Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! Make the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently before brushing on the ham—it’ll loosen up perfectly.

What if my glaze gets too thick or too thin?

Too thick? Reheat and add a splash of water. Too thin? Simmer a little longer until thickened.

Is this glaze good for slow cooker ham?

Absolutely! Just pour the glaze over the ham before the last hour of cooking, then baste occasionally.

Can I use this glaze on boneless or unsliced ham?

Yes! Score the surface in a crosshatch pattern so the glaze seeps in and creates more caramelized edges.

Best Glaze for Smoked Ham

Description

If you’re searching for the best glaze for smoked ham that will have everyone crowding the kitchen, this sweet and sticky brown sugar maple glaze is it. With rich brown sugar, real maple syrup, warm spices, and fresh rosemary, it creates a glossy, caramelized finish that transforms any smoked ham into a holiday showstopper. Ready in just minutes and perfect for spiral, bone-in, or boneless ham.

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 sprig fresh rosemary (or thyme)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper

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Instructions

Add brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to a small saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Simmer for 6 to 8 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
Remove rosemary sprig and adjust consistency if needed. If too thick, reheat gently or add a splash of water. If too thin, simmer another minute or two.
Brush the glaze over a fully cooked smoked ham, making sure to get between slices if using a spiral ham.
Bake ham at 400°F uncovered for 6 minutes. Repeat glazing and baking 2 to 3 more times until caramelized and lightly charred at the edges.
Let ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving with extra glaze on the side.

Notes

Make ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat gently before using as the glaze will thicken when chilled. Substitute honey or dark corn syrup for maple syrup if needed. Add orange zest or fresh orange juice for a citrus twist. For extra spice, include a pinch of cloves, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper. This glaze works for oven baked, smoked, or slow cooker ham.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 120
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 95 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg