Okay, so listen up! If you’re looking for that showstopping, everyone-asks-for-the-recipe kind of dish for a holiday dinner or just a really special Sunday meal, this Maple Glazed Ham is IT. Seriously. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet and savory that just makes your taste buds sing. I remember the first time I made this particular Maple Glazed Ham – it was for a big family Easter, and I was a little nervous trying a new recipe. But honestly? It was SO easy, and the smell filling the house as it baked was just incredible. Like, instant cozy, happy memories smell.

This isn’t one of those complicated recipes that takes all day and a million steps. We’re talking minimal prep, a super simple glaze you can whip up in minutes, and then mostly just letting the oven do the work. You get this gorgeous, glossy ham with sticky, caramelized edges and a juicy inside. Trust me, when you carve into this beautiful Maple Glazed Ham, you’ll feel like a total kitchen hero. It’s become my absolute go-to for any gathering, big or small, because it’s always a guaranteed hit. Ready to make some magic happen?

Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Ham

Okay, so why is *this* Maple Glazed Ham recipe the one you need in your life? Simple! It’s just ridiculously good and makes life easy, especially when you’ve got a million other things going on. Seriously, here’s the lowdown:

It tastes AMAZING. Like, truly, deeply satisfying.
It’s surprisingly simple to make – perfect for holidays or any time you want something special without the stress.
It feeds a crowd and makes fantastic leftovers (sandwiches, anyone?).
That gorgeous glaze makes it look like you put in way more effort than you did!

The Irresistible Flavor of Maple Glazed Ham

The real magic here is that glaze. We’re not talking sickly sweet; it’s a beautiful dance between the rich, warm maple syrup and the tangy kick from the Dijon mustard, all balanced by the brown sugar and just a hint of spice from the cloves. It caramelizes onto the ham as it bakes, creating these sticky, flavorful bits that are just divine. Sweet and savory perfection!

Essential Equipment for Perfect Maple Glazed Ham

You don’t need a fancy kitchen full of gadgets to make amazing Maple Glazed Ham, but there are a couple of things that really help. First off, you’ll definitely need a good, sturdy roasting pan. It should be big enough to hold your ham comfortably, maybe with a rack if you have one (helps with air circulation and even cooking!). You’ll also want a small bowl and a whisk for whipping up that glorious maple glaze. And super important? A reliable meat thermometer is your best friend here to make sure your Maple Glazed Ham is cooked perfectly and safely.

Ingredients for Your Maple Glazed Ham

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! This Maple Glazed Ham doesn’t need a whole pantry takeover, which is another reason I love it. You probably have most of this stuff already! Here’s what you’ll need to get that perfect sweet and savory balance:

1 bone-in ham: We’ll talk more about picking the right one in a sec, but make sure it’s fully cooked!
1 cup pure maple syrup: Please, please, please use *real* maple syrup here! None of that corn syrup stuff. It makes a huge difference in the flavor of your Maple Glazed Ham.
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: This adds that lovely deep sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully. Make sure it’s packed down in the measuring cup!
1/4 cup smooth Dijon mustard: This is key for cutting through the sweetness and adding a little tang. Don’t skip it!
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Just a tiny pinch adds a wonderful warm spice note that complements the maple and ham.

See? Simple, right? These basic things come together to create something really special for your Maple Glazed Ham.

Selecting the Best Ham for Maple Glazed Ham

Choosing the right ham is pretty important for your Maple Glazed Ham success. I always go for a bone-in, fully cooked ham. Why bone-in? Well, the bone adds flavor as it heats up, and honestly, it just looks more impressive on the table! A spiral-cut ham is fantastic too because those pre-cut slices let the glaze really get in there and coat everything. Just make sure whatever you pick says “fully cooked” on the label – that means you’re just heating it through and adding that glorious glaze, not actually cooking raw pork.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Maple Glazed Ham

Alright, let’s get this beautiful Maple Glazed Ham in the oven! Don’t overthink it, these steps are really straightforward. We’re going to get that ham ready, whip up the glaze, and then let the heat and time do their thing. It’s mostly hands-off, which is perfect for when you’re juggling other things (or just want to relax!).

First things first, preheat your oven. We want it at a nice, steady 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Low and slow is the name of the game for juicy ham.
Pop your ham into your roasting pan. If you have a rack, use it! It helps the heat circulate evenly around the ham.
Now for the good stuff – the glaze! We’ll mix that up in a sec.
Once your glaze is ready, pour about half of it all over the ham. Get it into all those little crevices if it’s spiral cut!
Slide that pan into the preheated oven.
Now, here’s where you pay a little attention: you’ll bake it for about 15-20 minutes per pound. BUT the important part is the temperature inside. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) because it’s a fully cooked ham, we’re just heating it up.
Every 20-30 minutes while it’s baking, open up the oven carefully and baste the ham with the glaze that’s dripped into the bottom of the pan. This keeps it moist and builds up that beautiful sticky coating.
Once it hits that 140°F mark, take it out of the oven.
Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for about 15 minutes before you start slicing. This resting time is crucial for keeping the ham super juicy!

See? Totally doable! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect Maple Glazed Ham ready to impress.

Crafting the Perfect Maple Glazed Ham Glaze

Okay, the glaze for this Maple Glazed Ham is so easy it feels like cheating, but it makes such a big impact! Grab your small bowl and a whisk. Pour in that beautiful pure maple syrup. Add the packed light brown sugar, the tangy Dijon mustard, and just a little sprinkle of ground cloves. Whisk it all together until everything is nicely combined and the brown sugar has mostly dissolved. You want it smooth and pourable, but it will thicken up a bit as it bakes onto the ham. That’s it! Your liquid gold for this amazing Maple Glazed Ham is ready.

Baking Your Maple Glazed Ham to Perfection

Baking your Maple Glazed Ham is really about gentle heat and patience. Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 325°F. Place that ham in your roasting pan, preferably on a rack. Pour that first layer of glaze over it, getting it everywhere. Into the oven it goes! Now, set a timer to remind you to baste. Every 20-30 minutes, open the oven (carefully, hot steam!), scoop up the glaze from the bottom of the pan, and spoon it all over the ham. This is how you build that gorgeous, sticky crust. Keep baking and basting until your meat thermometer reads 140°F when inserted into the thickest part of the ham, away from the bone. Don’t rush this part! The internal temp is key for a perfectly heated and juicy Maple Glazed Ham.

Tips for the Best Maple Glazed Ham

Want to take your Maple Glazed Ham from great to absolutely *unforgettable*? I’ve picked up a few little tricks along the way. First, consider scoring the ham before you put it in the pan. Just make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern all over the surface. This isn’t just for looks; it helps that amazing maple glaze really soak into the ham as it bakes! Also, don’t be shy with the basting. Those drippings in the pan are liquid flavor gold, and spooning them back over the ham is what gives you that beautiful, sticky, caramelized crust. And hey, if you have some pineapple rings or maraschino cherries hanging around, toss them in the pan around the ham during the last hour of baking. They add a little extra moisture and a lovely sweet and tangy note to the drippings, which makes the basting even better for your Maple Glazed Ham!

Serving Your Delicious Maple Glazed Ham

Once your gorgeous Maple Glazed Ham has rested and you’ve carved it, get ready for the applause! This ham is the star, but it plays beautifully with so many classic sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, maybe some sweet potato casserole, or even just a simple salad. Arrange the slices nicely on a platter, maybe pour a little extra glaze over them if you have any left (or scoop up some of those delicious pan drippings!). It looks beautiful, smells incredible, and tastes even better. Get ready to enjoy the fruits of your not-so-hard labor!

Storing and Reheating Maple Glazed Ham

Okay, if by some miracle you actually have leftover Maple Glazed Ham (it’s rare in my house!), make sure you store it properly. Let it cool down completely, then wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, my favorite way is to slice off what you need, add a splash of water or broth to the pan, cover it, and warm it gently in the oven or even a skillet. This keeps it from drying out and keeps that delicious Maple Glazed Ham flavor perfect!

Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Glazed Ham

Got a few questions buzzing in your head about making this amazing Maple Glazed Ham? Totally normal! Here are some common ones I get asked, hopefully they help you feel extra confident in the kitchen.

Can I Make Maple Glazed Ham Ahead of Time?

Okay, you can definitely get a head start! You can mix up the maple glaze up to a day or two in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just give it a quick whisk before pouring it over the ham. Easy peasy!

What if My Maple Glazed Ham Glaze is Too Thick?

Sometimes glazes can thicken up, especially if it’s been sitting. If your Maple Glazed Ham glaze seems a little too thick to pour and baste easily, don’t panic! Just add a tiny splash of hot water or even a little orange juice (if you have it!) and whisk until it’s the right consistency again. Problem solved!

How Long Does Leftover Maple Glazed Ham Last?

If you manage to have any leftover Maple Glazed Ham, it’s a treasure! Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should be good for about 3 to 4 days. Perfect for sandwiches, ham and eggs, or adding to soups and casseroles!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Okay, so while we’re all about that delicious flavor, it’s good to have an idea of what’s in a serving of this Maple Glazed Ham, right? Based on typical values for ham and the glaze ingredients, you’re looking at around 350 calories, about 15g of fat (with 5g saturated), 25g of protein, and around 28g of carbs per 4-ounce serving. Just remember, these are estimates! Things like the exact cut of ham, the brand of maple syrup, and how much glaze you actually eat can shift these numbers a bit. But it gives you a good ballpark idea!

Share Your Maple Glazed Ham Experience

Alright, you’ve made it! I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your Maple Glazed Ham turned out. Did everyone rave about it? What sides did you serve? Please pop down in the comments below and let me know! Your feedback helps me and other home cooks too. Happy cooking!

Amazing 1-Cup Maple Glazed Ham You Need

Author: goforecipes.com
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A sweet and savory ham glazed with maple syrup and brown sugar.

Ingredients

Scale

1 bone-in ham
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).
Place ham in a roasting pan.
In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves.
Pour glaze over the ham.
Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
Baste the ham with the glaze every 20-30 minutes during baking.
Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

You can score the ham before glazing to allow the glaze to penetrate deeper.
Add pineapple rings or cherries to the pan for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 ounces
Calories: 350
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: maple glazed ham, ham, holiday ham, baked ham, maple ham