This Apple Cider Ham Glaze Recipe is so easy to make and ensures a juicy, tender, flavorful ham! This easy ham glaze is made with apple cider, brown sugar, honey and Dijon mustard that gets slathered on your ham to create a rich, caramelized glaze that will make your mouth water! The perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings and special occasions!
Serve with these favorites: Broccoli Salad, Cornbread Casserole and Honey Baked Brie in Puff Pastry!
Apple Cider Ham Glaze
Sweet, smoky, and irresistibly tender, this Apple Cider Ham Glaze is my go-to for effortless holiday entertaining! The luscious glaze, made with apple cider, brown sugar, honey and Dijon mustard, strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, infusing every bite with mouth-watering flavor.
As the ham roasts, the glaze caramelizes into a sticky, golden coating, giving the ham a beautifully glossy finish. A splash of apple cider in the pan keeps it extra moist, making every slice melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
I love how simple this ham is to prepare, yet it never fails to impress! Just brush on the glaze, let it roast to perfection, and finish with one last glossy coat before serving. For an extra touch of indulgence, I’ll pop it under the broiler for a deep, caramelized crust—it’s absolutely delicious!
Whether paired with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or warm dinner rolls, this Apple Cider Glazed Spiral Ham is guaranteed to steal the show at your holiday dinner. And the best part? The leftover ham makes incredible sandwiches the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sticky, sweet, and packed with irresistible flavors—this ham glaze recipe is a holiday must-have. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Perfectly Balanced Glaze: Apple cider, brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard are combined to create a rich, flavorful coating that enhances the ham’s smoky taste.
- Juicy and Tender: Roasting the ham with a bit of apple cider ensures every slice stays moist and succulent.
- Effortlessly Impressive: With minimal prep and a stunning caramelized finish, this ham looks as incredible as it tastes!
How to Make This Brown Sugar Glaze for Ham
This sweet and tangy Apple Cider Glazed Spiral Ham is the ultimate holiday centerpiece. Each bite is infused with a spiced apple cider glaze that’s both sweet and savory, making it an unforgettable addition to your meal! Whether you’re hosting a large holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, this ham is as easy to make as it is delicious—guaranteed to be the star of your table!
Let’s take a quick look at how to make this ham and as always, you can find the full, printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Make the ham glaze:
- Combine apple cider, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a medium saucepan over medium hea.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens into a glaze.
Prepare the ham:
- Place ham in a baking dish and brush half of the glaze all over the ham. Pour apple cider into the bottom of the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 1 to 1 ½ hours.
- Remove the ham from the oven and brush it with one-third of the remaining glaze and bake for 15 more minutes. Repeat and continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Remove from the oven and brush with the rest of the glaze and any pan drippings.
Recipe Notes:
For a caramelized finish, place the ham under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
For the best flavor, opt for high-quality fresh apple cider rather than apple juice. The natural sweetness and slight tang make a difference!
Storage Information
- Refrigerate: Allow the ham to cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap individual slices or portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Frozen ham keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices in 30-second intervals to avoid drying them out.
Serving Suggestions
- The classic side of creamy mashed potatoes complements the rich, caramelized glaze.
- A classic Waldorf Salad Recipe really adds so much flavor, freshness and texture to the meal!
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, honey-glazed carrots, or green beans add sweet and savory flavors to round out the meal.
- Homemade dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any of the yummy glaze.
- An easy salad is the perfect addition. Try this Broccoli Salad, Greek Pasta Salad or this Seven Layer Salad for a burst of freshness.
- Scalloped potatoes add creamy, cheesy goodness.
- This Cornbread Casserole adds natural sweetness to complement the savory ham.
- And don’t forget to save the leftovers for sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, or even a ham and potato soup the next day!
How can I avoid the ham getting dry?
Basting the ham with glaze during the cooking process and adding a splash of apple cider to the pan helps keep the ham moist. Cover the ham with foil while baking to retain moisture, then uncover it for the last 15 minutes to achieve the perfect caramelized finish.
Can I add other flavors to the brown sugar glaze?
Of course! You can experiment by adding flavors like cinnamon, cloves, or even a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a unique twist.
How should I store leftover ham?
Allow the ham to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Trish’s Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F without overcooking.
- For extra moisture, baste the ham with pan juices while baking.
- Want more caramelization? Broil in 1-2 minute increments, checking frequently.
More Holiday Recipes to Try
- Cranberry Fluff
- Seven Layer Salad
- Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip
- Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
- Waldorf Salad
Apple Cider Ham Glaze Recipe
This Apple Cider Ham Glaze Recipe is so easy to make and ensures a juicy, tender, flavorful ham! This easy ham glaze is made with apple cider, brown sugar, honey and Dijon mustard that gets slathered on your ham to create a rich, caramelized glaze that will make your mouth water! The perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings and special occasions!
Ingredients
- 8-12 pounds bone-in spiral-sliced ham
Ham Glaze
- 1 ½ cups apple cider divided
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Make the glaze:
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup apple cider, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
1 ½ cups apple cider, 1 ½ cups brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a glaze.
Prepare the ham:
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Place the spiral ham in a baking dish or roasting pan. Brush half of the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get some in between the slices. Pour the remaining ½ cup of apple cider into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the ham moist.
8-12 pounds bone-in spiral-sliced ham, 1 ½ cups apple cider
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Cover the ham tightly with foil and bake for 1 to 1 ½ hours.
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Remove the ham from the oven and brush it with one-third of the remaining glaze.
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Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 15 more minutes.
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Brush with half of the remaining glaze and continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
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Remove the ham from the oven and brush it with the rest of the glaze and any pan drippings.
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(Optional) For a caramelized finish, place the ham under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
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Let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, tangy apple cider glaze!
Notes
- Refrigerate: Allow the ham to cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap individual slices or portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Frozen ham keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices in 30-second intervals to avoid drying them out.
*Nutrition information is only for the glaze and does not include the ham.
Nutrition
Calories: 121kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 0.2gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 114mgPotassium: 63mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 0.3mg
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