3-Ingredient Ham Glaze Recipe

Introduction

I’ve officially ditched those meh powdered glaze packets because this 3-ingredient ham glaze is all I want to ever use on my ham! Fresh orange juice, brown sugar, and Dijon create a tangy-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully, turning a simple spiral ham into the star of your table. This easy homemade glaze guarantees you’ll get a flood of compliments at any Sunday dinner or holiday event.

Why This Recipe Works

• Bye-Bye Packet! Who needs those sad little glaze packets when you can whip up a sweet, tangy masterpiece with just three pantry staples?
• Balanced Flavor: 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.
• Pairs Well with Other Dishes: Ham might be the star, but this glaze pairs beautifully with savory sides like garlicky potatoes or buttery biscuits.
• Zero Waste: Unlike the packets, this glaze can be made in small or large batches, ensuring no waste and perfect coverage every time.

Curious what you need to make this super simple ham glaze? Grab these three simple ingredients, and you’ll be ready to whip it up in no time!

• Orange Juice: Fresh is best, but store-bought is perfectly fine. This brings the bright citrus flavor to the glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Either light or dark brown sugar work beautifully here. Dark will bring an extra molasses flavor that is particularly lovely.
• Prepared Mustard: I like Dijon, but use whatever type you enjoy the most.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

• Fruit/Juice Options: pineapple juice, orange zest, or apple cider
• Sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, jam, or soda
• Spices & Herbs: cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, or chipotle chili powder/adobo sauce
• Aromatics: ginger or mustard
• Umami: soy sauce
• Spirits: whiskey or bourbon

How to Make 3-Ingredient Ham Glaze

Preheat oven to 350°F or temperature indicated on ham packaging.

1. Add all glaze ingredients to a saucepan over medium-low heat and whisk until the brown sugar has dissolved, about 4 to 6 minutes. (images 1-4)

2. Place ham in a roasting pan or baking dish and brush half 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 the remaining glaze. (images 5-6)
3. Bake the ham for 30 minutes, then baste with half of the reserved glaze. Bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer displays an internal temperature of 140°F. Remove from the oven, apply the remaining glaze to the ham, and serve. (image 7-8)

Recipe FAQs

Serve

This 3-ingredient ham glaze tastes wonderful on any bone-in or spiral ham–or even on diced up ham! Round out your meal with whipped chantilly potatoes, pecan green beans, and savory creamed onions. Use up your leftover glazed ham in recipes like homemade ham stock (for the bone), ham gravy, or split pea soup with ham.

Drink Pairings: The fruity flavor of this ham glaze goes beautifully with a crisp white wine, like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. For beer lovers, a wheat beer or amber ale balances the glaze’s sweetness. Want something stronger? Try a bourbon-based cocktail like an Iced Apricot Bourbon Fizz or even a festive Pirates Rum Punch.

Expert Tips

• If the glaze is too thick, thin it with a splash of juice or water; if too thin, simmer longer.
• After glazing and baking, let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Want to caramelize the glaze? Once the ham has reached the proper temperature, broil the glazed ham for 1-3 minutes, or until the glaze begins to crackle. Watch carefully to avoid burning! Apply the remaining glaze to the ham and serve.
• This recipe is meant to be used on a 10-15 pound, bone-in cooked ham. If using a partially cooked or uncooked ham, follow the cooking directions on the package and add the glaze toward the end.

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