When you're craving the nostalgic, savory-sweet bite of a holiday ham but don’t want to commit to a whole roast, this brown sugar glazed ham steak dinner is your perfect go-to. It’s got all the warmth and charm of a traditional ham Christmas dinner but scaled down for a smaller gathering or a weeknight meal that still feels festive. Thick-cut ham steak gets caramelized in a sticky brown sugar glaze, laced with mustard, butter, and just a whisper of cloves — the kind of glaze that forms an irresistible crust. It’s hearty, easy to make in under 30 minutes, and pairs like a dream with classic sides. Whether you're celebrating Christmas early or just need fresh ham ideas beyond sandwiches, this recipe delivers.
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Steak Dinner
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 (generous dinner portions)
Large skillet or cast iron pan Ideal for getting that gorgeous sear on your ham steak. A non-stick skillet can work, but cast iron helps caramelize the brown sugar glaze more evenly.
Tongs or spatula For flipping the ham steak without tearing.
Small saucepan (optional) If you prefer to make the glaze separately before combining with the ham.
Meat thermometer (optional) If using a raw or partially cooked ham steak, this ensures food safety.
For the Ham Steak & Glaze
- 1 large bone-in or boneless ham steak about ¾ to 1 inch thick, roughly 1–1.5 pounds
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar light or dark
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon water
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley or thyme
- Pineapple rings or slices for garnish or to sear with the ham
For the Sides (serving suggestion)
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic drizzle
- Garlic mashed potatoes or buttered baby red potatoes
- Warm cranberry sauce or a quick cranberry ham glaze recipe
Prep Your Ham Steak
If your ham steak is vacuum-packed, remove it from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps with browning and prevents the glaze from getting watered down.
Make the Glaze
In a small bowl or directly in your pan over low heat, combine butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, water, and ground cloves. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes glossy and syrupy, about 2–3 minutes.
Pro tip: You can also use orange juice in place of water for a citrusy twist that complements the richness of the ham.
Sear the Ham Steak
Raise the heat to medium and place your ham steak in the skillet. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes on one side to develop some color.
Glaze and Flip
Spoon half the glaze over the top of the ham, then flip the steak carefully using tongs. Spoon the remaining glaze over the newly flipped side and cook another 3–5 minutes, allowing the glaze to reduce and stick to the meat. The ham should be glossy and have golden edges with slightly sticky bits on the surface.
If the glaze gets too thick or sticky, splash a tablespoon of water into the pan and swirl it around to loosen things up.
Optional Garnish
Add fresh herbs or seared pineapple rings just before serving for that festive flair. You can even serve it right on the skillet for a rustic touch.
Pairings
A brown sugar glazed ham steak is versatile and pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory sides — making it ideal for holiday ham recipes or just a cozy comfort meal. Here are a few of our favorite accompaniments:
- Mashed or Roasted Potatoes: Classic garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby reds with rosemary are always welcome.
- Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness complements the sweet glaze beautifully.
- Green Beans Almondine: For a bit of crunch and color.
- Cranberry Sauce or Cranberry Ham Glaze: A great way to carry over the holiday flavors — and a fantastic use for leftover cranberry sauce.
- Buttery Dinner Rolls or Cornbread: To mop up every bit of that brown sugar glaze.
This meal is hearty enough to serve as a mini ham roast recipe experience, especially if you don’t want to roast a whole ham but still crave those traditional notes.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless or bone-in ham steak?
Either works for this recipe. Boneless is easier to slice and serve, while bone-in tends to have more flavor. If you're planning this for a small ham Christmas dinner, go with bone-in for presentation and taste.
2. Is this recipe suitable for raw ham steak or only precooked?
Most grocery store ham steaks are fully cooked, and this recipe assumes that. If you're using a raw steak, you’ll need to cook it longer and use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F internally.
3. Can I double this for more people?
Absolutely. This recipe scales up easily. Just make sure not to overcrowd the skillet — cook in batches or use a larger pan so the glaze has room to work its magic.
4. Could I turn this into a ham roast recipe?
Yes! This glaze can be used on a small boneless ham roast — just apply it during the last 30–45 minutes of baking. It also works beautifully for whole ham recipes during holiday gatherings.
5. What are some other sliced ham recipes I can make with leftovers?
You can use leftover ham steak in breakfast scrambles, split pea soup, or in ham and cheese sliders. For something more festive, add it to a quiche or a Christmas morning strata.
