This Maple-Glazed Ham is a fantastic dish that’s sweet, sticky, and oh-so-tasty! The maple syrup creates a delicious glaze that makes each bite feel like a warm hug.
Honestly, who can resist a ham that shines like a star on your dinner table? I always find myself sneaking a piece while it cools. It’s just too good to wait! 😋
Making this ham is super simple! Just bake it, brush on that maple glaze, and enjoy the yumminess that follows. Perfect with some roasted veggies on the side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ham: A fully cooked bone-in ham is the star here. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can choose a boneless ham or even a ham steak. Just make sure it’s fully cooked to enjoy the best flavor!
Maple Syrup: Using 100% pure maple syrup gives the best flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with honey, agave syrup, or even a brown sugar syrup. However, nothing beats the rich taste of maple!
Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds a great tangy flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, regular yellow mustard works well too. If you’re avoiding mustard, you could try using a bit of apple sauce for sweetness and moisture.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient enhances the caramelization. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and cloves add warmth. If you’re not a fan of cloves, you can skip them or substitute with nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get the Perfect Glaze on My Ham?
Getting that beautiful, sticky glaze is key to a mouthwatering Maple-Glazed Ham. Here’s how to perfect it:
- Score the ham deeply because this allows the glaze to penetrate better, creating that delicious flavor.
- Make sure to baste frequently! Every 20-30 minutes, brush on that sweet glaze. This helps build that lovely caramelized layer.
- Remove the foil in the last part of cooking! It’ll let the glaze caramelize and give your ham a lovely golden brown finish.
- Let it rest! After taking it out of the oven, resting helps the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
With these tips, your ham will not just look great but taste fantastic too!
Maple-Glazed Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (4 to 6 pounds) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Optional: fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple-Glazed Ham takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 1.5 to 2 hours to cook. Don’t forget to let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. So, all in all, you’re looking at roughly 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature will help the ham heat evenly and create a lovely glaze.
2. Prepare the Ham:
Place your fully cooked ham on a rack in a roasting pan, with the cut side facing down. Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/8 inch deep. This allows the glaze to soak in and adds a nice look!
3. Make the Maple Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), cinnamon, and cloves. Stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved and everything is well blended. Once ready, remove it from the heat.
4. Glaze the Ham:
Generously brush the maple glaze all over the surface of the ham. Don’t be shy—this is where all the flavor comes from!
5. Bake the Ham:
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours. You want it to heat through until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Baste the Ham:
Every 20-30 minutes, take the ham out and brush it with more of the maple glaze. This helps develop that lovely caramelized exterior! In the last 15-20 minutes of baking, remove the foil so the glaze can caramelize and turn a gorgeous brown.
7. Resting Time:
Once the ham is finished baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, which keeps the ham moist.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, if you like, garnish your ham with fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices for a touch of color and extra flavor. Slice it up, serve warm, and enjoy your amazing Maple-Glazed Ham!
This recipe yields a tender and flavorful ham with a sticky, caramelized maple glaze that is perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Absolutely! While a bone-in ham is traditional, you can use a boneless ham or even ham steaks. Just ensure they are fully cooked so that the glaze can enhance the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Ham?
Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm the entire piece in the oven at a low temperature to maintain moisture.
What If I Don’t Have Maple Syrup?
No worries! If you’re out of maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey, agave syrup, or a brown sugar syrup. They will provide a similar sweetness, although the flavor will vary slightly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the glaze and score the ham a day in advance. Just keep the ham covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, follow the same instructions for baking and glazing!
