This maple-glazed ham is a festive favorite! With its sweet and sticky glaze, it’s perfect for special gatherings. The blend of maple syrup and spices adds a yummy twist to the tender meat.
Who wouldn’t love a ham that makes your kitchen smell like a holiday? I like to serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans—it feels like a warm hug on a plate! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bone-In Ham: A bone-in ham adds flavor and moisture. If you want to save some time, look for a spiral-cut variety, which is already sliced for easy serving. If ham isn’t available, a pork loin can work, but the glaze will taste best on ham.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is essential for the best flavor. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can swap it for honey or agave syrup, but the taste will be different. I swear by the real stuff for that lovely sweetness!
Dijon Mustard: This gives a nice kick. If you prefer milder flavors, swap it for yellow mustard. You could also use a grainy mustard for added texture and depth of flavor.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar ensures sweetness and a caramelized crust. If you’re out, granulated sugar will do, but the glaze won’t have the same depth. Dark brown sugar enhances the flavor even more.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and cloves really elevate the dish. If you don’t have them, you could use a pinch of nutmeg or even a dash of allspice instead.
How Do I Get a Beautiful Glaze on My Ham?
The glaze is what makes this ham so delicious! Here’s how to achieve that beautiful, shiny finish:
- Start by scoring the ham—this allows the glaze to seep in and creates a lovely pattern. Use a sharp knife to make diagonal cuts, about 1/8 inch deep.
- Brush on the glaze right before baking and keep applying it every 20 to 30 minutes. This builds layers of flavor!
- During the last 15 minutes, crank up the oven to caramelize the glaze. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning! The goal is a shiny, sticky surface.
Be patient with this step, and your ham will shine glistening brown when served.
Maple-Glazed Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 6 to 8 pounds)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, e.g., rosemary, sage)
- Fruit slices and grapes for serving (optional, e.g., orange slices, red grapes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious maple-glazed ham takes about 20 minutes to prep and about 2 to 2.5 hours to bake—perfect for planning a hearty meal. Remember to let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes after baking, so the juices redistribute for a tender slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures your ham cooks evenly and beautifully.
2. Score the Ham:
Using a sharp knife, carefully score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making cuts about 1 inch apart and only about 1/8 inch deep. This helps the glaze soak in and adds a lovely presentation!
3. Prepare for Baking:
Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, with the fat side facing up. This allows the fat to baste the ham as it cooks, making it juicy and flavorful.
4. Make the Glaze:
In a small saucepan, mix together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth. It should take about 3-5 minutes. Once ready, remove it from the heat.
5. Glaze the Ham:
Brush a generous amount of the maple glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure it gets into the scored cuts. This is where the flavor really starts to develop!
6. Bake the Ham:
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake it for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Don’t forget to baste the ham with the glaze every 20 to 30 minutes—that’s how you get that beautiful, sticky surface!
7. Final Glazing and Caramelizing:
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush any remaining glaze onto the ham. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) to help caramelize the glaze, but watch it closely to prevent burning!
8. Rest the Ham:
When the ham reaches a lovely brown color, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your ham with fresh herbs if you like and arrange fruit slices and grapes on the serving platter for a beautiful presentation.
10. Slice and Enjoy!
Once rested, slice the ham into desired pieces and serve it warm with your favorite side dishes. It’s sure to be a hit!
Enjoy this luscious, sweet, and savory maple-glazed ham that’s perfect for holidays or any special meal! 🥳
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While a bone-in ham works best for flavor and moisture, you can use a spiral-cut ham, a fully cooked boneless ham, or even a pork loin if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftover Ham?
Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave or oven at a low temperature to keep it moist, adding a splash of broth or glaze if desired.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance! Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. When you’re ready to use it, warm it gently on the stove to loosen it up before applying it to the ham.
What Can I Serve with Maple-Glazed Ham?
This ham pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a fresh salad. You could also serve it alongside rolls or fruit for a complete feast!