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.
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.
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.
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.