunday supper or holiday table. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or an I-just-felt-like-it dinner, this baked ham recipe is the kind of dish that steals the show and pairs like a dream with savory sides like duck fat potatoes, salad, and a big glass of wine. 

Picture this: slicing into a gorgeously glazed spiral ham, its edges caramelized to sticky-sweet perfection, thanks to a tangy homemade glaze that puts those packet mixes to shame. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or a casual Sunday supper, this ham bridges the divide between the crispy-edge lovers and the “just give me the tender center slice” crowd.

Arrange your masterpiece with fresh herbs and vibrant orange wedges for a presentation so stunning even your pickiest guest might forget to ask if you made the glaze from scratch. Serve with Whipped Chantilly Potatoes, Pecan-Studded Green Beans, Savory Creamed Onions and et viola, a perfect meal. And trust me, once they taste the fruity, sweet-savory balance of orange juice, brown sugar, and mustard, they’ll be calling you a kitchen genius. Prepare for the compliments—you earned them!

Here’s Why This Ham Glaze Will Be Your New Favorite

• Bye-Bye Packet! Who needs those sad little glaze packets when you can whip up a sweet, tangy masterpiece with just three pantry staples? 

• Flavor that Dances (but no taste bud clichés) – This glaze is fruity from the orange juice, rich with brown sugar, and perfectly balanced by the mustard’s bite. No need for other sweeteners like maple syrup, honey or agave.

• Plays Well with Others – Ham might be the star, but this glaze pairs beautifully with savory sides like garlicky potatoes or buttery biscuits. 

• Versatile Pairings – Break out the wine or craft beer. This glaze complements everything from a buttery Chardonnay to a light, fruity cider. 

• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser – Kids love the sweet flavor, and you’ll love not having to argue over the dinner menu. Win-win! 

• Zero Waste – Unlike the packets, this glaze can be made in small or large batches, ensuring no waste and perfect coverage every time 

Here Are the Flavors You’ll Taste in This Ham Glaze

• Sweet Caramelization – As the brown sugar melts and caramelizes, it adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness with a hint of toffee. 

• Tangy Kick – Mustard introduces a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness and complements the ham’s savory profile. 

• Smoky Undertones – The caramelized sugars can develop a slight smokiness, enhancing the ham’s natural flavors. 

• Buttery Sweet Finish – The richness of the ham combines with the glaze’s sweetness for a velvety, satisfying aftertaste. 

You Need the Following

• A bone-in or boneless cooked ham or bone-in cooked spiral ham – 10 to 15 pounds 
• Orange juice – fresh is best, but store-bought is perfectly fine
• Brown sugar, light or dark
• Prepared mustard – I like Dijon, but use what resonates with your eaters

Optional Ingredients for Customizing

Fruits and Juices

• Pineapple juice adds a tropical vibe, with caramelized pineapple chunks doubling as a standout side.
• Orange zest intensifies the citrusy flavor, making each bite bold and bright.
• Apple cider brings a sweet and tangy autumnal twist to the glaze.

Sweeteners

• Honey offers a floral sweetness that clings beautifully to the ham.
• Maple syrup deepens the glaze with a fall-inspired, earthy richness.
• Jam—apricot, peach, or orange marmalade—adds fruity depth and a sticky finish.
• Soda, like cola or root beer, brings caramel tones and a playful sweetness to the mix.

Spices and Herbs

• Cloves lend a holiday spice aroma that screams festive charm.
• Cinnamon introduces a warm, cozy complexity to the glaze.
• Nutmeg offers a subtle, nutty warmth that complements the ham’s savory richness.
• Smoky chipotle, from powder or adobo sauce, adds a smoky, spicy edge.

Aromatics

• Ginger, fresh or ground, adds a zingy, refreshing balance to the sweetness.
• A mustard medley of Dijon and whole-grain creates a sharp, textured boost.

Savory Boosters

• Soy sauce delivers a savory umami note that deepens the glaze’s flavor profile.

Spirits

• Whiskey or bourbon takes the glaze to grown-up heights with smoky, caramelized notes.

Start by Assembling the Glaze

Preheat oven to 350°F or temperature indicated on ham packaging. Add all glaze ingredients to a saucepan over medium-low heat and whisk until the brown sugar has largely dissolved, about 4 to 6 minutes.

Place ham in a roasting pan or baking dish and use a pastry brush to apply 1/2 of the glaze over the outside of the ham. If you have a spiral cut ham, run the brush into the grooves and between some of the slices of ham. Reserve remaining glaze.

Bake the ham for 30 minutes before removing and basting with 1/2 the reserved glaze. Place back into the oven for an additional 10 to 12 minutes or until an instant read thermometer displays an internal temperature of 140°F. NOTE: Refer to the package directions for heating the ham as the purveyor’s heating instructions may vary.

Remove from the oven and apply the remaining glaze to the ham and serve.

Optional

Once the ham has reached the proper temperature, initiate your ovens broil feature. Broil the glazed ham for 1 to 3 minutes until the glaze begins to crackle. Be careful not to allow this step to burn the ham. Apply the remaining glaze to the ham and serve.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

You can easily make this glaze ahead to save time on busy cooking days. Simply combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over medium until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store the glaze in the refrigerator for up to one week.

When you’re ready to use it, reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a pourable consistency. If you have leftover glaze, store it the same way, and use it within a week for drizzling over roasted veggies, chicken, or even biscuits for an extra pop of flavor!

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