What To Expect From This Easy Ham Glaze

Preparing a delicious holiday ham doesn’t have to be complicated, and this orange glaze recipe is a testament to that. Here’s what you can expect when you choose this simple, flavorful approach:

• Taste: Prepare your palate for a burst of bright, zesty orange flavor that beautifully complements the savory notes of the ham. The brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness, while a hint of cinnamon introduces a warm, comforting, and distinctly festive undertone, making every bite truly special. This isn’t just a glaze; it’s a flavor enhancer that transforms your ham.
• Ease: This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. With just a few common ingredients, the glaze comes together incredibly quickly. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that requires no advanced cooking skills, perfect for those who want a show-stopping ham without the stress. The simple mixing and simmering steps are easy to integrate into the final stages of baking your ham.
• Time: The glaze itself is a lightning-fast creation, taking less than 5 minutes to whisk up and simmer on the stovetop. While a ham will naturally require a couple of hours to roast, depending on its size and whether it’s pre-cooked, the glaze preparation is incredibly efficient, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal without feeling rushed.

1. Step 1. Cook the Ham: Place your ham, typically a pre-cooked spiral cut, into the prepared roasting pan. Add about ½ cup of water or apple juice to the bottom of the pan to help keep the ham moist during baking. Cook the ham according to the package directions. Generally, this means baking at 350℉ (175°C) for 10-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140℉ (60°C) for pre-cooked ham, or 160℉ (71°C) for uncooked ham, verified with a meat thermometer. A 2-3 hour cook time is typical for an average-sized pre-cooked ham. Ensure your ham is completely thawed if it was previously frozen to ensure accurate cooking times.

A helpful guideline for reheating pre-cooked ham is usually listed on the ham packaging, often around 10 minutes per pound at 350℉. Always check the ham’s internal temperature with a reliable meat thermometer for food safety and optimal texture.

2. Step 2. Prepare the Glaze: During the last 30-40 minutes of the ham’s cooking time, begin preparing your homemade orange glaze. In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the glaze: orange zest, orange juice, orange juice concentrate, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and ground cloves. Whisk them together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the cornstarch has dissolved.
3. Step 3. Simmer and Thicken the Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, continuously whisking for about 1 minute. The glaze will begin to thicken as it cooks. Once it reaches a syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon, remove it immediately from the heat. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become too thick.

4. Step 4. Glaze the Ham: With 30-40 minutes remaining on the ham’s cooking time, generously drizzle or brush the prepared orange glaze over the entire surface of the ham. If you’re using a spiral-cut ham, make sure to get the glaze into the crevices between the slices. You can use a pastry brush for even coating or even a meat injector to infuse some of the glaze deeper into the ham for extra flavor.

5. Step 5. Caramelize and Serve: Return the glazed ham to the oven for the remaining 30 minutes of cooking time. This crucial step allows the sugars in the glaze to caramelize, creating a beautiful, sticky, and slightly crispy crust that locks in moisture and flavor. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. You can use any remaining glaze to brush over the ham just before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh orange slices, rosemary, or thyme for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your perfectly glazed holiday ham!

📌 Top Tips & Hacks for Your Orange Glazed Ham

Ensure your orange glazed ham turns out perfectly every time with these helpful tips and tricks:

• Glaze Versatility: This particular orange glaze recipe is incredibly versatile and can be used on any size or type of ham, whether it’s a bone-in or boneless, spiral-cut or traditional. Feel free to adjust the amount of glaze needed based on the ham’s size.
• Leftover Glaze Storage: If you find yourself with leftover glaze, don’t discard it! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before using it again, perhaps for another small ham, pork chops, or even as a unique topping for roasted vegetables. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Glaze Quantity: A typical 3-pound spiral cut ham will generally use about half of the glaze prepared by this recipe. This gives you plenty for generous basting and extra for serving, or for future use.
• Preventing Dry Ham: Hams can dry out easily, especially if overcooked. Always follow the cooking instructions provided on your ham’s packaging for the best results. Using a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature is crucial; aim for 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked hams or 160°F (71°C) for uncooked hams.
• Thawing is Key: If your ham was frozen, ensure it is completely defrosted before cooking. A partially frozen ham will cook unevenly and can significantly extend the overall cooking time, potentially leading to dry spots.
• Even Glaze Distribution: For a beautiful, consistent glaze, make sure to brush it evenly over the ham. For spiral-cut hams, gently separate the slices and brush glaze in between to ensure every piece is flavored.

It is best to glaze a ham towards the end of its baking time. If you apply the glaze too early, the high sugar content can cause it to burn before the ham is fully cooked. For maximum flavor and a beautiful caramelized finish, generously brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 to 40 minutes of cooking. This allows the glaze to meld with the ham and caramelize without scorching.

This particular orange glaze recipe already includes a bit of cornstarch, which helps it achieve a lovely thick consistency. If you find your glaze isn’t quite thick enough to coat the ham, you have a couple of options: you can either mix a little more cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry and whisk it into the simmering glaze, or simply simmer the glaze on the stovetop for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce it naturally. Reduction concentrates the flavors and thickens the glaze without needing more starch.

Making a honey and orange glaze is incredibly easy! Simply substitute the brown sugar in this recipe with an equal amount of honey. Honey will lend a slightly different, often more floral, sweetness to the glaze, creating a delicious variation that many adore. The rest of the ingredients and instructions remain the same, ensuring a simple and successful adaptation.

Yes, when you apply the glaze, it’s generally best to leave the ham uncovered. The open exposure to the oven’s heat allows the sugars in the glaze to caramelize and form that beautiful, slightly sticky, and appealing crust. Covering the ham during the glazing process would trap steam, preventing this desirable caramelization from occurring.

Absolutely! Cooking orange glazed ham in a slow cooker (crock pot) is a fantastic way to free up your oven, especially during holidays. Place the ham in the slow cooker with about 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid (like apple juice or water). Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on the size of your ham. For the glaze, prepare it separately on the stovetop as instructed, then brush it over the ham during the final 30-60 minutes of slow cooking. Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked hams or 160°F (71°C) for uncooked hams to be safe to eat.

Yes, you can absolutely prepare this orange glaze in advance! Make the glaze as directed in Step 2 and 3, then allow it to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat the glaze on the stovetop over low heat, whisking until it’s smooth and pourable. This is a great time-saver for busy holiday meal prep.

For glazing, a pre-cooked, spiral-cut ham is often the easiest and most popular choice. The pre-sliced nature allows the glaze to seep into every crevice, maximizing flavor. Bone-in hams are also excellent as the bone adds flavor, though they can be a bit more challenging to carve. Boneless hams are convenient for carving but can sometimes be drier; ensure to cook them carefully to avoid overcooking.

Did you try this recipe? Make sure to leave a ⭐️ star rating and a comment below the recipe card, I love hearing from you, and it is so helpful to other readers.

📲 FOLLOW Sara on Social! 👋 Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest to see the latest from the kitchen!

Orange Glaze for Ham

Hi, I’m Sara!

Registered Nurse by day, passionate food blogger by weekend. I’m on a perpetual quest for the perfect snack and the most delicious dip. When I’m not in the kitchen, you can find me enjoying short walks on the beach or indulging in long naps. My mission is to share my love for food, one delightful bite at a time. Join me on this culinary journey!