Sweet Tangy Apricot Ham Glaze

This easy ham glaze comes together so quickly and adds a sweet tangy shine to any baked ham. It has saved many holiday meals in my kitchen when I needed a punchy glaze with what I had on hand and now it is my go-to for Easter and Sunday dinners.

I have leaned on this recipe for last-minute get-togethers and guests always ask for the secret behind the ham’s shine and flavor. Mixing this up before dinner parties means less stress and more compliments.

Ingredients

• Apricot jam: delivers brightness with a hint of tartness use a good-quality or even homemade jam for best flavor
• Honey: brings floral sweetness and that sticky texture try to use pure honey for depth
• Cornstarch: helps the glaze cling to the ham and gives a nice sheen sift before adding to avoid lumps
• Lemon juice: cuts through the sweetness for balance and zing fresh lemon makes a difference
• Cloves: add a subtle warmth and classic ham spice use ground or whole and crush for fresher flavor

Instructions

Combine Ingredients:

In a small saucepan add the apricot jam honey cornstarch lemon juice and cloves Stir thoroughly until you see no lumps. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved by whisking for at least one minute so the glaze will be silky not gritty

Bring to a Boil:

Set the pan over medium heat. Stir constantly and do not walk away Once small bubbles appear keep stirring. Let it bubble for about one minute just until thickened. Careful overcooking can make it taffy-like instead of spreadable

Glaze the Ham:

Remove the glaze from the heat as soon as it reaches a glossy drizzle consistency. Pour it directly over the ham while it is hot using a brush or spoon to coat every surface If desired reserve a small portion to serve on the side for guests

Bake or Finish Ham:

Place the glazed ham in the oven. Bake uncovered for fifteen to twenty minutes at 375F or until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized along the edges. Keep an eye so it does not darken too quickly If using a slow cooker pour the glaze over the ham before setting to warm or low

Double Batch for Serving:

For extra glaze simply repeat the mixture and prep steps in a clean pan. Serve warm on the side at the table so guests can drizzle more as they like

Honey has always been my favorite part of this glaze There is something special about watching it bubble and thicken to just the right point My grandmother loved brushing extra on our ham and the smell always takes me back to her kitchen on holidays

Storage Tips

Pour any unused glaze into a clean airtight jar and keep it refrigerated for up to one week. Warm gently before using again to restore its pourable texture. If you made a double batch let extra cool before storing so it does not develop a skin.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the apricot jam for orange marmalade or peach preserves if that is what you have. Maple syrup can stand in for honey for a subtle twist. If you like spice try a pinch of allspice or half a teaspoon of ground ginger.

Serving Suggestions

This glaze is ideal for bone-in spiral ham on a holiday platter but also works on pork loin or chicken thighs. Try glazing cocktail sausages and letting them bake until sticky for a fun appetizer. Whisk leftovers into vinaigrette for salad with mixed greens and ham.

Cultural and Historical Context

Sweet glazed ham is a mainstay of American celebrations like Easter and Christmas. Using jams and spices to finish meats dates back centuries across Europe and America. Today a fruit-and-honey glaze bridges family food traditions and modern tastes.

Seasonal Adaptations

Use summer berry jam instead of apricot for a Fourth of July ham Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar in the fall for extra tang Garnish with fresh herbs in spring for color A few times I have made this with homemade peach jam in August and a dash of cinnamon for a cozy autumn brunch It adapts with every season and always gets rave reviews

Success Stories

Every family dinner the kids end up asking for extra glaze on their ham. Friends who do not love ham always go back for seconds when I use this recipe One neighbor told me this glaze finally convinced her to make ham at home

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can make the glaze in advance and freeze it in a small container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

This simple glaze is my secret for making ham feel special any time of year. Try it once and it just might become your family’s holiday tradition too.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use other jams instead of apricot?

Yes, peach or orange marmalade also work well for a different fruit note.

→ How do I keep the glaze from turning into caramel?

Bring the glaze just to a boil, then remove from heat to avoid over-thickening.

→ Is this glaze suitable for slow cooker ham?

Absolutely, simply pour the prepared glaze over the ham in your slow cooker before cooking.

→ Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate up to 3 days. Warm before using for best results.

→ How can I make the glaze spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of Dijon mustard for extra heat and flavor complexity.