Go Back
- Fully cooked ham - Pure maple syrup - Brown sugar - Dijon mustard - Ground cinnamon - Ground cloves - Black pepper - Apple cider vinegar - Fresh herbs for garnish - Pineapple slices - Orange juice or zest - Additional spices (e.g., nutmeg) When you make Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham, gather all your ingredients first. This makes cooking smoother and more fun. You need a fully cooked ham, about 5 to 7 pounds. I like to use a bone-in ham for added flavor. Next, grab one cup of pure maple syrup. This syrup gives the ham a sweet, rich taste. Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel flavor. Pack one cup of it tightly. For a little tang, you’ll need a quarter cup of Dijon mustard. It balances the sweetness well. Next, use ground cinnamon and ground cloves. You will need one teaspoon of cinnamon and half a teaspoon of cloves. These spices add warmth and depth to the glaze. Don't forget the black pepper! You’ll only need a quarter teaspoon. It gives a hint of spice that works well with the sweet flavors. For a bit of acidity, grab a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar. This adds brightness and helps balance the dish. Lastly, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme make a beautiful garnish. They add color and fresh aroma to the dish. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider optional ingredients. Pineapple slices can add a tropical twist. Orange juice or zest brings a nice citrus note. You can also try extra spices like nutmeg for an interesting depth. With all these ingredients ready, you're set to create a fantastic dish that will impress your family and friends! - Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This helps cook the ham evenly. - Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. This keeps it juicy. - In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. - Heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir it until the sugar dissolves. This takes about 3 to 5 minutes. - Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the ham. Make sure to coat it evenly. - Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. - Check the internal temperature. It should reach 140°F (60°C). Baste with additional glaze every 30 minutes. - In the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil. This helps the glaze caramelize and become sticky. - Once done, take the ham out of the oven. Let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. To make the glaze sticky, focus on the heat. Cook it gently to blend the flavors. Stir well until the sugar dissolves fully. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. If you want a sweeter glaze, add more brown sugar or maple syrup. For less sweetness, reduce these ingredients slightly. Baking time may vary based on ham size. A 5-7 pound ham takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for safety. Baste the ham every 30 minutes for the best flavor and moisture. Arrange sliced ham artfully on a large platter. Drizzle any leftover glaze over the top. This adds shine and flavor. For a pop of color, use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme as a garnish. Place them near the ham or sprinkle them on top. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham by adding citrus. Try using orange juice or lemon zest in your glaze. This adds a bright, fresh taste. The citrus cuts through the sweetness and adds balance. You can also add spices for more depth. Think about using nutmeg or allspice. Just a pinch can give a warm, cozy feel. Mix and match these flavors to create your own unique glaze. Using spiral-sliced ham is a great option. It allows for even cooking and easy serving. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time. A smaller ham cooks faster than a larger one. Always check the internal temperature to be safe. If you choose a bone-in ham, it takes longer to cook. Plan for about 15 to 20 minutes per pound. A meat thermometer helps ensure your ham is done. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). If you want a different taste, use honey instead of maple syrup. Honey gives a lovely floral note and works well with the other flavors. You may need to adjust the amount of honey since it's sweeter than maple syrup. You can also swap brown sugar for coconut sugar if you're looking for a healthier option. It adds a subtle caramel flavor. Just keep in mind that the color of the glaze may change slightly. Experiment with these variations to find your perfect match! To store leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the ham moist and fresh. Store it in the fridge. Use the leftover ham within three to five days for best taste. For long-term storage, you can freeze the ham. Slice it into portions for easier use later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped ham in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. To thaw, move the ham to the fridge a day before using. For reheating, you can warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through. Stored in the fridge, ham lasts three to five days. In the freezer, it can last up to six months. Signs of spoilage include a sour smell, slimy texture, or discoloration. If you notice these signs, it's best to discard the ham. Always trust your senses when checking food freshness. The best ham for glazing is a fully cooked ham. Look for a bone-in or spiral-sliced ham. These types hold moisture well and allow the glaze to soak in. Bone-in hams add flavor, while spiral-sliced hams are easy to serve. Both options work great for my maple brown sugar glaze. Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time. Simply mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. When ready, just warm it on the stove before using. This saves time on busy days and makes dinner prep easier. To check if the ham is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. Once it reaches the proper temperature, your ham is ready to serve. - Is it necessary to baste the ham during cooking? Basting the ham is not necessary, but it helps add flavor. Every 30 minutes, brush more glaze over the ham. This keeps the glaze sticky and flavorful, creating a beautiful caramelized surface. - Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe? Yes, you can use a slow cooker for this recipe. Simply place the ham in the slow cooker and pour the glaze over it. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This method makes the ham tender and juicy. Just ensure to check the internal temperature to confirm it is cooked through. In this post, we covered how to glaze a ham with a tasty recipe. You learned about the right ingredients, preparation, and baking steps. Plus, I shared tips for perfecting your glaze and enhancing flavors. Don’t forget the storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. Whether for a holiday feast or a family dinner, this dish will impress your guests. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Enjoy every bite you prepare!

Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Impress your guests this holiday season with a delicious Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham that steals the show! This easy recipe combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and brown sugar for a perfectly caramelized finish. With just a few simple ingredients and clear steps, you can create a mouthwatering centerpiece for your table. Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for serving up a stunning glazed ham that your family will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 fully cooked ham (about 5-7 pounds)

1 cup pure maple syrup

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

    Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.

      In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well blended, about 3-5 minutes.

        Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.

          Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), basting with additional glaze every 30 minutes.

            In the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and become sticky.

              Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 2 hr 15 min | Serves 12

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the sliced ham on a large platter, drizzle with any remaining glaze, and garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.