Okay, so let’s talk ham! Specifically, the kind of ham that makes everyone gather around the table, the kind that screams “special occasion” without being a total fuss. Yep, I’m talking about classic, crowd-pleasing Maple Glazed Ham. Trust me on this one, this isn’t just any ham; it’s *the* ham that disappears faster than you can say “seconds!” I’ve been making this recipe for years, tweaking and perfecting it, and it always delivers that perfect sweet and savory punch. It’s incredibly easy, packed with flavor, and honestly, the smell alone is worth making it.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Ham
Okay, so why *this* Maple Glazed Ham? Because it’s seriously the best kind of easy win in the kitchen! It looks fancy, but it’s honestly a breeze to pull together. Here’s the lowdown on why this recipe is about to become your new go-to:
- It’s ridiculously easy: We’re talking minimal fuss for maximum flavor. Most of the work is just mixing up that glorious glaze and letting the oven do its thing. Perfect for when you want something impressive but aren’t feeling a kitchen marathon.
- The flavor is out of this world: That sweet maple, tangy Dijon, and warm spices? It’s a match made in heaven. It creates a beautiful, sticky-sweet crust that everyone will rave about.
- Perfect for *any* occasion: Holidays, potlucks, Sunday dinner – this ham fits right in. It feeds a crowd and always gets devoured. Plus, the leftovers are pure gold!
Seriously, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that lets you actually *enjoy* your time instead of being stuck slaving over the stove.
Essential Ingredients for Maple Glazed Ham
Alright, let’s talk about the good stuff that goes *into* this amazing Maple Glazed Ham. You don’t need a million things, which is part of the beauty! Just a few key players working together to create magic. Using good quality ingredients here really does make a difference, especially that maple syrup – go for the real deal if you can!
Gathering Your Maple Glazed Ham Ingredients
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to pull this off. Get everything ready before you start, it makes things so much smoother!
- 1 fully cooked ham (7-10 lbs): Make sure it says “fully cooked” on the package! This means we’re just heating it through and getting that glaze on point.
- 1 cup pure maple syrup: Not the pancake syrup, folks! We want the real, delicious maple flavor.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: Packing it down is key for the right amount of sweetness and moisture.
- 1/4 cup smooth Dijon mustard: This adds a little tang and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Another little punch of acidity to cut through the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way, but it brings that classic holiday spice vibe.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Can’t have warm spices without a touch of cinnamon!
See? Simple, right? Just these few things, and you’re well on your way to ham perfection!
How to Prepare Your Maple Glazed Ham
Okay, you’ve got your beautiful ham and all your goodies ready. Now for the fun part – turning it into that showstopper Maple Glazed Ham! Don’t be intimidated; this process is pretty straightforward. We’re going to walk through it step-by-step, just like I do in my own kitchen. Get ready for some seriously delicious smells!
Preparing the Maple Glazed Ham for Baking
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty. You want to preheat it to 325°F (that’s 160°C). This lower temperature is perfect for gently heating the ham through without drying it out. While the oven is warming up, place your fully cooked ham in a sturdy roasting pan. You don’t need a rack unless you have one that fits well; sitting directly in the pan is fine for this recipe.
Now, for the scoring! This isn’t just for looks, though it does make the ham look gorgeous. Scoring helps that amazing glaze really get into every nook and cranny, adding flavor throughout. Plus, it helps the heat penetrate evenly. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep) across the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Don’t cut too deep, you just want to get through the skin and fat layer.
Crafting the Perfect Maple Glazed Ham Glaze
This glaze is the absolute star of the show! It’s sweet, tangy, and gets wonderfully caramelized in the oven. Grab a small saucepan and toss in your maple syrup, packed brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
Place the saucepan over medium heat. You want to bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Keep stirring until all that brown sugar is completely dissolved and the glaze is smooth. This usually only takes a few minutes. Once it’s simmering and smooth, take it off the heat. It’s going to smell incredible!
Glazing and Baking Your Maple Glazed Ham
Now for the first layer of that glorious glaze! Carefully pour about half of your prepared glaze all over the scored ham. Use a brush or a spoon to spread it evenly, making sure it gets down into those diamond cuts. This initial layer will start building that beautiful crust.
Pop the ham into your preheated oven. The general rule of thumb for a fully cooked ham is to bake it for 12-15 minutes per pound. So, if you have a 7-pound ham, you’re looking at roughly 84-105 minutes. If it’s 10 pounds, figure 120-150 minutes. The goal is to heat the ham through to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) – more on that in the tips!
Here’s the crucial part for that amazing sticky glaze: basting! Every 20-30 minutes, open the oven (carefully, it’ll be hot!) and baste the ham with the remaining glaze. Just spoon or brush it over the surface. You’ll see the glaze start to thicken and caramelize as it bakes. Keep basting until the ham is heated through and the glaze looks sticky, shiny, and caramelized.
Resting and Serving the Maple Glazed Ham
Once your ham hits that internal temperature and looks beautifully glazed, carefully take it out of the oven. This next step is super important, even though it’s hard to wait! Cover the ham loosely with foil and let it rest for about 15 minutes before you start carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, making it incredibly moist and tender. If you cut too soon, those precious juices will just run out onto the cutting board.
After resting, slice that gorgeous Maple Glazed Ham and serve it up! It’s perfect on its own, with classic sides, or even tucked into rolls for amazing sandwiches. Get ready for the compliments!
Tips for a Perfect Maple Glazed Ham
Alright, you’ve got the steps down, but here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years that really take this Maple Glazed Ham from great to absolutely *perfect*. These are the things that make sure your ham is juicy and your glaze is spot on!
- Get a meat thermometer, seriously: This is your best friend! Since we’re using a fully cooked ham, we just need to heat it to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Don’t guess! Stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. This guarantees it’s heated through without overcooking.
- Don’t skip the basting: That glaze needs love! Basting every 20-30 minutes is what builds those beautiful, sticky layers of flavor. It helps create that irresistible caramelized crust that everyone fights over.
- Feeling fancy? Add some extras! My grandma used to stick pineapple slices and maraschino cherries all over the ham with toothpicks before glazing. It’s a classic look, and the pineapple adds a lovely sweetness and keeps things extra moist. Plus, it looks super festive!
- Let it rest! I know, I know, it’s torture waiting, but that 15-minute rest is crucial. It lets the juices settle back into the meat, making every slice tender and juicy.
Follow these little tips, and your Maple Glazed Ham will be the star of the show, every single time!
Common Questions About Maple Glazed Ham
Okay, so you might have a few questions popping up as you get ready to make this amazing Maple Glazed Ham. Totally normal! Here are some of the things people often ask, and my best answers to help you out.
Can I make the Maple Glazed Ham glaze ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! This is a great time-saver, especially if you’re making this for a holiday or a big get-together. You can whip up the glaze a day or two in advance. Just make it as directed in the recipe, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake the ham, gently warm the glaze up in a small saucepan or microwave until it’s pourable again before you start basting. Easy peasy!
How do I store leftover Maple Glazed Ham?
Leftovers are one of the best parts of making a big ham! To store them, first, let the ham cool down completely. Then, slice or cube the ham and place it in airtight containers or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Properly stored, leftover Maple Glazed Ham will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage – wrap portions well to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll be good for a couple of months.
What should the internal temperature of the Maple Glazed Ham be?
Since we’re starting with a fully cooked ham, the goal isn’t to cook it from raw, but just to heat it through safely and deliciously. You want the thickest part of the ham (away from the bone) to reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Using a reliable meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check this. Don’t rely just on the clock, as oven temperatures can vary! Hitting that 140°F mark ensures your ham is perfectly heated and ready to enjoy.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Maple Glazed Ham
Okay, so you’ve got some glorious leftover Maple Glazed Ham (lucky you!). Let’s make sure it stays delicious. First, let it cool down completely. Then, the best way to keep it fresh is to store it in an airtight container or wrap it up super tight in plastic wrap or foil. Pop it in the fridge, and it’s usually good for 3-4 days. When you want to reheat it, my favorite way is to put slices or chunks in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth, cover it with foil, and warm it gently in a 325°F oven until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven keeps it from drying out!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Now, I know some of you like to keep an eye on the nutritional side of things, and that’s totally fair! However, it’s really tricky to give perfectly exact numbers for homemade recipes like this Maple Glazed Ham. Things like the size and type of ham you use, the brand of maple syrup, and even how much of that delicious glaze ends up on your plate can really change the final count.
So, please think of any nutritional information you might find for this recipe elsewhere (or if I were to provide it) as just an estimate. It gives you a general idea, but it’s not a precise science for home cooking. Just enjoy your ham in moderation and know you’re enjoying something made with love!
Share Your Maple Glazed Ham Experience
Well, there you have it! My go-to recipe for the best Maple Glazed Ham. I really hope you give this a try, whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something truly delicious. If you make it, please come back and tell me how it went! I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. Did you add pineapple? Did your house smell amazing (I bet it did!)? Don’t be shy – share your thoughts, rate the recipe, and maybe even share a pic on social media! Happy cooking!
Print
Secret to 1 perfect, sweet Maple Glazed Ham
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-14 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
A sweet and savory ham with a maple glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (7–10 lbs)
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place ham in a roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes per pound, basting with the remaining glaze every 20-30 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- For extra flavor, place pineapple slices or maraschino cherries on the ham before glazing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: maple glazed ham, ham recipe, holiday ham, baked ham, sweet ham