Easy 3-Ingredient Ham Glaze (10 Minutes)

Close up of caramelized 3-ingredient ham glaze being brushed on a full ham.

5 from 2 votes

Easy 3-Ingredient Ham Glaze (10 Minutes)

My 3-ingredient ham glaze is made with butter, brown sugar, and orange juice, and it comes together in about 10 minutes on the stove. I brush it over the ham during the last part of baking so it caramelizes into a glossy coating. The orange juice adds a bright, citrusy sweetness that keeps the glaze from tasting one-note. I love it on a spiral ham.

Cook Time10

Total Time10

Course: Sauces & Dips

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 130kcal

Author: Samantha Erb

Equipment

medium saucepan
whisk or spoon
basting or pastry brush

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter one stick
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

Combine the butter, brown sugar, and orange juice in a medium saucepan.
Put the saucepan over medium heat and keep stirring until the butter melts, the brown sugar dissolves fully, and the glaze looks smooth and glossy, about 5 minutes.
Let the glaze simmer, and once it starts to bubble, remove it from the heat.
Let the glaze cool for a few minutes. It will thicken as it sits.
Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30–45 minutes of cooking. Apply 2–3 coats, brushing every 10–15 minutes.

Notes

This makes about 3/4 cup of ham glaze, which can be used for a 6-8 pound ham. Double the recipe for a larger ham around 9-12 pounds.

The glaze itself takes 10 minutes, which does not include the ham baking time.

This ham glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days before using. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before using to help loosen it up, then give it a stir.

If the glaze gets too thick, thin it with a splash of orange juice. If it's too thin after cooling, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water before adding.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If already glazed on the ham, the ham will remain good for 3-5 days when stored properly in the fridge.

Nutrition