Name: Honey Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 pound bone-in spiral-cut half ham smoked or uncured; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 cup pure maple syrup; ½ cup Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons brown sugar

There’s something truly comforting about that sticky, sweet-savory shine on a perfectly baked ham—that’s exactly why you’ll want to try this Honey Maple Glazed Ham Recipe. The blend of honey, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard creates a glaze that’s irresistible and makes any holiday or family dinner feel extra special.

A stack of around eight pancakes is shown closely, each pancake having a golden-brown surface with some darker spots, indicating a light crispiness. Between and on top of the pancake layers are generous amount of light yellow syrup that is thick and glossy, slowly dripping down the sides. The edges of the pancakes are soft and slightly uneven, with the syrup pooling a little at the base. The whole stack sits on a white plate, which is placed on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to admit, this Honey Maple Glazed Ham Recipe has become my go-to for celebrations. It’s not just about a ham on the table; it’s about the magic that glaze adds, making every bite burst with flavor. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple!

Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The honey and maple syrup pair beautifully with tangy Dijon, creating a glaze that’s rich but never overpowering.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s in the oven, you have plenty of time to relax or prepare sides—no constant basting required.
Striking Presentation: That glossy, caramelized finish will have your guests asking for seconds (or thirds!).
Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive for holiday feasts.

A sliced pile of roast ham with a shiny, caramel brown color sits on a dark tray, showing many layers of juicy, tender meat arranged in a semi-fanned pattern. A woman's hand holds a small clear jar of bright yellow sauce while another woman's hand uses a spoon to pour the thick sauce slowly over the top of the ham, letting it drip down the sides. The background is a white marbled texture with simple white tile details visible behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe relies on a few simple ingredients that come together in a way that’s both classic and unforgettable. Each component plays an important role in flavor and texture—plus, most of these are pantry staples you probably already have.

Flat lay of a fresh bone-in spiral-cut half ham with natural pink and brown tones, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl holding rich amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, and a small white ceramic bowl with moist light brown granulated brown sugar, all ingredients placed in perfect symmetry with realistic proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bone-in spiral-cut ham: The spiral cut lets the glaze seep into every slice, keeping the ham juicy and flavorful without extra slicing.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps thicken the glaze with a lovely sheen.
Pure maple syrup: Its deep, caramel notes give the ham an autumnal richness that balances the honey's floral sweetness.
Dijon mustard: Gives a tangy kick that cuts through all the sweetness and keeps the flavors interesting.
Brown sugar: Provides caramelization and a bit of crunch on the ham’s surface when broiled.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Honey Maple Glazed Ham Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the sweetness or add a little spice, it’s all up to you!

Spicy Twist: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika to the glaze when I’m feeling adventurous—it gives a subtle warmth that pairs so well with the sweet maple.
Herbal Notes: Try scattering fresh rosemary or thyme over the ham before baking to infuse some fresh earthy aromas.
Less Sweet: If you prefer milder sweetness, swap half the maple syrup for orange juice to add citrus brightness without extra sugar.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Ham and Glaze

Start by preheating your oven to 275°F—low and slow is the key. While it warms up, whisk together the honey, pure maple syrup, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Make sure you stir until smooth and well combined, then pop it in the fridge so the flavors meld while the ham cooks.

Step 2: Setting Up for Baking

Line a deep roasting pan with parchment paper to catch drips and keep things tidy. Place your spiral-cut ham flat side down—it helps keep the shape and lets the glaze pool nicely on top. Rub the brown sugar all over the ham’s surface. This little step adds a caramelized crunch later—trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 3: Slow Bake to Perfection

Cover the pan tightly with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake about 15 minutes per pound—so for an 8-pound ham, plan on about 2 hours. This method gently heats the ham through without drying it out. No need to baste; the foil seals in moisture beautifully.

Step 4: Glazing and Broiling Magic

Once baked, take the ham out and remove the foil. Crank your oven to broil and generously pour the chilled glaze all over the top. Pop it back in uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—this step caramelizes the glaze and gives the ham that mouthwatering, glossy finish.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

After broiling, let the ham rest a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute—this keeps every slice moist. Then slice along the spiral cut, serve, and watch it disappear faster than you thought possible!

Top Tip

From my experience making this glaze, a few little tweaks make a big difference to the final ham — here are my top tricks to ensure yours turns out fantastic every time.

Let the glaze chill: Refrigerating the glaze before use helps it thicken slightly and blend flavors, so it sticks better on the ham.
Watch the broil closely: That final glaze caramelizes quickly—stay nearby and don’t walk away or it can burn in seconds.
Use parchment paper: Lining the pan with it makes cleanup a breeze and prevents that sticky glaze mess from roasting pans.
Rest after broiling: Give the ham a good rest before slicing to keep it juicy and let the glaze set perfectly.

How to Serve Honey Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

Honey Maple Glazed Ham - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the sliced ham—it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze. Sometimes a few orange zest curls add a brightness that wakes up the richness, especially for holiday meals.

Side Dishes

This ham pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a classic green bean almondine. For a twist, I love serving it alongside sweet potato casserole or a tangy cranberry relish to complement the glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try arranging the sliced ham on a large wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruits like apple slices, pomegranate seeds, and nuts. It makes the meal feel festive and inviting, perfect for family gatherings or holiday brunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover ham tightly in foil and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. That way, it stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days—perfect for quick sandwiches or a hearty breakfast.

Freezing

Freezing ham slices works great too! Lay the slices flat between sheets of parchment paper, then pack them into a freezer-safe bag. Frozen ham can keep for 2-3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I gently warm the ham in the oven at 275°F wrapped in foil with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on thickness—perfect for reheating without overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?

Absolutely! A boneless ham will work, but keep in mind that a bone-in ham tends to have more flavor and retains moisture better during cooking.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning under the broiler?

Keep a close eye on the ham while broiling, as the sugars in the glaze can burn quickly. Broil in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, checking frequently, and rotate the pan if needed for even caramelization.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! Making the glaze a day ahead allows the flavors to deepen, and it’s convenient when you’re prepping multiple dishes. Just keep it covered in the fridge until ready to use.

What sides pair best with honey maple glazed ham?

Sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, sweet potato casserole, and green beans are classic choices. Cranberry sauce or a fresh fruit salad can also brighten the plate and complement the ham’s sweetness beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Maple Glazed Ham Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a way to bring some warmth and joy to your table, no matter the occasion. I promise, once you taste that sticky, caramelized glaze with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, you’ll want to make it again and again. Give it a try, and watch how it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen and yours too!