Does anyone else tend to toss the ham glaze pack that comes with most hams in the supermarket away? Or at least use it for something besides ham? If so, this Balsamic Cherry Ham Glaze is for you!
I think we all have a recipe for Brown Sugar Glazed Ham and of course a Pineapple Ham Glaze with pretty cherries pinning whole pineapple slices, but how about we change things up a bit?
Cherry on Ham
Balsamic Cherry Ham Glaze is a festive glaze that uses both bitter and sweet flavors for perfectly balanced flavors.
The bitter needs to be complemented with acidity, balsamic vinegar, and also sweet, brown sugar. Allowing it simmer and flavors to marry lands with a full bodied glaze.
Perfect for a Christmas Ham or an Easter Ham, you just can’t go wrong. The beauty of this ham glaze is that you can use it on any cooked ham!
Why This Balsamic Cherry Ham Glaze is the Best
A salty ham that is brushed with a sweet and tart glaze- what’s not to love!
- A change from the norm – We all know and love the classic honey glazed ham, but this glaze gives a new twist that is sure to please all of your guests.
- Great for special occasions – This gorgeous ham is sure to be a show stopper at any holiday or gathering- especially Christmas and Easter.
- Quick and easy – Not only are these ingredients simple, but you can have this glaze ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this cherry glazed ham can easily be found at your local grocery store.
- Garlic – What’s a good ham glaze without garlic? I like to mince my own because it provides much more flavor than the pre-minced jarred version.
- Red onion – The onion adds both texture and flavor to this glaze. I like the red onion flavor the best.
- Balsamic vinegar – Because this is one of the main flavors of the glaze, I like to use a good quality balsamic.
- Cherries – Make sure they are pitted and quartered. If you are using bitter cherries, you might need to add more brown sugar to compensate. Taste along the way and add a teaspoon at a time.
- Brown sugar – The tartness of the cherries and acidity of the vinegar needs to be balanced with something sweet. Brown sugar is perfect.
- Cornstarch – Instead of a sauce, this is a glaze and therefore a little thicker. In order to thicken it up a little, we’ll use a cornstarch slurry.
How to Make Balsamic Cherry Ham Glaze
Making this glaze for your spiral cut ham could not be easier.
- Combine ingredients over low heat. In a medium saucepan, combine garlic, red onion, balsamic vinegar, water, cherries and brown sugar. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat.
- Stir until reduced. Continue to reduce and stir until mixture has become dark and sticky.
- Thicken with cornstarch slurry. Remove from heat. Mix cornstarch with water and combine with balsamic cherry reduction. Set aside.
- Pour sauce over cooked ham. I like my ham to be cut in a diamond pattern to get that cherry goodness in all the crevices.
What to Serve with Balsamic Cherry Ham Glaze
Pair this sweet glaze with savory side dishes like Cauliflower Mac and Cheese or Toasted Couscous. Garnish with a beautiful spring of rosemary for a brilliant red and green centerpiece worthy of any holiday table.
Variations
There are plenty of ways you can make this balsamic cherry ham glaze your own. Here are a few ideas.
- Seasoning – Step up the flavor of this glaze by adding some seasonings. Allspice, ground cinnamon or ground cloves would be the perfect combination with the cherry.
- Cherries – You can use bitter cherries instead, but you might need to add more brown sugar to compensate. You can also use cherry preserves.
- Flavors – Adding more liquid to the glaze will thin it down a bit, but a tablespoon or two of pineapple juice, bourbon or lemon juice will take things up a notch.
Storage and Freezing
How to Store Balsamic Cherry Ham Glaze
If storing just the glaze itself, store in an airtight container in the fridge. If storing the ham with the glaze on it, refrigerate leftover ham for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I Freeze Balsamic Cherry Ham?
Freeze your leftovers for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Or, place them in a resealable freezer bag separated by parchment paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adding the glaze last after baking ensures you will have both the syrupy sweetness and crispy you are looking for.
You sure can! You will want to reheat the ham in the oven after buying from the grocery store, and then you can add the glaze after.
More Special Dinner Recipes
Great for holidays and special occasions, these dinners are sure to impress, as well as delight the tastebuds of your guests.
Stuffed Lobster Tail
Crispy Duck a l’Orange Recipe
Parmesan Garlic Lamb Chop Recipe
Balsamic Cherry Ham Glaze Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/4 cup red onion , minced
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/4 cup cherries* , pitted and quartered
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine garlic, red onion, balsamic vinegar, water, cherries and brown sugar. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat.
- Continue to reduce and stir for 15-20 minutes, or until mixture has become dark and sticky.
- Remove from heat.
- Mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and combine with balsamic cherry reduction. Set aside.
- Pour sauce over cooked ham.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was!
Notes
Nutrition
i prepared a fully cooked spiral cut ham for the family thanksgiving dinner and it was wildly popular and I even had all of them ask to have it again this recipe is a bell ringer
This looks and sounds so delicious and inviting! I need to try this the???? glaze sounds amazing
This was soooo delicious. My whole family loved it and thought it was so unique. They requested it for Christmas dinner, too!
Love all the flavors in this glaze! Delicious!
Oh, my word! I love ham and if my hubby would let me, I’d make it weekly. I love when the holidays come around since I can eat as much ham as I like. I love the flavors you have here, adding the cherries is brilliant and I can’t wait to make this!