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22 Brilliant Holiday Ham Glazes That Make It Taste Gourmet

November 30, 2025 by Emily Carter Leave a Comment


Introduction

Looking for the perfect way to add flavor, shine, and festive charm to your holiday ham? These delicious glaze ideas bring sweetness, spice, and seasonal warmth to every slice. Whether you love fruity, savory, or bold flavors, you’ll find the perfect match for your Christmas or holiday dinner right here.


1. Classic Brown Sugar Honey Glaze

This timeless glaze brings sweetness and shine with rich brown sugar and warm honey.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Whisk all glaze ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth.
  3. Brush over ham and bake for 1½–2 hours, glazing every 20 minutes.
  4. Let rest before slicing.

How to Serve It

Add fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices for a festive touch.


2. Maple Dijon Glaze

Sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard create a warm, balanced holiday flavor.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Mix ingredients until smooth.
  3. Brush over ham and bake 1½–2 hours, adding more glaze throughout.

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted carrots or parsnips for a cozy pairing.


3. Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze

A fruity, sticky glaze that brings brightness and holiday sweetness.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ tsp ginger powder

Instructions

  1. Heat glaze ingredients until thickened.
  2. Brush over ham and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 1½–2 hours.

How to Serve It

Add pineapple slices on top for extra color and flavor.


4. Orange Cranberry Glaze

A bright and tangy glaze perfect for holiday tables.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cranberry sauce
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions

  1. Heat ingredients until smooth.
  2. Glaze ham and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 1½–2 hours.

How to Serve It

Sprinkle fresh cranberries for a festive pop.


5. Honey Garlic Glaze

Sweet honey meets savory garlic for a cozy holiday flavor.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 minced garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Warm ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Brush on ham and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 1½–2 hours.

6. Spiced Apple Cider Glaze

A fragrant glaze with seasonal apple and spice.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Simmer ingredients until slightly thickened.
  2. Glaze ham and bake at 325°F (165°C).

7. Bourbon Molasses Glaze

Deep, bold, Southern-style flavor.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup molasses
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Warm glaze to combine.
  2. Brush on and bake at 325°F (165°C).

8. Cherry Balsamic Glaze

A sweet-tart glaze with beautiful color.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cherry preserves
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Heat glaze until smooth.
  2. Bake ham at 325°F (165°C), glazing regularly.

9. Ginger Peach Glaze

Sunny peach flavor with a hint of spice.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peach jam
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Mix and warm ingredients.
  2. Brush onto ham and bake.

10. Mustard Brown Sugar Glaze

A savory-sweet favorite with a slight tang.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Whisk ingredients.
  2. Bake ham at 325°F (165°C), glazing throughout.

11. Apricot Ginger Glaze

Bright and slightly spicy.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup apricot preserves
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Warm ingredients.
  2. Glaze ham and bake.

12. Brown Butter Maple Glaze

Nutty brown butter adds depth and warmth.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 4 tbsp browned butter
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients.
  2. Brush on during baking.

13. Cinnamon Spice Glaze

Warm and aromatic, perfect for cold evenings.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup apple juice
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp clove

Instructions

  1. Heat glaze.
  2. Bake ham with repeated glazing.

14. Fig Balsamic Glaze

Rich, fruity, and elegant.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fig jam
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Warm to combine.
  2. Glaze ham at 325°F (165°C).

15. Maple Chipotle Glaze

Sweet heat with a smoky twist.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo, minced
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Blend and warm.
  2. Bake ham, glazing regularly.

16. Pomegranate Molasses Glaze

Beautiful color and tangy flavor.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup pomegranate molasses
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Combine and warm.
  2. Brush on and bake.

17. Vanilla Brown Sugar Glaze

Sweet with a touch of vanilla warmth.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup pineapple juice

Instructions

  1. Stir and heat.
  2. Glaze during baking.

18. Blackberry Red Wine Glaze

Bold, vibrant, and perfect for special dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup blackberry jam
  • ¼ cup red wine
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Simmer ingredients until thick.
  2. Brush over ham as it bakes.

19. Sweet Chili Glaze

A sweet, tangy glaze with a gentle kick.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Mix ingredients.
  2. Brush on and bake.

20. Brown Sugar Cola Glaze

Cola adds sweetness and a caramel-like finish.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cola
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp mustard

Instructions

  1. Reduce cola with remaining ingredients.
  2. Glaze ham at 325°F (165°C).

21. Mango Habanero Glaze

Bright tropical sweetness with bold heat.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mango puree
  • 1 tbsp minced habanero
  • 2 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Simmer briefly.
  2. Brush on during baking.

22. Salted Caramel Glaze

A sweet, rich twist for caramel lovers.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup caramel sauce
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Warm until smooth.
  2. Brush on ham as it bakes.

Conclusion

These holiday ham glazes bring color, shine, and amazing flavor to every festive table. Try one, save a few favorites, or share this list with someone planning a holiday feast. No matter which glaze you choose, your ham will be the highlight of the celebration.

Emily Carter

Filed Under: Christmas

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