Spiced Maple Ham Glaze

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 10
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This Spiced Maple Ham Glaze is your go-to recipe for adding a touch of sweet, spicy warmth to any ham dish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy Sunday dinner, this glaze is a flavorful twist that elevates your ham to a whole new level.

Ingredients for Spiced Maple Ham Glaze

The star of this glaze is maple syrup, which provides a rich sweetness. We balance that with apple cider vinegar for a slight tang. The Dijon mustard adds depth and a hint of spice, while ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger bring in warm, aromatic flavors. Light brown sugar enhances the sweetness, and a bit of unsalted butter gives the glaze a silky texture. Finally, salt and black pepper round out the flavors, ensuring the glaze isn't too sweet.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your glaze is too thick, thin it with a little extra apple cider vinegar.
  • For a caramelized finish, brush the glaze on the ham during the last 20 minutes of baking.
  • Double the recipe if you're working with a larger ham or want extra sauce for serving.

Serving Suggestions

This glaze pairs beautifully with a traditional baked ham. Consider serving it alongside roasted root vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness. A glass of crisp white wine, like Chardonnay, complements the flavors nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can make the glaze up to two days ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before using.
What if I don't have maple syrup?
Honey or agave nectar can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Spiced Maple Ham Glaze Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a medium saucepan. Pour in your maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Add the ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.

Next, toss in the light brown sugar and unsalted butter. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar dissolves and the glaze starts to simmer.

Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Let the glaze simmer gently for about 10 minutes. Stir it occasionally. You're looking for it to thicken just a bit. Once it reaches the right consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before glazing your ham.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with minimal ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Quick to prepare, saving you time during busy holidays.
  • Versatile enough to use on other meats or vegetables.

Ingredients

1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger.
2. Add light brown sugar, unsalted butter, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the glaze simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using it to glaze your ham.

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