3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

When it comes to dinner, nothing beats a beautifully glazed ham that looks impressive but doesn't keep you stuck in the kitchen for hours. This 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze is exactly what you need; simple, delicious, and absolutely foolproof. I've made this 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze countless times for family gatherings, and it never fails to get compliments.

This 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze creates that perfect caramelized coating everyone loves without any complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Whether you're cooking for the holidays or just want to make dinner special, this glaze turns any ham into something memorable.

Why This Ham Glaze Recipe Works Every Time

There's a reason this 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze has become my go-to recipe for every special dinner. Unlike complicated glazes that require a dozen ingredients and precise measurements, this one keeps things beautifully simple. The combination of butter, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory that caramelizes beautifully on your ham without burning.

What makes this 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze stand out is how forgiving it is. You don't need to be an experienced cook to nail it every time. The glaze brushes on easily, sticks to the ham perfectly, and creates that gorgeous golden-brown finish that makes your dinner table look like something from a magazine. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Golden Secret to Perfect Caramelization
• FAQ
• Bring This Glaze to Your Next Dinner
• Related
• Pairing
• 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

Ingredients

What You’ll Need

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Dijon mustard

Substitutions & Variations

• For a version without mustard: replace Dijon with apple cider vinegar or orange juice.
• For a version without pineapple: this recipe already excludes pineapple for a classic flavor.
• Dairy-free option: use coconut oil or vegan butter substitute.
• Extra flavor boost: add ground cloves, cinnamon, or a splash of bourbon.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Glaze Base

1. Place a small saucepan over medium heat on your stovetop.
2. Add the ½ cup of butter and let it melt completely, swirling the pan occasionally.
3. Once the butter is fully melted, remove the pan from heat temporarily.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet Elements

1. Add the packed brown sugar to your melted butter.
2. Stir continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves completely into the butter.
3. The mixture should look smooth and slightly grainy at first.
4. Return the pan to low heat and continue stirring for about 2 minutes until everything combines into a smooth syrup.

Step 3: Add the Tangy Finish

1. Remove the pan from heat again.
2. Whisk in the 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard until fully incorporated.
3. The 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze should now look glossy and smooth with a beautiful caramel color.
4. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before brushing onto your ham; it should be warm but not scorching hot.

Step 4: Apply and Bake

1. Score your ham in a diamond pattern about ¼ inch deep for better glaze absorption.
2. Brush half of the glaze generously over your ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts.
3. Bake according to your ham's package directions, typically 15-18 minutes per pound at 325°F.
4. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush on the remaining glaze every 10 minutes for that perfect caramelized finish.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Temperature matters more than you think. Your glaze should be warm and pourable when you brush it on, but not so hot that it slides right off the ham.
• The scoring technique makes all the difference. Before applying your 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze, use a sharp knife to cut shallow diagonal lines across the ham in both directions. This lets the glaze seep into the meat, flavoring it throughout.
• Timing your glaze applications is crucial. Apply it in layers during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking. This builds up that thick, caramelized coating without burning.
• Watch for the color change. Your ham is perfectly glazed when it turns a deep mahogany color with slightly darker edges. If you see black spots, reduce your oven temperature by 25°F.
• Save some glaze for serving. Make a double batch and keep half aside as a sauce for the table.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Sweet Variations

For a deeper flavor profile, try using maple syrup instead of half the brown sugar. This creates a more complex sweetness that pairs beautifully with the mustard tang. You can also add 2 tablespoons of honey to make your 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze even more luscious and sticky.

Spiced version: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and a pinch of nutmeg to create a warm, holiday-spiced glaze that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas.

Tangy Twists

If you want more acidity to cut through the richness, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice. This brightens the entire flavor profile without adding extra ingredients beyond your base three.

Citrus variation: Whisk in the zest and juice of one orange for a fresh, bright version that works especially well for spring and summer dinners.

Make It Special

• Bourbon glaze: Add 3 tablespoons of bourbon for a grown-up version
• Spicy kick: Mix in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne
• Herb-infused: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped
• Asian-inspired: Replace Dijon with whole-grain mustard and add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

Equipment Recommendations

• Small saucepan (2-quart): Essential for melting and combining your glaze ingredients evenly. A heavy-bottomed pan prevents burning.
• Silicone basting brush: Makes applying your 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze much easier than traditional bristle brushes. They're heat-resistant and clean up in seconds.
• Whisk or wooden spoon: For smooth mixing without scratching your pan.
• Sharp knife: Needed for scoring your ham in that classic diamond pattern.
• Large roasting pan with rack: Keeps your ham elevated so heat circulates evenly and the glaze caramelizes perfectly.
• Meat thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of knowing when your ham is done (internal temp should reach 140°F for pre-cooked ham).

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The glaze will thicken when cold. Before reusing, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat until it returns to that smooth, pourable consistency.

Make-ahead tip: You can prepare this glaze up to 3 days before you need it.

Freezer Storage

This glaze freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion.

Thawing instructions: Move the frozen glaze to your refrigerator the night before you plan to use it.

FAQ

Bring This Glaze to Your Next Dinner

This 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze proves that impressive dinner dishes don't need complicated recipes. With just butter, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, you can create a show-stopping centerpiece that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The sweet caramelized coating pairs perfectly with savory sides and turns any meal into something special.

Give this 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze a try at your next gathering, and watch it become your new go-to recipe for glazed ham perfection. The simple technique and foolproof ingredients mean you can focus on enjoying time with family instead of stressing in the kitchen.

Try these delicious recipes next: Honey Garlic Smoked Chicken Thighs and Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Bites Recipe for more crowd-pleasing dinner options that bring sweet and savory flavors to your table.

Sweet, simple, and always a crowd favorite 🍯
; Viola

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Ham Glaze recipe: