When I think of holiday entertaining, my mind drifts straight to a succulent baked ham. The sweet, smoky profile of ham can fill a room with warmth. And you know what can make that ham even better?
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A glaze, and not just any glaze, but Bobby Flay’s famous ham glaze! Imagine hosting friends and family, gathering around the table, and watching their eyes light up with delight as they taste each bite. This glaze adds a touch of sophistication and flavor that’s hard to beat.
So, what makes Bobby Flay’s version so special?
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What is Bobby Flay Ham Glaze?
Bobby Flay, famed celebrity chef, has a knack for balancing flavors. His ham glaze is a beautiful mix of sweetness and warmth. The glaze incorporates bright, citrusy notes with a hint of spice, turning a regular ham into something extraordinary.
In his version, the star ingredients are honey, orange juice, brown sugar, and a touch of ginger and cinnamon. The result is a sticky and irresistible glaze that coats the ham perfectly.
The Ingredients
Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to collect for this delightful glaze:
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
- ½ cup raw honey
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How to Make Bobby Flay Ham Glaze?
Getting started with this ham glaze is simple. You’ll just need to combine a few ingredients, heat them, and voilà, you have your glaze! In the following steps, I will break it down more clearly.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First thing’s first: make sure you gather all your ingredients. You’ll want to have everything in front of you before you begin. It creates an organized and stress-free cooking environment!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
Take a medium-sized saucepan and combine the ground cinnamon, freshly grated ginger, fresh orange juice, brown sugar, and raw honey. Stir the mixture together until combined. It should look like a caramel sauce at this point.
Step 3: Heat the Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir often as it comes to a simmer. Keep an eye on it—don’t let it boil vigorously. You want it to gently thicken, which will happen within 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Adjust to Taste
Once the glaze thickens, take a moment and taste it. You might want to adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more honey or brown sugar. Trust me, this step is necessary!
Step 5: Cool and Use
After reaching your desired taste, take off the heat. Let the glaze cool slightly before applying it to your ham. You can apply it with a brush or pour it directly on top—whatever floats your boat!
Notes
Here are a few tips to make sure your glaze shines:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh-squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor.
- Keep it on low: A gentle heat allows for better flavor development.
- Don’t Rush it: Allow it to thicken naturally, even if it takes a few extra minutes.
- Make Ahead: This glaze can be made in advance and stored. Just reheat before using.
- Experiment with Spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dash of cloves for depth.
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Storage Tips
Storing this glaze is simple. Let it cool completely, then pour it into an airtight container. It can last up to a week in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving options that pair wonderfully with Bobby Flay’s ham glaze:
- Sliced Baked Ham: The obvious choice; a thick slice coated in glaze can be a showstopper.
- Glazed Roasted Vegetables: Roasting carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes with a drizzle of this glaze can elevate your sides.
- Honey-Glazed Ham Sandwich: Leftovers? Slice the ham, add some cheese and crusty bread, and create a heavenly sandwich.
- Savory Waffles: Brush over savory waffles or pancakes for a sweet and salty breakfast treat.
- Crackers and Cheese Platter: Use glaze as a drizzle over soft cheeses paired with crunchy crackers for a delightful appetizer.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Bobby Flay Ham Glaze?
If you’re in a pinch or just want to experiment, consider these substitutes:
- Maple Syrup: Swap out honey for maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
- Pineapple Juice: This can replace orange juice for a tropical twist.
- Brown Sugar Substitute: If you’re cutting sugar, consider a brown sugar substitute like coconut sugar.
- Ground Allspice: Instead of cinnamon, allspice gives a unique flavor profile.
- Ginger Powder: If you can’t find fresh ginger, a smaller amount of ground ginger will work.
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Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- ½ cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
- 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
- ½ cup raw honey
Instructions
- Getting started with this ham glaze is simple. You’ll just need to combine a few ingredients, heat them, and voilà, you have your glaze! In the following steps, I will break it down more clearly.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- First thing’s first: make sure you gather all your ingredients. You’ll want to have everything in front of you before you begin. It creates an organized and stress-free cooking environment!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan
- Take a medium-sized saucepan and combine the ground cinnamon, freshly grated ginger, fresh orange juice, brown sugar, and raw honey. Stir the mixture together until combined. It should look like a caramel sauce at this point.
Step 3: Heat the Mixture
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir often as it comes to a simmer. Keep an eye on it—don’t let it boil vigorously. You want it to gently thicken, which will happen within 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Adjust to Taste
- Once the glaze thickens, take a moment and taste it. You might want to adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more honey or brown sugar. Trust me, this step is necessary!
Step 5: Cool and Use
- After reaching your desired taste, take off the heat. Let the glaze cool slightly before applying it to your ham. You can apply it with a brush or pour it directly on top—whatever floats your boat!
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh-squeezed orange juice gives the best flavor.
- Keep it on low: A gentle heat allows for better flavor development.
- Don’t Rush it: Allow it to thicken naturally, even if it takes a few extra minutes.
- Make Ahead: This glaze can be made in advance and stored. Just reheat before using.
- Experiment with Spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dash of cloves for depth.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use this glaze on a different type of meat?
Absolutely! This glaze works wonderfully on pork loin, chicken, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in Bobby Flay’s ham glaze are naturally gluten-free.
3. Can I make this glaze vegan?
You can substitute honey with agave syrup, making it vegan-friendly.
4. How can I thicken the glaze if it’s not thickening?
If it’s too runny, let it simmer longer. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to thicken.
5. Is there an alternative to cooking it on the stovetop?
Yes! You can combine the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until thick.
Conclusion
Making Bobby Flay’s ham glaze is a game-changer for any meal. It offers sweet and spiced notes that bring any ham to life. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply treating yourself, this glaze transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors until you find the perfect balance for your taste. Every bite will have your guests asking for the secret recipe! Dive in and enjoy the flavors of your creation because, trust me, this glaze is where it’s at.
Happy cooking!
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
Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more