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Maple Glazed Ham

Maple Glazed Ham

This Maple Glazed Ham recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that creates a comforting and impressive main dish. Featuring a tender, juicy pre-cooked bone-in ham topped with a rich maple syrup glaze caramelized to perfection, it’s ideal for holidays, family dinners, or special occasions. Easy to prepare with straightforward ingredients, this recipe delivers a beautiful glossy finish and a deeply flavorful result.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pre-cooked bone-in ham (about 810 lbs)
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice or orange juice
  • Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Score the surface of the pre-cooked ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8 inch deep. If desired, stud the intersections with whole cloves for added flavor and decorative appeal.
  2. Make the Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and pineapple or orange juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Apply the Glaze: Place the ham in a roasting pan, skin side down. Generously brush the maple glaze all over the ham, ensuring the glaze seeps into the scored cuts for deeper flavor infusion.
  4. Bake and Baste: Bake the ham uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 20 to 30 minutes with additional glaze. This repeated glazing helps create a sticky, caramelized crust while keeping the meat moist.
  5. Finish and Rest: When the glaze has darkened beautifully and the ham’s internal temperature reaches about 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven. Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving, which locks in the juices and ensures tenderness.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature and avoid overcooking the ham.
  • Scoring the ham surface allows the glaze to penetrate more deeply and improves presentation.
  • Bake at a low temperature to ensure the ham stays juicy and tender.
  • Reserve any leftover glaze to warm and use as a drizzle on leftovers or sandwiches.
  • Choose pure, Grade A maple syrup for the best flavor and caramelization results.

Nutrition

Keywords: Maple glazed ham, holiday ham, baked ham, maple syrup glaze, easy ham recipe, gluten free ham recipe