A glazed Christmas ham brings warmth, comfort, and familiar flavor to the holiday table. With a few simple ingredients, you can turn a basic ham into something special without extra stress or cost. These 22 ideas focus on easy glazes, simple prep, and practical tips so you can serve a ham that tastes like tradition while still feeling fresh and fun.
1. Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham
This classic glaze melts into the ham and caramelizes nicely. Mix brown sugar with honey and a splash of water. Brush it on during the last minutes of cooking so it thickens gently. Add more glaze once the ham rests for extra shine. This version pairs well with roasted vegetables or simple rolls. Buy a half ham for smaller groups and slice thin for easier serving.
2. Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham
Pineapple adds sweet, juicy flavor that feels familiar at holiday dinners. Pour a little pineapple juice into the pan to keep the ham moist. Brush brown sugar on top so it caramelizes with the fruit. Pineapple rings also help prevent the surface from drying. Serve the cooked fruit as a side dish. Canned pineapple keeps the cost low.
3. Maple Mustard Ham
Maple syrup and mustard mix easily into a smooth glaze. Spread it on during the final stretch of roasting. Stir a little melted butter into the glaze for a softer finish. Add extra glaze at the table for dipping. This works well with mashed potatoes or rice dishes.
4. Orange Honey Ham
Orange gives gentle brightness without overpowering the ham. Squeeze juice into a bowl with honey and warm it until smooth. Brush it on near the end so it doesn’t burn. Add sliced oranges to the roasting pan for aroma. This glaze tastes great with leftovers too.
5. Apple Cider Glazed Ham
Apple cider keeps the ham moist while adding gentle sweetness. Reduce cider on the stove with a spoon of sugar, then brush it over the ham. Add apple slices under the ham so they soften in the pan. The drippings turn into a simple sauce you can spoon over slices.
6. Dijon Brown Sugar Ham
Dijon mustard adds mild tang that balances the sweetness of brown sugar. Mix equal parts sugar and mustard with a little melted butter. Brush it on halfway through roasting. This glaze tastes good with roasted root vegetables or greens.
7. Cranberry Orange Ham
Cranberry sauce creates a colorful glaze with a hint of tartness. Mix with a splash of orange juice and warm it until smooth. Brush on near the end for shine. Serve extra glaze on the side. This version fits nicely with stuffing or baked rolls.
8. Ginger Honey Ham
Fresh ginger adds soft heat that mixes well with honey. Grate a tiny amount and warm it with honey for a quick glaze. Brush lightly because ginger grows strong fast. Add more after slicing if you want deeper flavor.
9. Clove-Spiced Ham
Press whole cloves into the ham after scoring the surface. Combine brown sugar with a little water for a smooth glaze, then brush it on during the final minutes. The cloves add warm aroma without much work. Remove some before serving if you want a softer taste.
10. Apricot Glazed Ham
Apricot preserves melt easily into a smooth glaze. Warm the jam with a splash of water and spoon it over the ham. Add more as it cooks for a thicker finish. This sweet, gentle flavor fits well with rice, rolls, or roasted vegetables.
11. Cherry Cola Ham
Cherry cola helps the ham stay moist and adds mild sweetness. Pour a small amount into the pan and let it bubble around the edges while the ham cooks. Brush a simple brown sugar glaze on top for shine. The cola also helps the edges turn crisp.
12. Mustard Molasses Ham
Molasses gives deep sweetness, while mustard balances the flavor. Mix the two with a spoon of warm water until smooth. Brush lightly because molasses darkens quickly. Add foil if it browns too much. Slice thin to distribute the rich flavor evenly.
13. Ginger Ale Ham
Ginger ale keeps the ham moist and adds soft sweetness without overpowering. Pour enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Combine brown sugar and melted butter for a simple glaze and brush it on midway. The soda reduces into a light sauce.
14. Brown Butter Ham
Browned butter adds gentle nuttiness. Melt and brown the butter until fragrant, then stir in a little sugar. Brush it over the ham during the last minutes. This glaze pairs nicely with potatoes, carrots, or simple greens.
15. Peach Glazed Ham
Peach preserves create a soft, sweet glaze with little effort. Warm the preserves until smooth and brush on in layers. Add more after slicing if you want stronger flavor. This version tastes good with rice, biscuits, or roasted veggies.
16. Balsamic Brown Sugar Ham
Balsamic vinegar adds rich depth when mixed with brown sugar. Cook the glaze briefly on the stove so it thickens. Brush lightly on the ham during the final minutes. Add extra at the table for a smooth finish.
17. Lemon Herb Ham
Lemon adds gentle brightness that cuts through the richness. Mix lemon juice with melted butter and herbs for a quick glaze. Brush it on near the end and add more before serving. Works well with roasted potatoes or greens.
18. Spiced Orange Ham
Warm orange juice with cinnamon and star anise, then stir in a bit of sugar. Brush this onto the ham for a cozy, aromatic glaze. Remove the spices before serving. Serve alongside soft rolls or rice.
19. Apple Butter Ham
Apple butter makes a thick, sweet coating that sticks well. Spread thinly near the end so it doesn’t burn. Warm extra apple butter to spoon over slices. This works well with stuffing or roasted vegetables.
20. Ginger Citrus Ham
Combine ginger with lemon and orange juices for a light, fresh glaze. Warm it until smooth and brush on a few minutes before finishing. Add more after slicing if you want stronger flavor. This pairs nicely with rice or potatoes.
21. Caramelized Onion Ham
Caramelized onions add sweet, savory flavor without extra cost. Cook the onions slowly until soft, then spread them over the ham in the final minutes. Spoon some of the onion mixture over slices before serving.
22. Simple Brown Sugar Crust Ham
For a simple approach, pat brown sugar onto the ham after scoring the surface. Add a splash of water to help it melt. Brush lightly as it cooks to create a glossy finish. Slice thin and spoon pan drippings over the top.
1. Conclusion
A glazed ham doesn’t need complicated ingredients to taste comforting and familiar. These ideas use simple pantry items, easy heating methods, and steady flavors that capture the holiday spirit. Try one, mix a few, or create small sample batches to find the glaze that brings your table to life.
