Maple-Glazed Ham is a classic holiday treat that brings sweet and smoky flavors together in one beautiful dish. The star here is the ham, glazed with a sticky, golden maple syrup mixture that caramelizes perfectly in the oven, giving it a shiny, flavorful crust that everyone loves.
I love making this ham because the glaze is so simple but makes such a big difference. Just a few ingredients like maple syrup, a bit of mustard or brown sugar, and a touch of spices come together to make the meat juicy and tasty. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive but is really easy to put together, which I always appreciate when cooking for family or friends.
My favorite way to serve this ham is with some roasted veggies and a side of mashed potatoes, so the sweet and savory flavors really shine. Plus, the leftovers are unbeatable — I often slice leftover ham for sandwiches or toss it into salads. This recipe always reminds me of cozy gatherings and how food can bring everyone together around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ham: Choose a fully cooked bone-in ham for the best flavor and juiciness. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless works too, but the bone adds extra taste. Spiral-cut hams save time when serving.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives a natural sweetness and depth. You can substitute with honey or maple-flavored syrup if pure maple isn’t available.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and balances acidity. Light or dark brown sugar both work, but dark gives a richer taste.
Dijon Mustard: It adds a bit of tang and helps balance sweetness. Yellow mustard is fine as a milder option.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: These add bright acidity to cut through the rich sweetness of the glaze. If unavailable, white wine vinegar or orange juice can work.
Spices (Cinnamon, Cloves): These warm spices add holiday flavor. Ground or whole cloves work, but whole cloves also look festive when studded into the ham.
How Do You Get the Perfect Glaze and Caramelized Crust on Maple-Glazed Ham?
Getting that sticky, shiny glaze on your ham takes a bit of care. Here’s how I do it:
- Score the ham: Cut shallow diamond shapes on the fat layer; this lets the glaze soak in and caramelize better.
- Apply the glaze in layers: Brush the glaze on before roasting, then baste every 20 minutes. This builds a sticky, flavorful crust.
- Use foil tenting: Cover the ham loosely to keep it moist while it heats through.
- Finish uncovered: Take off the foil in the last 20-30 minutes so the glaze browns and gets glossy without burning.
- Watch carefully: Oven temperatures vary—keep an eye on the ham near the end to avoid over-charring.
Following these steps ensures a ham that’s tender inside with a beautifully caramelized, flavorful crust on the outside, just like in the photo.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Roasting pan with a rack – I like it because it lifts the ham and helps hot air circulate, ensuring even cooking.
- Baste brush – makes it easy to apply the glaze multiple times, enhancing that sticky, caramelized coating.
- Small saucepan – for simmering the glaze until smooth and warmed through.
- Sharp knife – for scoring the ham surface and slicing when served.
- Aluminum foil – needed to tent the ham during roasting, keeping it moist and preventing over-browning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try orange juice or pineapple juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a citrus twist that pairs well with the maple glaze.
- Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or five-spice powder to give the glaze extra warmth and depth.
- Include chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in the glaze for a fragrant boost.
- Stir in a splash of bourbon or whiskey to add a rich, boozy note that complements the sweetness.
How to Make Maple-Glazed Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- Optional: whole cloves for studding the ham
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active prep time and around 2 to 2½ hours of cooking, depending on the size of your ham. Add an extra 15-20 minutes for resting before serving, making it perfect for a relaxed gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Ham:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). If your ham has a thick layer of fat, carefully score it in a diamond pattern about ¼-inch deep. If you like, press whole cloves into the intersections of the cuts to add a lovely aroma and flavor.
2. Make the Maple Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir gently until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is warmed, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, take it off the heat.
3. Roast and Glaze the Ham:
Place the ham cut-side down on a rack inside a roasting pan. Brush it generously with the maple glaze. Loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Roast it in the oven, allowing about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
4. Baste and Finish Caramelizing:
Every 20 minutes, carefully remove the ham from the oven and brush it with more maple glaze. This helps build a delicious, sticky crust. During the last 20 to 30 minutes of roasting, take off the foil so the glaze can caramelize and get beautifully glossy, with some slightly charred spots for extra flavor.
5. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making every slice moist and flavorful. Serve warm with any extra glaze on the side for dipping.
Can I Use a Frozen Ham for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the ham in the refrigerator before cooking. Depending on the size, thawing can take several days, so plan ahead to ensure even cooking and proper glazing.
Can I Make This Maple-Glazed Ham Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and glaze the ham a day before, then refrigerate it covered. When ready to serve, reheat gently in the oven and add a fresh layer of glaze to refresh the flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Maple-Glazed Ham?
Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy later, warm slices in the oven or microwave, brushing lightly with extra glaze if desired.
What Can I Serve with Maple-Glazed Ham?
This ham pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to balance the sweet and savory flavors. A side of dinner rolls or crusty bread also complements the meal nicely.