Brown Sugar Honey Ham Cubes: The Ultimate Guide to Sweet and Savory Perfection

Brown sugar honey ham cubes are the quintessential bite-sized treat that bridges the gap between a sophisticated holiday appetizer and a comforting weeknight staple. By transforming a traditional whole ham into caramelized, glazed morsels, you maximize the surface area for the glaze, ensuring every single bite is packed with the rich, sticky sweetness of brown sugar and the floral notes of honey. Whether you are looking to elevate your next brunch, prep a protein-packed snack, or create a “burnt ends” style ham dish that melts in your mouth, mastering the balance of heat and sugar is the key to success.

The Essential Ingredients

To achieve the perfect balance of caramelization and tenderness, you need a high-quality ham base and a multi-dimensional glaze.

• 1 lb Fully Cooked Ham: Choose a thick-cut ham steak or a boneless ham roast, cut into 1-inch uniform cubes.

• 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar: Provides the deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create a crust.

• 1/4 cup Honey: Adds a viscous, floral sweetness and a glossy sheen to the cubes.

• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Melts into the glaze to create a velvety texture and rich mouthfeel.

• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard: The essential “secret” ingredient that cuts through the sugar with a necessary tang.

• 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the ham’s saltiness.

• 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves: Provides a classic holiday spice profile.

• Optional: 2 tbsp pineapple juice or apple cider vinegar for extra acidity and moisture.

Step-by-Step Preparation and Cooking

The goal of this process is to render the fat and caramelize the sugars without drying out the interior of the ham cubes.

1. Prep the Ham: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup, as the sugar will become very sticky. Pat your ham cubes dry with a paper towel to ensure the glaze sticks effectively.

2. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices. Whisk constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar has fully dissolved into a smooth, bubbling syrup.

3. Toss and Coat: Place the ham cubes in a large mixing bowl. Pour two-thirds of the warm glaze over the cubes and toss thoroughly until every side is generously coated.

4. The First Roast: Spread the cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching so they can caramelize rather than steam. Bake for 10–12 minutes.

5. The Final Glaze and Sear: Remove the tray from the oven. Drizzle the remaining glaze over the cubes and toss them gently with a spatula. Return to the oven for another 5–8 minutes, or until the edges are darkened and the glaze is tacky and bubbling. For an extra “candy” shell, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

6. Rest and Serve: Allow the cubes to rest for 5 minutes. As they cool slightly, the glaze will thicken and “set,” creating that iconic sticky finish.

Maximizing Flavor and Texture

The difference between average ham cubes and extraordinary ones lies in the details of the glaze and the quality of the meat. If you prefer a more complex flavor profile, consider adding a splash of bourbon or spiced rum to the glaze during the simmering stage; the alcohol burns off, leaving behind a smoky, oaky undertone. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes creates a “hot honey” effect that pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the pork.

Texture is also a critical component. Using a spiral-cut ham can be difficult for cubes as the slices are too thin; instead, opt for a “city ham” or a boneless ham joint that allows you to cut sturdy, 1-inch cubes. These larger pieces withstand the high heat of the oven without becoming tough, maintaining a juicy center while the outside develops a crisp, candied bark.

Versatile Ways to Serve Ham Cubes

Once you have perfected your brown sugar honey ham cubes, their utility in the kitchen is boundless. They are most famous as a “crowd-pleaser” appetizer—simply serve them in a bowl with decorative toothpicks for easy grabbing. However, their culinary potential extends far beyond the party platter.

For breakfast, these cubes can be tossed into a skillet with crispy diced potatoes and bell peppers to create a gourmet breakfast hash. They also make an incredible topping for “loaded” salads, providing a sweet contrast to bitter greens and creamy goat cheese. If you have leftovers, try stirring them into a pot of mac and check or incorporating them into a slow-cooked bean soup. The concentrated glaze on the cubes will leach into the surrounding dish, adding layers of flavor that plain diced ham simply cannot provide.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Because of the high sugar content in the glaze, brown sugar honey ham cubes store remarkably well. To keep them fresh, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4–5 days. They can also be frozen for up to three months; just ensure they are completely cool before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming in the glaze.

When it comes to reheating, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the ham rubbery and the sugar runny. The best method is to use an air fryer or toaster oven at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. This high, dry heat reactivates the sugars and restores the “crunch” to the exterior, making the cubes taste as though they just came off the roasting pan. Whether served hot and fresh or chilled as a snack, these cubes remain a testament to the timeless pairing of salt, honey, and heat.