Easy Ham Glaze Recipe with Brown Sugar (Only 3 Ingredients!)

Looking for an easy ham glaze recipe that delivers incredible flavor without complicated steps? This simple glaze transforms a basic grocery store spiral ham into the best ham you’ve ever served. With just three pantry ingredients – orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon – you’ll create a glossy finish that makes any Christmas ham or holiday main dish absolutely spectacular.

Ham Glaze Recipe

Last holiday season, I decided to make a small ham for our family for supper one night. I usually buy a spiral ham that comes with a packet to make the glaze. But this little ham didn’t have a packet, so I had to improvise.

That’s when I threw together this simple recipe. And my youngest sign immediately decided that ham was his new favorite food.

Why This Is the Best Ham Glaze Recipe

The best part of this ham glaze is that it’s so easy! Most grocery store hams come with a glaze packet, but this basic yet tasty glaze is better than any packet I ever used before. The mix of ingredients creates a sweet, tangy glaze that is perfect for a smoked ham!

This easy ham glaze with brown sugar works great with a spiral cut ham or any pre-sliced ham. I love it because busy home cooks who want a good ham without spending hours in the kitchen can easily make this recipe.

Whether you’re preparing a Christmas ham for the holidays (or for Easter or Thanksgiving) or need an easy meal for Sunday dinner any time of year, this recipe hits the spot every time! I even made it for my New Year’s Day meal this year – you can see it here!

Tools Needed

• Small pot or saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Baking Dish

Ingredients

For this simple glaze, gather these ingredients or grab them at your local grocery store. If you choose a ham larger than what I have listed, you may want to increase the amount of glaze by doubling or tripling it.

• Pre-sliced ham (a spiral ham works perfectly) – always make sure it’s a smoked ham that’s already cooked!
• Orange juice
• Brown sugar 
• Cinnamon

How to Make an Easy Ham Glaze

This 3-ingredient brown sugar ham glaze could not be easier to make!

Make the glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Once boiling, let the glaze cook for 1–2 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the glaze is slightly syrupy. Remove from heat.

Prepare the ham and layer it

1. Preheat oven temperature to 350°F.
2. Separate the ham slices place ham in a single layer in the bottom of the pan or dish. A little overlap is okay but you don’t want them stacked too deep.
3. Spoon some of the glaze over the first layer of ham.
4. Add another layer of ham, followed by more glaze.
5. Continue layering until all of the ham and glaze are used, finishing with glaze on top.

6. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes per pound, basting once or twice if desired. For a 2–3 pound ham, about 45 minutes works perfectly.
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving – the glaze will get thicker as it cools. 
8. Spoon extra glaze from the pan over the ham slices if desired. Enjoy!

Pro Tips & Variations

• Bring your ham to room temperature before baking. Cold ham straight from the refrigerator takes longer to heat through and may cook unevenly.
• Don’t Overbake: Since you’re working with already smoked ham, overcooking dries it out. Stick to the 15-20 minutes per pound guideline.
• Add maple syrup or honey for a richer glaze.
• A splash of honey, maple syrup, or a pinch of ground cloves makes a great addition. 
• Pineapple juice is a great substitution if you don’t have OJ on hand or you can mix orange juice and pineapple juice.
• This recipe works beautifully for Easter, Christmas, or any cozy family dinner.
• A tablespoon of Dijon mustard mixed in adds a little extra kick to the glaze.