Sweet Southern Twist: Georgia's Perfect Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe!

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A Sweet Southern Delight with Georgia’s Brown Sugar Ham Glaze

In Georgia, food is more than just sustenance—it's a way to connect with family, celebrate traditions, and share stories across generations. One dish that stands out on many Southern holiday tables is the Brown Sugar Ham, glazed to perfection with sweet and tangy goodness. This glaze brings out the best in a juicy, oven-baked ham, creating a golden, caramelized finish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

The beauty of this Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is its balance of sweetness and spice, a Southern touch that takes the dish to the next level. Perfect for a holiday spread, a Sunday dinner, or even a special gathering, this Georgia-style glaze will take your ham from ordinary to extraordinary.

Georgia's Signature Brown Sugar Ham Glaze Recipe

The heart of this recipe is simple, yet incredibly flavorful. The mixture of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and warm spices creates a glaze that not only enhances the flavor of the ham but also adds a layer of complexity with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Begin by combining all the ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2. Over medium heat, stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the glaze begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. The scent of warm spices will fill your kitchen as the glaze reaches the perfect consistency.
3. When your ham is nearing the end of its baking time—about 30 minutes left—brush the glaze generously over the ham.
4. Return the ham to the oven and let the glaze work its magic, creating a glossy, sweet coating that seeps into every slice.

With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll create a memorable centerpiece for any meal. The mix of brown sugar and honey caramelizes beautifully, while the Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar bring just enough tang to balance the sweetness. The spices round it all off with a cozy, warming flavor that's perfect for a holiday feast or a special dinner any time of year.

The Final Glaze to Impress

This Georgia-inspired Brown Sugar Ham Glaze is all about simplicity and tradition. Whether you're preparing a ham for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a large family gathering, this glaze adds a touch of Southern flair that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The sweet, rich flavor coats the ham perfectly, giving each bite a delicious mix of savory, sweet, and spicy notes that remind us of the warmth and hospitality found in Georgia kitchens.

So, next time you're planning a meal that needs a little extra something, turn to this brown sugar ham glaze. It’s a recipe that's sure to become a staple in your home, bringing the taste of Georgia to your table, wherever you are.

For a delicious Brown Sugar Ham Glaze, Georgia-style, you can't go wrong with this blend of sweet and tangy flavors that enhances the richness of the ham, perfect for holiday meals or family gatherings. The combination of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and spices like cinnamon and cloves creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully during the last stages of baking, offering a perfectly sweet crust with subtle spice.

Here’s how you can make a delightful brown sugar glaze for your ham:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir the mixture as it heats, and bring it to a simmer until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens (about 5 minutes).
3. During the last 30 minutes of baking your ham, brush the glaze generously over the ham. Return it to the oven, uncovered, to let the glaze caramelize and form a delicious crust.

This glaze adds a rich layer of flavor to any ham, and it’s great for both spiral-cut or bone-in varieties. Basting the ham regularly during the last 30 minutes of baking helps lock in moisture and build up that sticky, glossy crust that everyone loves​(CucinaByElena)​(The Kitchn)​(Taste of Home).

For more tips and tricks, check out similar recipes on Cucina by Elena and The Kitchn.