Maple glazed ham is the kind of show-stopping centerpiece that never goes out of style. It’s rich, juicy, and wrapped in a glossy coat of sticky-sweet maple glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re serving it for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because, it always delivers that cozy, festive feeling.
This dish starts with a bone-in or boneless cooked ham, preferably spiral-sliced for easy serving. The key to unlocking its full flavor lies in the glaze. Maple syrup is the star ingredient, offering a warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky, salty ham. To balance the flavor, mix the syrup with a little Dijon mustard for tang, apple cider vinegar for brightness, and a dash of cinnamon or cloves for a subtle, spiced undertone.
Before glazing, score the top of the ham in a diamond pattern, this helps the glaze seep into the meat and creates a stunning finish. Brush the ham generously with the glaze, then bake it low and slow. Baste every 20 minutes so the glaze layers on thick, becoming darker and stickier with each pass.
The result is a ham that’s beautifully browned on the outside, with tender, juicy slices on the inside. The maple glaze turns into a flavorful crust that adds just the right amount of sweetness in every bite. And the aroma? Pure holiday magic.
Pair your maple glazed ham with classic sides like roasted root vegetables, scalloped potatoes, or a tangy mustard slaw. Leftovers also make amazing sandwiches or can be diced into soups, omelets, or savory pastries.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is. You don’t need to fuss too much, just a great ham and a glaze made with pantry staples. It’s comforting, elegant, and absolutely delicious. Whether it’s your first time making ham or your hundredth, this maple glazed version is sure to become a favorite at your table.
A delicious and sweet maple glazed ham recipe that is perfect for any special occasion or holiday meal. This recipe combines the rich flavors of maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar to create a sticky and flavorful glaze for the ham. The ham is roasted in the oven until it is tender and caramelized, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for your meal. Serve this maple glazed ham with your favorite sides and enjoy a festive and flavorful meal with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 8-10 pound Ham
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Cover the ham with foil and roast for 1 hour. Remove the foil and continue to roast for another 1 hour, basting the ham occasionally with the glaze.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
- Enjoy your delicious maple glazed ham!