Published December 10, 2021. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This honey ham glaze recipe is bursting with sweet mustard and apple flavors that go perfect with your baked ham. The combination of salt from the ham and sweet from the glaze makes it a winning recipe.
A good sauce can enhance the flavor of just about anything. I am a huge fan of adding a simple pesto to pasta or steak, or a simple beurre blanc to a piece of fish.
This honey ham glaze has some unique flavors, and my guess is, it would be incredible on any smoked piece of pork. I would even test it out on a smoked pork shoulder instead of using a bbq sauce, to be honest. Be sure to check out my recipe video tutorial below which shows step-by-step instructions on how to make this.
Honey Ham Glaze Video
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Ingredients for Honey Ham Glaze
- Apple Cider – Use a good apple cider, I usually use Indian Summer or Martinelli’s.
- Cider Vinegar – Any apple cider vinegar will do, as this acid will help tenderize and cut into the ham.
- Dijon Mustard – You can use and Dijon mustard, I am a huge fan of the Maille brand.
- Whole Grain Mustard – Whole grain mustard adds so much amazing texture and flavor to this, but sometimes can be hard to find. Maille makes a delicious whole grain mustard.
- Honey – Make sure you are using 100% honey, not something cut with simple syrup.
- Brown Sugar – Light brown sugar should be used and be sure to pack it in tight.
- Cloves – Use ground cloves unless you want to ground them yourself.
- Onion – I use very small diced yellow onion, but you can substitute in with sweet, white, or even a shallot.
- Garlic – Finely minced garlic will help balance out the flavors in this.
- Butter – I finish every sauce and glaze that I ever make with a little bit of cold whole unsalted butter.
How to Make a Honey Glaze for Ham
- Add the vinegar, apple cider, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, brown sugar, cloves, diced onion, and minced garlic to a medium size pot and stir to combine.
- Bring the glaze to a boil over high heat and then turn it down to low heat and cook for about 10 minutes. It should thicken to a syrup.
- Finish the glaze by stirring in some butter until it is melted and incorporated. Use the glaze or store in the refrigerator.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: You can make this recipe up to 3 days ahead of time. If you are using this during a large holiday meal, I recommend making it ahead of time.
How to Store: Transfer to a container and keep it in the refrigerator until cool. Add on a lid and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This glaze will freeze well, once cool, in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it before reheating and using.
How to Reheat: You do not have to reheat this glaze to use it, but if you want it warm, add it to a small size saucepot and heat over low heat until hot.
chef notes + tips
- If you are unable to find apple cider, replace with apple juice.
- Do not keep this recipe at a rolling boil, it will boil up over the pot as well as having the possibility to burn.
- You can replace the brown sugar with regular sugar.
- Be sure to check out my glazed ham recipe to understand when to use the glaze.
- In place of the fresh onion, you can substitute in 2 teaspoons of onion granules or powder.
- You can substitute out the fresh garlic for 1 teaspoon of garlic granules or powder.
- If you are only able to get Dijon mustard and not whole grain mustard, then replace the whole grain mustard amount with 2 tablespoons of Dijon.
More Sauce Recipes
Video
The Best Honey Ham Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup whole grain mustard
- 1 cup honey
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ peeled and very small diced small yellow onion
- 2 finely minced cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Add the vinegar, apple cider, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, brown sugar, cloves, diced onion, and minced garlic to a medium size pot and stir to combine.
- Bring them mixture to a boil over high heat and then turn the heat down to low and cook for about 10 minutes or until it has slightly thickened. It should be like a syrup.
- Finish by stirring in the butter until mixed in and use or store.
This was delicious and really added great flavor to the ham. I definitely recommend this recipe!!