Ham Sauce Recipe
Ham Sauce Recipe (Brown Sugar Balsamic Glaze for Ham)
This brown sugar balsamic ham glaze is rich, sweet, and perfectly sticky—exactly what you want to brush over a beautiful spiral cut ham fresh from the oven. Made with simple pantry ingredients like brown sugar, honey, butter, garlic, and balsamic vinegar, this glaze melts into the ham and creates a glossy, caramelized coating that’s full of flavor.
It’s quick to make on the stovetop and takes an ordinary baked ham and turns it into something truly special for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any big family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet, tangy, and savory flavor balance
- Easy stovetop glaze in minutes
- Perfect for spiral cut ham
- Creates a beautiful sticky caramel finish
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Optional: pinch of black pepper
Instructions
1. Melt and Build Flavor
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Sweeteners
Stir in brown sugar and honey until dissolved and smooth.
3. Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in balsamic vinegar and water. Stir well to combine.
Add garlic salt (and black pepper if using).
4. Simmer
Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and glossy.
Remove from heat.
How to Use on Ham
- Brush generously over a spiral cut ham during the last 20–30 minutes of baking
- Reapply glaze every 10–15 minutes for a sticky, caramelized finish
- Reserve a small amount to spoon over ham before serving
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Total Time: 10–12 minutes
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t boil too long or glaze will become too thick
- Brush in layers for best caramelization
- Warm slightly before reapplying if it thickens too much
- Works great on ham, pork roast, or chicken
Variations
- Add Dijon mustard for a tangy twist
- Add pineapple juice for a tropical glaze
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for deeper flavor
- Add a pinch of cloves or cinnamon for holiday flavor
This brown sugar balsamic ham glaze is the perfect finishing touch for a baked spiral ham. Sweet, sticky, and full of savory depth from garlic and balsamic, it creates a beautiful caramelized coating that makes any holiday or family dinner feel extra special.
