What To Do With Unused Ham Glaze Packets

Ham glaze packets are a staple for many holiday meals. The sweet, sticky glaze adds delicious flavor to baked or roasted ham. But what happens when you don’t use the entire packet? Is it destined for the trash or can you salvage the leftovers? With a little creativity, you can transform those unused ham glaze packets into tasty treats.

Don’t Toss It – Store It!

Once opened, ham glaze packets need to be properly stored to preserve freshness Transfer any leftover glaze to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For longer storage, pour the glaze into ice cube trays and freeze Pop out the cubes and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw cubes as needed.

Glaze Up Other Meats

Ham glaze makes a quick flavor boost for all kinds of meats Brush on pork chops, chicken breasts or wings, meatloaf, lamb racks, salmon fillets, shrimp skewers – you name it. The touch of sweetness pairs nicely with the savory flavors.

For chicken, mix a few tablespoons of glaze with some poultry seasoning or cayenne for a spicy twist. For seafood, add a squeeze of citrus juice to brighten up the glaze. Get creative with blend-ins like ginger, garlic, herbs, spices, etc.

Bake It Into Sweet Treats

When life gives you ham glaze, make dessert! The sugary glaze makes a delicious addition to all kinds of baked goods:

• Glazed Scones – Add 2-3 tablespoons glaze to your favorite scone dough Fold in dried fruit or nuts if desired Cut out scones and brush tops with more glaze before baking.

• Glazed Cinnamon Rolls – Drizzle glaze over risen cinnamon roll dough before rolling up and slicing. Bake as directed and top with more glaze.

• Glazed Donuts – Dip donut holes, crullers or cake donuts into the glaze for an easy sweet coating.

• Ham Glaze Butter – Blend softened butter with warmed glaze. Chill and slice into coins to serve on biscuits, muffins or toast.

• Ham Glaze Popcorn – Pop popcorn on the stovetop then drizzle with glaze and toss to coat. Sprinkle with spices like cinnamon sugar if desired.

Whip Up A Sauce

Leftover ham glaze can be transformed into a sweet sauce for meats, veggies or other dishes:

• Ham Glaze BBQ Sauce – Simmer glaze with ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and spices. Brush on ribs, chicken or pork.

• Sweet & Sour Sauce – Mix glaze with rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger and red pepper flakes. Toss with stir fry or fried rice.

• Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce – Whisk together glaze, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and pepper. Serve with chicken tenders, fries or pretzels.

• Ham Glazed Carrots – Toss sliced carrots with glaze and roast until caramelized.

• Ham Glazed Green Beans – Steam green beans then sauté with glaze, garlic and toasted almonds.

Craft Cocktails & Beverages

A splash of ham glaze can add sweetness to all kinds of drink recipes:

• Ham Glaze Iced Tea – Steep tea with glaze and lemon slices. Chill and serve over ice.

• Ham Glaze Moscow Mule – Mix glaze with ginger beer and vodka in a copper mug filled with ice. Garnish with lime.

• Ham Glaze Old Fashioned – Stir bourbon, bitters and glaze together and serve over ice. Garnish with an orange slice.

• Ham Glaze Hot Toddy – Add glaze, lemon juice and spices to hot tea or apple cider.

• Ham Glaze Margarita – Rim a glass with salt and sugar. Shake tequila, triple sec, lime juice and glaze with ice.

DIY Body & Home Products

Ham glaze isn’t just for eating! It can be incorporated into body products and home goods:

• Ham Glaze Sugar Scrub – Mix equal parts glaze and sugar or salt, then massage over skin in the shower for softness and glow.

• Ham Glaze Candle – Place chopped ham glaze cubes in a jar and pour in melted wax. Add a wick as the wax hardens for a sweetly scented candle.

• Ham Glaze Air Freshener – Simmer glaze with citrus peels and spices for a pleasant room fragrance.

• Ham Glaze Lip Balm – Melt beeswax with coconut or olive oil and stir in glaze. Pour into tubes or tins and let cool completely before using.

• Ham Glazed Vase – Paint clear vases with glaze and let dry for a shiny finish.

With a little ingenuity, you can get multiple uses out of those leftover ham glaze packets. So next time the holidays roll around, don’t be so quick to toss out the extras. With these creative ideas, you can give them delicious new life!