Introduction

Holiday ham becomes unforgettable when paired with the right glaze. Whether you like sweet, tangy, spicy, or boozy flavors, these 23 brilliant glazes help you create a show-stopping centerpiece with simple ingredients and easy steps. Each recipe includes measurements, cooking time, and serving tips—just mix, brush, bake, and enjoy.

1. Classic Honey-Brown Sugar Glaze

This classic glaze adds sweetness, shine, and a beautiful caramel crust.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 ml) honey
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
½ tsp (2 g) ground cinnamon
¼ tsp (1 g) black pepper

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thick.
Brush over ham during the last 45 minutes of baking, basting every 10–15 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or orange zest before slicing.

2. Maple-Mustard Holiday Glaze

This glaze gives the ham a warm sweetness with a gentle mustard kick.

Ingredients

¾ cup (180 ml) pure maple syrup
2 tbsp (30 g) brown sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) whole-grain mustard
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
¼ tsp (1 g) nutmeg

Instructions

Mix ingredients in a small pot and simmer 3–5 minutes.
Brush on ham during last 40 minutes of baking at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Pair with roasted carrots or mashed potatoes.

3. Pineapple-Ginger Glaze

A tropical glaze that keeps the ham juicy and naturally sweet.

Ingredients

1 cup (240 ml) pineapple juice
⅓ cup (70 g) brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 g) grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
1 tsp (5 g) cornstarch

Instructions

Simmer juice with sugar and ginger for 5 minutes.
Add soy sauce and dissolved cornstarch; cook until thick.
Brush on ham during last 50 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Add pineapple rings on top during the final bake.

4. Orange-Clove Glaze

Bright citrus and warm cloves add a comforting seasonal flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup (240 ml) orange juice
½ cup (100 g) white sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
½ tsp (2 g) ground cloves
1 tsp (5 g) orange zest

Instructions

Bring all ingredients to a boil, then simmer 6–8 minutes.
Brush generously during last 45 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Top with thin orange slices.

5. Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze

A rich glaze with warmth and depth.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 ml) bourbon
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) honey
¼ tsp (1 g) cinnamon

Instructions

Simmer all ingredients 4–5 minutes.
Brush onto ham during the last 40 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted pecans.

6. Cranberry-Orange Glaze

This glaze adds tartness and festive color.

Ingredients

1 cup (240 g) cranberry sauce
½ cup (120 ml) orange juice
¼ cup (50 g) sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Simmer everything until smooth, about 6 minutes.
Brush on during last 45 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Garnish with sugared cranberries.

7. Apple Cider Cinnamon Glaze

A cozy, lightly spiced glaze perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
⅓ cup (70 g) brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
½ tsp (2 g) cinnamon
¼ tsp (1 g) salt

Instructions

Combine ingredients in a pot and simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened.
Brush onto ham during the last 45 minutes of baking at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted apples on the side.

8. Peach-Apricot Glaze

Fruit-forward, bright, and slightly tangy.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 g) apricot jam
½ cup (120 g) peach preserves
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
½ tsp (2 g) ginger powder

Instructions

Heat preserves and jam until melted.
Stir in lemon juice and ginger.
Brush during the last 40 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Garnish with sliced peaches or apricots.

9. Spicy Jalapeño Honey Glaze

Sweet heat lovers enjoy this bold blend.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 ml) honey
2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
1 fresh jalapeño, finely diced
¼ tsp (1 g) chili flakes

Instructions

Simmer all ingredients for 4–5 minutes.
Brush on during the final 35 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Top with extra thin jalapeño slices.

10. Pomegranate Molasses Glaze

A tangy, jewel-toned glaze with a rich finish.

Ingredients

⅓ cup (80 ml) pomegranate molasses
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) orange juice
Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

Stir ingredients in a small pan and warm until smooth.
Brush on ham during the last 40 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Scatter pomegranate arils across the platter.

11. Cola-Brown Sugar Glaze

A retro favorite with a deep caramel flavor.

Ingredients

1 cup (240 ml) cola
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) mustard
Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

Reduce cola by half over medium heat.
Add sugar and mustard; simmer 5 minutes.
Brush on during last 50 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Great with cornbread and potatoes.

12. Gingerbread Spice Glaze

Holiday baking spices create a rich seasonal flavor.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 ml) molasses
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
1 tsp (3 g) ginger
½ tsp (2 g) cinnamon
⅛ tsp (0.5 g) cloves

Instructions

Simmer all ingredients for 4 minutes.
Brush onto ham for the last 45 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted sweet potatoes.

13. Balsamic Cherry Glaze

Sweet meets tart for a vibrant finish.

Ingredients

1 cup (200 g) cherry preserves
1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Heat everything until smooth.
Brush on ham during last 40 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Top with halved cherries.

14. Mango-Chili Glaze

A sweet tropical glaze with mild heat.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 g) mango chutney
1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
½ tsp (2 g) chili flakes
1 tbsp (15 ml) honey

Instructions

Warm all ingredients until smooth.
Brush on during last 35 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Garnish with fresh cilantro.

15. Dijon-Apricot Glaze

Sweet with a mellow mustard tang.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 g) apricot jam
2 tbsp (30 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (12 g) brown sugar

Instructions

Stir ingredients in a pan until smooth.
Brush during last 40 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Add chopped herbs for a fresh touch.

16. Maple-Chipotle Glaze

Smoky, sweet, and a bit spicy.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 ml) maple syrup
1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Simmer ingredients for 4–5 minutes.
Brush on for the final 35 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Serve with roasted corn or potatoes.

17. Rosemary Garlic Glaze

Perfect for those who like a savory glaze.

Ingredients

¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
2 tbsp (30 g) honey
4 minced garlic cloves
1 tbsp (2 g) fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions

Gently warm mixture for 2–3 minutes.
Brush during last 45 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Garnish with extra rosemary.

18. Brown Butter Sage Glaze

Nutty, savory, and aromatic.

Ingredients

4 tbsp (55 g) butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
1 tbsp (2 g) chopped sage

Instructions

Brown the butter in a skillet.
Add maple and sage; stir.
Brush on during last 35 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Top with fried sage leaves.

19. Vanilla Bean Orange Glaze

Sweet citrus with a smooth vanilla aroma.

Ingredients

1 cup (240 ml) orange juice
2 tbsp (25 g) sugar
½ vanilla bean scraped (or 1 tsp extract)

Instructions

Simmer until lightly thickened.
Brush on during last 45 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Add orange zest before slicing.

20. Spiced Rum Glaze

Rich, warm, and festive.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 ml) spiced rum
¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) orange juice

Instructions

Simmer ingredients 4–5 minutes.
Brush during last 40 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Serve with citrus slices.

21. Fig-Balsamic Glaze

Earthy and naturally sweet.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 g) fig jam
1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice

Instructions

Heat until smooth.
Brush during last 40 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Top with sliced figs.

22. Honey Sesame Soy Glaze

Sweet, salty, and savory.

Ingredients

¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
¼ cup (85 g) honey
1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
1 tsp (3 g) sesame oil

Instructions

Simmer ingredients 3–4 minutes.
Brush during last 35 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

23. Strawberry-Balsamic Glaze

Sweet berries meet rich balsamic.

Ingredients

½ cup (120 g) strawberry preserves
1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp (12 g) brown sugar

Instructions

Heat ingredients until melted and combined.
Brush on during final 40 minutes at 325°F (165°C).

How to Serve It

Add sliced fresh strawberries.

Conclusion

These 23 glaze recipes help you make a holiday ham that tastes rich, flavorful, and truly festive. Try one or mix and match a few to create a new favorite. Save this list, share it with friends, and enjoy a delicious holiday centerpiece.

Chloe Lancaster