Classic Maple-Glazed Baked Ham
Maple-Glazed Baked Ham is a delightful centerpiece that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or special family dinners. The sweet and savory glaze adds a rich flavor to the ham, making it a memorable dish for any occasion.
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Ingredients for Classic Maple-Glazed Baked Ham
Ham: A whole bone-in ham is the star of this recipe, offering a rich and hearty flavor. The bone adds depth and moisture as it cooks.
Maple syrup: This provides the sweet, caramelized glaze that coats the ham beautifully. Make sure to use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the syrup.
Brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness and adds a caramel note to the glaze.
Cinnamon, cloves, and ginger: These spices bring warmth and a slight kick to the glaze, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Apple cider vinegar: Offers acidity to balance the sweetness and ensures the glaze isn’t too cloying.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance and bring out all the other flavors.
Classic Maple-Glazed Baked Ham Tips & Tricks
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Scoring the ham deeply helps the glaze penetrate and flavor the meat better.
- Letting the ham rest before carving will result in juicier slices.
Serving Ideas for Classic Maple-Glazed Baked Ham
This ham pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. If you’re serving it for a holiday meal, try adding a side of tangy cranberry sauce or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?
- Yes, a spiral-cut ham can work, but be cautious with glazing as it may dry out faster.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare the glaze up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.
Classic Maple-Glazed Baked Ham Recipe Walkthrough
Let's get started by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it heats up, you’ll want to score the surface of your ham. Use a sharp knife to create a diamond pattern across the top. This step isn’t just for show — it allows the glaze to really seep in.
Next, take a medium bowl and whisk together all your glaze ingredients: maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything’s nicely combined.
Place your ham on a rack in a roasting pan, and brush half of the glaze generously over the surface. Make sure to get into those scored lines for maximum flavor infusion. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and pop it in the oven.
After about 1.5 hours, it’s time for more glaze. Remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Continue baking for another 30-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it — you'll want to pull it out once the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C).
When it’s done, let the ham rest for a good 15 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to carve. Then, slice it up and serve!
Why This Classic Maple-Glazed Baked Ham Works
- A show-stopping centerpiece for your table.
- Sweet and savory glaze with a hint of spice.
- Simple preparation with minimal hands-on time.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 whole bone-in ham (7-9 lbs)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- 2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and place it on a rack in a roasting pan.
- 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- 4. Brush half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get into the scored lines.
- 5. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
- 6. Remove the foil, brush the remaining glaze over the ham, and continue to bake for another 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- 7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.