If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that packs a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this Maple Glazed Ham Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. With its gorgeous caramelized exterior, infused with warm spices and the rich depth of pure maple syrup, every bite delivers a comforting flavor experience that’s ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or any special occasion. The glaze adds moisture and a beautiful glossy finish that makes this ham not only a feast for the palate but also a stunning sight on your serving table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Maple Glazed Ham Recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing that unforgettable flavor profile, luscious texture, and appealing color. The combination is so thoughtfully balanced you can easily nail this dish even if it’s your first time.
- Leg ham, 5 kg / 10 lb (bone in, skin on): The star of the recipe, a meaty ham with skin for the glaze to cling to and develop a crisp crust.
- Cloves, 30 pieces (optional): Perfect for studding the ham; they add subtle aromatic warmth and a classic visual charm.
- Oranges, 2 (quartered): Their natural citrus oils lend fresh brightness that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- Water, 1 cup (250 ml): Helps to keep the ham moist during baking and acts as the base for the glaze.
- Maple syrup, 3/4 cup (185 ml): The heart of the glaze, delivering natural sweetness and that signature maple flavor with depth.
- Brown sugar, 3/4 cup (165 g, packed): Adds caramel richness and helps the glaze thicken beautifully.
- Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp: Introduces a gentle tang and gives the glaze complexity that cuts through the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon, 3/4 tsp: Warms up the flavor with subtle spice notes without overpowering.
- All Spice, 1/2 tsp (or nutmeg): Complements the cinnamon with an earthy aroma, enhancing the festive character.
How to Make Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham for Cooking
Start by taking your ham out of the fridge at least one hour before cooking. This allows it to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking throughout the meat and prevents the outside from drying out while the center warms.
Step 2: Preheat and Position Your Oven
Set the oven to 160°C / 320°F (140°C fan) and arrange the shelf so the ham sits in the lower third of the oven. This placement helps the ham cook gently and evenly without the heat being too intense from the top, reducing the risk of burning the glaze.
Step 3: Mix the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and all spice until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This fragrant glaze will coat your ham and develop a beautiful, sticky crust as it bakes.
Step 4: Stud and Score the Ham
Using a sharp knife, lightly score the skin of the ham in a diamond pattern about half an inch deep. If you’re using cloves, insert them at the intersections of the cuts for a classic, decorative effect while adding subtle aroma. This scoring also allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat.
Step 5: Bake and Apply Glaze
Place the ham in a roasting pan with the quartered oranges and water at the bottom to keep the meat moist. Roast it uncovered for about 1 hour, then begin basting with the maple glaze every 20 minutes for the remaining time. The glaze will thicken and caramelize beautifully, creating a stunning golden coating.
Step 6: Final Touch and Rest
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 60°C / 140°F and the glaze is glossy and slightly sticky, remove it from the oven. Let the ham rest for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute so that every slice is moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your maple glazed ham with fresh orange wedges and sprigs of rosemary or thyme. The citrus adds brightness and color while herbs introduce an earthy aroma that complements the sweet glaze perfectly, elevating your presentation to something truly special.
Side Dishes
This Maple Glazed Ham Recipe pairs beautifully with rich mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. For an extra festive feel, consider creamy scalloped potatoes or glazed carrots that echo the sweetness theme.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning holiday spread, carve the ham into thin slices and arrange them overlapping on a large platter with the garnishes nestled around. Add some pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries for pops of color that contrast delightfully with the warm glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this wonderful Maple Glazed Ham Recipe, wrap the leftover slices tightly in aluminum foil or store them in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to four days and remain juicy and tasty.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your leftovers, slice the ham and place individual portions in freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. Properly stored, the ham will stay good for up to two months and can be thawed in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the ham slices in a covered dish with a splash of water or additional maple syrup and warm gently in a 150°C / 300°F oven until heated through. This keeps the meat moist and the glaze fresh, avoiding drying out the ham.
FAQs
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup in this recipe?
Yes, honey is a great substitute if you want a slightly different but equally sweet and rich glaze. It will change the flavor profile a little, making it a bit more floral, but the glaze will still be delicious.
Is it necessary to cook a pre-cooked ham again?
Most leg hams you buy are pre-cooked, so you’re really reheating and glazing in this recipe. The slow cooking and glazing step here enhances flavor and texture rather than cooking the meat from raw.
Can I make this Maple Glazed Ham Recipe in a slow cooker?
While possible, you won’t get the same caramelized crust that the oven baking provides. The slow cooker is great for tenderizing but lacks the dry heat needed for the glaze to thicken and caramelize properly.
How do I know when the ham is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is about 60°C / 140°F for reheated, fully cooked ham. This ensures it’s warmed thoroughly without overcooking and drying out the meat.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! The glaze can be mixed and stored in the fridge a day ahead. Bring it to room temperature before brushing on the ham for best results and easier spreading.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Glazed Ham Recipe is truly a showstopper that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and delivers a slice of pure joy at the table. I encourage you to give it a try—whether it’s for a big celebration or a casual Sunday dinner, this recipe will turn any meal into a memorable feast worth sharing with those you love.
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Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Maple Glazed Ham recipe features a beautifully baked leg of ham coated in a sweet and aromatic glaze made with maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warming spices. Studded with cloves and accompanied by fresh oranges, this holiday centerpiece offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that will impress guests and family alike.
Ingredients
Ham
- 5 kg / 10 lb leg ham (bone in, skin on)
- 30 cloves (for studding the ham, optional – mainly for decorative purposes)
- 2 oranges, cut into quarters (Note 2)
Glaze
- 1 cup (250ml) water
- 3/4 cup (185ml) maple syrup (can substitute honey)
- 3/4 cup (165g) packed brown sugar
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard (can substitute American or other plain mustard)
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp allspice (or nutmeg)
Instructions
- Bring the Ham to Room Temperature: Remove the ham from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking. This helps the ham cook evenly.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 160°C / 320°F (140°C fan). Position the oven rack in the lower third so the ham will be in the center of the oven, preventing it from being too close to the top heat source and ensuring even cooking.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the water, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and allspice until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Prepare the Ham: Score the skin of the ham in a diamond pattern if not already done. Stud the ham with the cloves by inserting them at the intersections of the scored lines. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Arrange the orange quarters around and under the ham to add moisture and flavor during roasting.
- Apply the Glaze and Roast: Brush the ham generously with the prepared glaze. Cover the ham loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, basting every 20 minutes with additional glaze and the pan juices to build a rich, flavorful crust.
- Finish and Rest: Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize and become sticky. Once cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting time helps retain the juices and improves slicing.
Notes
- Note 1: Using a bone-in, skin-on leg ham adds flavor and keeps the meat moist during cooking.
- Note 2: The oranges add a fresh citrus aroma and subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the glaze.
- Studding the ham with cloves is optional but enhances visual appeal and adds a mild spicy aroma.
