The Perfect Ham Glaze – Easy, Sweet, and Flavorful

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

it comes to ham, the glaze makes all the difference. Crandall would NOT eat ham when we first got married. Then I made this and well... We all LOVE it. This simple recipe creates a sweet and spiced coating that caramelizes beautifully, turning an ordinary ham into something truly special. With just some pantry staples, you’ll have a glaze that works for every season—whether it’s Christmas dinner, Easter brunch, a summer cookout, or a cozy Sunday supper.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp butter, melted

• 3 Tbsp honey

• 1 ½ cups granulated or brown sugar

• ½ tsp seasoned salt

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp ground ginger

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ¼ tsp paprika

• Pinch of allspice

• Water, as needed to thin

Instructions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

2. Stir in honey and sugar until smooth and slightly thickened.

3. Add all spices and whisk until fragrant.

4. If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of water until it reaches your desired consistency.

   (Don't over cook it will go hard like candy)

5. Brush generously over ham during the last 15–20 minutes of baking, allowing it to caramelize.

   
   
   
   

Why This Glaze Works Any Season

The magic of this glaze is its balance of sweetness and warm spice. The honey and sugar create that irresistible sticky-sweet finish, while cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger bring a cozy depth. Paired with paprika and onion powder, it adds a subtle savory kick. Whether you’re serving ham at a holiday table, slicing it for sandwiches in the summer, or pairing it with roasted veggies in fall, this glaze adapts beautifully to any occasion.