Ham Glaze Recipe
A good ham glaze can make your holiday meals or family gatherings even more special. This Ham Glaze Recipe is simple and brings fantastic flavor to your ham. The sweet and tangy combination of apricot jam and honey creates a delicious coating that caramelizes beautifully while cooking. Whether you’re hosting a big dinner or just want to elevate a weeknight meal, this glaze is a must-try!
Why Make This Recipe
Making this ham glaze is worth it because it enhances the taste of your ham dramatically. The flavors of apricot, honey, and lemon blend perfectly to create a sweet and savory experience. It’s easy to prepare, only takes a few minutes to cook, and will impress your guests. Plus, it adds a lovely shine and richness to the meat, making your ham look as good as it tastes!
How to Make Ham Glaze
To make the ham glaze, you’ll need just a few ingredients and simple steps.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
Directions:
- In a saucepan, combine apricot jam, honey, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cloves.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and is bubbly.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Brush the glaze over the ham before cooking, or use it as a serving sauce.
How to Serve Ham Glaze
You can serve the Ham Glaze warm or allow it to cool a bit. Brush it on the ham just before cooking to give it a beautiful, sticky finish. Additionally, you can serve any extra glaze on the side for guests who want a little more flavor on their plate. It pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
How to Store Ham Glaze
If you have leftover ham glaze, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about one week. When you’re ready to use it, you can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
Tips to Make Ham Glaze
- Make sure to stir the glaze constantly while cooking to avoid burning.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or reducing the amount of sugar.
- Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique flavor twist.
Variation
You can switch things up by using different types of fruit jams or preserves, such as peach or pineapple, to give your glaze a new flavor profile. You can also add a splash of mustard for a tangier twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use this glaze on other meats?
Yes! This glaze works great on pork, chicken, and even turkey.
2. Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the glaze a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
3. What kind of ham is best to use?
This glaze works well on any type of ham, whether it’s bone-in, boneless, smoked, or glazed ham. Choose your favorite!
