I tested 2 ways to cook a spiral cut ham and have you covered for any occasion. Two were cooked: one in the oven and one on the smoker. You can choose the method that works best for you.
It can be messy and scary to start with a raw or fresh ham, especially when there are other easy and tasty options available. Most spiral hams have already been smoked, so cooking them takes half as long as cooking a raw ham. The even come with a brown sugar glaze that you can use. If you’d rather make your own, I can show you how.
As the holidays approach, I start daydreaming about the centerpiece of many celebratory meals – a glazed spiral cut ham. Sam’s Choice always offers quality ham options, but transforming an ordinary ham into an extraordinary one requires making your own custom glaze. Rather than relying on the store-bought packets, crafting a homemade glaze allows you to create unique flavor combinations that perfectly match your tastes.
In this article, I’ll walk through my easy process for making a mouthwatering Sam’s Choice brown sugar double glazed ham With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can take this holiday staple to the next level. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to the pre-made glazes again!
Why Make Your Own Sam’s Choice Ham Glaze?
Here are some of the key benefits of creating a custom glaze rather than using the ones that come with the ham:
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Flavor Control – By choosing your own ingredients, you can impart exactly the flavors you want Mix and match sweet, savory, spicy, or fruity elements The possibilities are endless!
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Quality Ingredients – Pre-made glazes often contain preservatives, artificial colors and flavors With homemade, you control what goes in Use high quality natural ingredients.
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Cost Savings – Buying ingredients separately is cheaper than purchasing packets or jars of pre-made glaze. A little goes a long way too!
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Experimentation – Once you learn the basic method, it’s easy to try unique flavor combos. Change it up each time to find new favorites!
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Simplified Process – Making glaze from scratch takes no more time or effort than reconstituting a packet, but with way better results!
Choosing Ingredients for Your Sam’s Choice Ham Glaze
Glazes typically contain a sweet element, a savory or spicy element, and a sticky base to help it adhere. Here are some options to consider for each component:
Sweeteners – Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, molasses, preserves
Savory/Spicy – Mustard, cloves, ginger, pepper flakes, chili powder, horseradish
Sticky Base – Jams, jellies, fruit juice concentrates, corn syrup
My favorite combo is brown sugar for sweetness, mustard for a savory kick, and pineapple or orange juice concentrate for stickiness. But don’t limit yourself to just my preferences! The best part is customizing the glaze to match your tastes.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Sam’s Choice Brown Sugar Double Glazed Ham
Once you’ve gathered a few key ingredients, the process of transforming them into a spectacular glaze is simple:
Step 1 – Place 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of mustard (Dijon or spicy brown both work well) into a small saucepan. If desired, add any extra flavorings like ginger, cloves, citrus zest, etc.
Step 2 – Pour in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of fruit juice concentrate (I prefer pineapple or orange). The amount of juice determines the glaze consistency. Add more for a thinner glaze or less for thicker.
Step 3 – Heat the mixture over medium, stirring frequently, until it comes to a simmer. Allow to bubble for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4 – About halfway through the recommended baking time for your ham, remove it from the oven. Carefully peel off the foil cover.
Step 5 – Use a basting brush to coat the top and sides of the ham with a thin, even layer of the glaze.
Step 6 – Return the ham to the oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, about 10-15 minutes per pound.
Step 7 – In the last 20 minutes of baking, remove the ham and repeat the glazing process. This second coat provides a beautiful glossy sheen.
Step 8 – Allow the ham to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to serve. The glaze will thicken as it cools.
And that’s it – you’ve made a restaurant-worthy double glazed ham using simple kitchen ingredients! The brown sugar provides rich caramelized flavor, while the mustard gives it a subtle tangy kick. Drizzled over tender spiral cut ham, this glaze takes the meal to new heights.
Tips for Sam’s Choice Brown Sugar Double Glazed Ham Success
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For best results, choose a high-quality artisan brown sugar rather than typical grocery store varieties. The deeper flavor really enhances the glaze.
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If the glaze seems too thick, whisk in additional pineapple or orange juice to reach the desired consistency.
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Leftover glaze can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. Reheat before using.
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For perfect melt-in-your-mouth ham, don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer and stop at 140°F.
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Letting the ham rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute for moist, flavorful meat. Don’t skip this step!
Answering Common Questions About Making Ham Glaze
What can I do if my ham glaze comes out too thick?
No worries, it’s easily fixed! If your glaze turns out thicker than you’d like after cooling, simply whisk in additional fruit juice a little at a time until it reaches the perfect drizzling consistency.
Do I really need to glaze the ham twice?
While one glaze application produces a delicious ham, taking the time to double glaze results in an extra glossy, candied coating that looks and tastes incredible.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
Absolutely! Brown sugar provides wonderful flavor, but honey, maple syrup, or even preserves can also be used. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
What kind of mustard works best for glaze?
I prefer spicy brown or Dijon mustard for their bold flavor, but any type works. Grainier mustards may provide more texture. Choose your favorite or experiment to find the perfect match for your glaze.
How do I know when the glaze is done cooking?
The glaze is ready when it comes to a gentle simmer and becomes smooth and glossy after 2-3 minutes of bubbling. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.
For More Sweet and Savory Ham Inspiration
Once you perfect the art of making Sam’s Choice brown sugar double glazed ham, try these other flavorful glaze ideas:
- Orange Marmalade and Bourbon
- Sweet Chili and Pineapple
- Apple Cider and Rosemary
- Fig and Balsamic
- Cranberry and Walnut
The options for customizing the ideal ham glaze are endless, so unleash your inner chef! For even more inspiration, check out the [ham glaze recipes] shared by the Recipes.net community. With the simple method above, you’ll be ready to whip up the perfect glaze to make your Sam’s Choice ham the talk of the holiday table.
When should I glaze a ham?
The ham should be glazed towards the end of the cook. Whether you bake the ham in the oven or smoke it twice on the smoker, you should add the glaze at the end. If you glaze your ham too early, the sugars could burn from the heat.
For the oven-baked method, the package says to turn up the heat to high for the last 10 minutes to glaze and let it set. When I’m smoking a ham, I generally raise to medium heat and glaze for the last 30 minutes.
How much do hams usually weigh?
Most hams weigh about 8-12 pounds. The weight depends on if it’s a bone-in ham, a whole ham, or half ham. Most of the spiral cut hams are bone in and are a half portion. You can easily feed 10-15 people with a half spiral cut ham.