Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

This beautiful maple glazed ham is a delightful centerpiece for any festive gathering.

You’ll love the sweet, tangy glaze and beautifully caramelized crust.

I used a warm blend of spices to give it depth and apple cider vinegar for a bright kick.

As it roasts, the outer layer caramelizes and becomes wonderfully sticky and golden.

Trust me, you’ll love it!

Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Ham

Crowd-Pleaser: This mustard and maple glazed ham is guaranteed to impress guests at holiday gatherings, family dinners, or special occasions. Everyone will love its stunning presentation and irresistible aroma.

Simple & Delicious: This easy recipe features pure maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, and aromatic spices. They create a perfectly balanced glaze that complements the salty ham.

Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving. This makes it ideal for stress-free entertaining or busy weeknight dinners.

Don’t Waste Leftovers: Use any ham leftovers in sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles. That way, nothing goes to waste.

Ingredients

• Bone-In Ham: Offers rich flavor and maximum juiciness. The bone helps retain moisture and enhances the overall taste.

• Pure Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth.

• Brown Sugar: Provides a molasses undertone and helps create a caramelized crust on the ham when baked.

• Dijon or Whole-Grain Mustard: Offers a tangy sharpness that balances the sweet glaze, adding complexity to the flavor profile.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces acidity to cut through the richness of the ham.

• Spices: Ground cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper combine to infuse warmth and aromatic depth into the jam.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a glossy finish to the glaze, ensuring it adheres well to the ham.

• Orange Juice or Apple Cider (Optional): Provides moisture during baking and imparts a subtle fruity note to the ham.

How to Make Maple Glazed Ham

Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or looking to impress at your next family gathering, this maple glazed ham is guaranteed to be the star of the show.

Serve it alongside your favorite holiday sides for a meal that’s both comforting and elegant.

But as impressive as it is, it doesn’t need much hands-on work!

1. WARM the ham at room temperature for 60 minutes. Remove the skin if needed.

2. PREHEAT the oven to 325°F. Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place it on foil in a roasting pan.

3. COMBINE maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, spices, and heat until thickened. Stir in butter for a smooth finish.

4. BRUSH the glaze over the ham, cover with foil, and roast for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, glazing every 30 minutes.

5. INCREASE oven to 400°F, brush with the remaining glaze, pour the orange juice over the top, and bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes, brushing every 10 minutes.

6. REST the ham for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving with pan juices. Enjoy!

Tips For the Best Maple Glazed Ham

When you pull this ham out of the oven, you’ll drool over the salty-sweet aroma.

And the sticky-sweet glaze? It’s so shiny, I have a feeling you’ll need a few pictures before serving.

Need a few tips before you begin? I’ve got a few!

• Warm the meat. Let it sit on the counter for an hour at least. This will keep it from shrinking in the oven and ensure even cooking.

• Use spiral ham. If you don’t want the bother of bone-in meat, feel free to use boneless spiral ham instead. Roast for about 15 minutes per pound.

• Use quality ingredients. Use pure maple syrup and high-quality spices to ensure the best flavor.

• Use whole cloves. Stud the ham with whole cloves at the intersections of the cuts for added aroma and flavor.

• Pan juices. Warm the pan juices to make a sauce.

• When is it done? Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is between 140°F to 165°F.

• Flavor variations. Add orange zest, fresh rosemary, or bourbon to the glaze for different flavor profiles.

• Serving suggestions: For a complete meal, serve the maple-glazed ham with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

How to Store

I know glazed ham is often reserved for holidays, but this dish is so simple and delicious, there’s no reason not to enjoy it year-round.

It’s fancy enough for a special occasion but easy enough for a weekend family dinner.

And leftovers (if you have any!) make incredible Cuban sandwiches, too.

To Store: Place cold leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Refrigerate for 4-5 days.

To Freeze: Wrap the cooled ham tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for 2 months for best quality.

To Reheat: Bake unsliced ham at 325°Fahrenheit in a baking dish with a splash of water. Cover it with foil and heat for about 10 minutes per pound until warm. Or microwave a few slices in the microwave for a minute or two (covered).

More Holiday Entrees Your Family Will Love

Roast Turkey
Spatchcock Chicken
Classic Pot Roast
Brown Sugar Pork Chops