This Maple-Glazed Ham is a sweet and tasty dish that everyone loves! The golden glaze made from maple syrup gives it a delicious shine and flavor that makes your mouth water.
It’s perfect for special occasions, and your guests will be impressed! I love serving it with roasted veggies. Just don’t forget to save a slice for me, okay? 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bone-in Ham: A fully cooked bone-in ham is ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find it, a boneless ham will work too; just keep an eye on cooking time as it varies.
Maple Syrup: Use high-quality pure maple syrup for the best flavor. If you’re on a budget, you can use pancake syrup, but it won’t have the same depth. Honey can be a nice alternative too!
Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds rich flavor, but light brown sugar is a fine substitute. You can also use coconut sugar for a different twist.
Dijon Mustard: This gives a tangy kick. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use yellow mustard instead or even skip it altogether.
Spices: Cinnamon and cloves add warmth. If you’re not fond of cloves, nutmeg is a great alternative. You can adjust the spices to your liking!
How Do I Score a Ham for the Best Glaze?
Scoring the ham is essential to add flavor and help the glaze stick. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp knife to make diagonal cuts on the surface in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep. Don’t cut too deep, or it may dry out.
- Make sure the cuts are evenly spaced (about 1 inch apart) and go in both directions to create that diamond look.
- This scoring allows the glaze to seep into the ham while it cooks, creating a beautiful texture.
How Do I Glaze the Ham for the Perfect Finish?
Giving your ham a glaze helps it shine and adds flavor:
- Apply the glaze in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Brush it generously over the scored areas.
- Baste every 10 minutes with the remaining glaze while it’s finishing up. It makes a big difference!
- After glazing, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting. This helps keep it juicy.
Enjoy your Maple-Glazed Ham! It’s a great centerpiece for any gathering!
Maple-Glazed Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (5 to 7 pounds) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh orange slices or zest (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Maple-Glazed Ham takes about 15 minutes of prep time and between 2 to 2.5 hours to cook. You’ll be waiting for it to bake while the wonderful aroma fills your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This will get it nice and warm while you prepare the ham.
2. Score the Ham:
Next, place your ham on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to score the surface in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze soak in and brings out more flavor!
3. Prepare for Baking:
Put the ham in a roasting pan with the cut side down. Don’t forget to cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist while baking.
4. Bake the Ham:
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the ham in the oven and let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until it’s heated through. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
5. Make the Maple Glaze:
While the ham is baking, grab a small saucepan and mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), cinnamon, and optional spices. Heat it over medium heat, stirring until everything is well combined and the sugar has dissolved. Remove it from the heat and set aside.
6. Glaze the Ham:
After baking for 1.5 hours, take the ham out of the oven and raise the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Brush the ham generously with the prepared maple glaze, making sure to coat the scored areas.
7. Bake Again:
Return the ham to the oven uncovered and bake for another 25-30 minutes. Remember to baste it every 10 minutes with the remaining glaze to get that lovely caramelized finish.
8. Let It Rest:
Once you have that beautiful glaze, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps keep all the juices inside!
9. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice the ham and serve it warm. Garnish with fresh orange slices or zest if you’d like for an extra burst of flavor!
Enjoy your perfectly crafted Maple-Glazed Ham at your next gathering or meal! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Yes! While a bone-in fully cooked ham is preferred for its flavor and texture, you can use a boneless ham or even a smoked ham. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary based on the type and size of the ham.
How Do I Store Leftover Maple-Glazed Ham?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice off the portions you want and warm them gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make the Glaze in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the maple glaze a day ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, heat it gently on the stove to loosen it up before brushing it onto the ham.
What Should I Serve with Maple-Glazed Ham?
This ham pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You could also serve it with sweet potato casserole or bread rolls to complete the meal!
