My 3-ingredient ham glaze is quick, easy to make, and adds a burst of flavor to any holiday ham! I love how it caramelizes on the ham as it bakes and elevates the whole meal!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
My Easy Ham Glaze Recipe
I was preparing a holiday dinner for a big family gathering a few years ago when I first had the idea for my 3-ingredient ham glaze. I knew all the sides were going to be incredible, so I wanted to add a little something extra to the spiral cut ham before it went into the oven.
I’ve used orange juice in my ham glaze in the past, but I just wanted something a little different and tastier. That’s when I spotted the root beer. I brushed the glaze over the ham, and let it roast.
I tested it on my family at home on a smaller ham first, and my 5 year-old-son Connor stuffed his face full of ham as I’ve never seen him before, then said, “Can we eat this again tomorrow?”
I say that’s a word of approval from him!
I then made it for Christmas and my uncle kept saying the taste was familiar, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. I finally told them the secret ingredient, and now everyone begs me to make my root beer glaze every time we’re having ham!
I’ve now made it for Easter four years in a row per everyone’s request.
And, if you love a good ham recipe, try my recipes for ham gravy, pineapple sauce for ham, ham and cabbage soup, and ham salad recipe!
Brown Sugar Glaze for Ham Ingredients
- Brown sugar – I use light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar can be substituted
- Butter – I recommend using only butter and not substituting oil so the fat content and creaminess is right in the recipe
- Root beer – Root beer gives the glaze a sweet flavor with hints of vanilla and wintergreen
How to Make Ham Glaze
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and root beer.
STEP TWO: Let it come to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the glaze simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.
STEP THREE: When ready to use brush half of the glaze onto the ham in a roasting pan. Cover it with foil and bake it at 350 degrees F, allowing 15 minutes of cooking time for each pound.
STEP FOUR: At the halfway mark (around 45 minutes for a 5.5lb ham), increase the heat to 375 degrees F. Brush the ham with the glaze two to three more times while it continues to cook.
STEP FIVE: The ham is ready when it becomes nicely caramelized, turns a lovely brown, and reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F. Let it rest for about 15 minutes then serve in slices.
Tips and tricks for the Best 3-Ingredient Ham Glaze
- Stir the glaze occasionally as it simmers. This keeps it smooth and prevents any burning.
- If the glaze is too thick, I thin it out with a little water or more root beer. If it’s too thin, it needs to simmer longer.
- Coat the ham evenly before wrapping it in foil. I use about half of the glaze to make sure it covers all of the ham and really soaks in.
- Turn the heat up from 350 degrees F to 375 degrees F once the ham is halfway through the cooking time. This helps the glaze caramelize.
- Keep brushing the ham with glaze during the 2nd half of the cooking time. I always make sure to brush it 3 more times for maximum flavor and a beautiful sheen!
Easy Ham Glaze Variations and substitutions
- If I want to lower the amount of sugar in the glaze, I’ll use zero-sugar root beer. It tastes almost exactly the same!Â
- Stir in some pineapple juice or orange juice for a more sweet and tangy flavor. I’ll either use it to replace some of the root beer or just add it to the glaze and let it simmer longer so it gets thick.
- Add a little ketchup, mustard, or Dijon mustard for some zing! I don’t worry about measuring. I just add the amount that feels right.
- Sprinkle in some cinnamon or ground cloves for a little warm spice. This is my favorite version to make in the fall!
- For a richer flavor, I sometimes swap out some of the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey.
What to Serve With 3-Ingredient Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
I can’t have a ham glaze without any hams! To bake a pre-cooked ham, I always use the method from my spiral ham recipe and then tweak it to use whichever glaze I’m in the mood for.
For hearty side dishes, I love serving it with cornbread stuffing, my famous sweet potato casserole, or Velveeta macaroni and cheese. To add some vegetables, I whip up a batch of Instant Pot glazed carrots or green bean casserole with canned green beans!
3-Ingredient ham glaze FAQs
How to store leftover glazed ham
I like to wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or put it in an airtight container, making sure it’s fully covered, and store it in the fridge. The baked ham with glaze on it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Should I use dark or light brown sugar for this simple ham glaze?
Either light or down brown sugar works great for this ham glaze! The only difference between them is that dark brown sugar has a higher molasses content, so it’s richer and sweeter. Personally, I prefer to use light brown sugar since the root beer already adds extra sweetness.Â
Can I make this brown sugar glaze for ham ahead of time?
My 3-ingredient ham glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, so it’s great for making ahead of time! When I do this, I always make sure to give the glaze a stir before brushing it over the ham.
Do I glaze ham before or after cooking?
I glaze my ham before cooking so the mix has plenty of time to soak into the roasted ham and caramelize on the outside. I also reapply the glaze 2-3 times during the 2nd half of the cooking time for maximum flavor!
What if my ham glaze isn’t getting thick enough?
If the glaze isn’t thick enough, it usually just needs to simmer longer. If I’m in a pinch, I’ll whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water to help it along. That always does the trick!
More Easy Holiday Recipes
- Frog eye salad
- Oven roasted chicken
- Pineapple casserole
- Blueberry cobbler
- Meatballs with grape jelly and BBQ sauce
- Cream cheese fruit dip
- Mushroom gravy
- Grape salad
Easy 3-Ingredient Ham Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup root beer
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring the brown sugar, butter, and root beer to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and syrupy.
- When ready to use, brush half of the glaze onto a ham inside a roasting pan.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake it at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes per pound. After half of the cooking time (45 minutes for a ~5.5lb ham), turn the heat up to 375 degrees F.
- Brush the ham with the glaze 2 to 3 more times during the remaining cooking time. It's ready when nicely caramelized, browned, and 140 degrees F internally. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 5-7 days. When ready to use, just stir it up then baste it on the ham as noted in the recipe.
- Stir the glaze occasionally as it simmers.
- If the glaze is too thick, thin it out with a little water or more root beer. If it’s too thin, it needs to simmer longer.
- Keep brushing the ham with glaze during the 2nd half of the cooking time.
- To lower the amount of sugar in the glaze, use zero-sugar root beer.
- Some of the brown sugar can be swapped out for maple syrup or honey.
- Store leftover cooked ham wrapped tightly with foil or in airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
