Fire up the smoker — today we’re making a quick and irresistible Spiked Honey Baked Ham Glaze. This glaze delivers a glossy, caramelized finish and a bright balance of sweet and savory flavors, reminiscent of classic honey-baked hams but with an adult twist.
Spiked Honey Baked Ham Glaze Recipe
If you want to elevate a store-bought or smoked ham, this glaze is a simple way to make it the centerpiece of your meal. It combines butter, dark brown sugar, honey, citrus, and a touch of whiskey for warmth and depth. The result is a sticky, lacquered outer layer that crisps slightly as it bakes or smokes, giving each slice a glossy, flavor-packed finish.
This recipe is forgiving and fast to make. It comes together on the stovetop in minutes and then brushes onto your ham before the final hour of cooking. Use it on a double-smoked ham, an oven-baked ham, or to glaze ham slices for serving. For a memorable side, serve the glazed ham with roast potatoes or scalloped potatoes.
Shopping List
Gather these basic ingredients before you start. Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
- Butter (salted)
- Dark brown sugar
- Orange whiskey (or a flavored whiskey)
- Honey
- Orange juice
- Black or brown mustard seeds
- Dry mustard
How to Make the Glaze (Overview)
This overview explains the basic steps. The full, printable recipe with exact amounts is included in the recipe card further down.
- Combine – Melt butter and stir in brown sugar, honey, whiskey, orange juice, mustard seeds, and dry mustard in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Simmer – Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 4–5 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
- Brush – Use the warm glaze to baste your ham during the last 30–60 minutes of cooking, reapplying every 10–15 minutes for a deep, caramelized finish.
Recipe Card: Spiked Honey Baked Ham Glaze
Yield: About 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (total time includes ham cooking)
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Orange Jameson Whiskey (or another orange-flavored whiskey)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/8 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons black or brown mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
Instructions
- Place the butter, dark brown sugar, whiskey, honey, orange juice, mustard seeds, and dry mustard in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir gently until the butter and sugar melt and the mixture becomes homogeneous.
- Allow the glaze to simmer on low to medium-low for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The glaze should thicken slightly and become glossy.
- Remove from heat and let the glaze cool for a couple of minutes to thicken further. Keep it warm for basting.
- Brush the glaze over your ham during the last 30–60 minutes of cooking. Reapply every 10–15 minutes for a deep, sticky coating. If cooking in the oven, use a low broil for a minute or two at the end to caramelize, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the ham rest 10–15 minutes before slicing so the glaze sets and the juices redistribute.
Serve This With
- Smoked scalloped potatoes or au gratin potatoes
- Soft dinner rolls or milk rolls
- A crisp green salad, such as a Greek-style salad
- Grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini and summer squash
Variations and Tips
- Omit the liquor: If you prefer not to use whiskey, replace it with an equal amount of additional orange juice or a splash of apple cider for acidity.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves, cinnamon, or a drizzle of Dijon mustard for more complexity.
- Texture: For a smoother glaze, briefly whisk the mixture and strain out seeds before glazing. For a rustic texture, leave the mustard seeds whole.
- Application: Apply the glaze in thin layers and keep the ham uncovered for the final glaze period to encourage caramelization. Watch the ham closely if using a broiler at the end.
- Make ahead: The glaze keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container; gently rewarm before using.
Recipe FAQ
Can you use this glaze on an oven-baked ham? Yes. The glaze works equally well whether the ham is smoked or oven-baked. Apply during the last hour of cooking and baste frequently.
Can the liquor be omitted? Yes. If you prefer not to use whiskey, omit it and add a little extra orange juice or apple cider to maintain the liquid balance and acidity.
More Ham Ideas
This glaze pairs well with many ham preparations. Consider using leftover glazed ham in soups, casseroles, fried rice, or pasta salads. Leftover ham reheats well and adds savory depth to many dishes.