Honey Pineapple Mustard Ham Glaze

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 10
★★★★★
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This Honey Pineapple Mustard Ham Glaze is a flavor-packed way to elevate your holiday ham or any special occasion meal. The sweet, tangy glaze with a hint of spice makes your ham truly memorable and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients for Honey Pineapple Mustard Ham Glaze

Honey adds natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze that clings beautifully to the ham. Pineapple juice brings a touch of tropical tanginess that balances the sweetness. Dijon mustard provides a subtle sharpness that cuts through the sugar, adding depth to the flavor. Apple cider vinegar adds just the right amount of acidity to enhance all the other flavors. The combination of ground cinnamon, cloves, and ginger offers a warm, aromatic spice profile. A hint of cayenne pepper introduces a gentle kick without overwhelming the palate. Finally, brown sugar deepens the sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully on the ham.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your glaze is too thick, thin it out with a splash of water or more pineapple juice.
  • For a deeper flavor, allow the glaze to sit at room temperature for an hour before applying to the ham.
  • Brush the glaze on in layers, baking the ham briefly between applications for a more intense flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This glaze pairs beautifully with a classic roasted ham. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness. A side of buttery dinner rolls is perfect for mopping up any extra glaze from your plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this glaze in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Warm it slightly before using.
Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?
White wine vinegar or rice vinegar can work as alternatives if needed.

Honey Pineapple Mustard Ham Glaze Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Pour in the honey, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard. Give it a good stir to combine; it should already smell pretty amazing. Next, add the apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper to the mix. Stir these in so everything is well incorporated.

Now, sprinkle in the brown sugar. Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where it all starts to come together. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking or burning, and let it gently simmer. Once the mixture reaches a nice simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it thicken for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir every now and then.

When the glaze has thickened to your liking, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. This makes it easier to handle and allows the flavors to meld even more. Once it's cooled a bit, it's ready to be slathered onto your cooked ham. Trust me, this glaze will transform your ham into a masterpiece.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of warmth.
  • Quick and simple to prepare, making your ham the star of the meal.
  • Uses pantry staples — no need to hunt for exotic ingredients.
  • Versatile enough to pair with a variety of side dishes.

Ingredients

1 cup honey
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup brown sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard.
2. Add apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper.
3. Stir in brown sugar and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the glaze thicken, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
5. Allow the glaze to cool slightly before applying it to your cooked ham.

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