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.
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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.
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.
- 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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Honey Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham recipe features a bone-in spiral-cut half ham coated with a sweet and tangy glaze made from honey, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Slow-baked and finished under the broiler for a caramelized finish, this dish is perfect for holiday meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Ham
- 8 pound bone-in spiral-cut half ham smoked or uncured
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F to prepare for slow baking the ham.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons honey, 1 cup pure maple syrup, and ½ cup Dijon mustard until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare Ham: Line a deep pan with parchment paper. Unwrap the 8 pound ham and place it flat-side down in the pan. Rub 2 tablespoons brown sugar all over the top and sides of the ham.
- Bake Ham: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake the ham for 15 minutes per pound, totaling about 2 hours for the 8-pound ham, until heated through.
- Broil with Glaze: Remove the ham from the oven and discard the foil. Set the oven to broil and pour the prepared glaze evenly over the ham. Return the ham uncovered to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, watching carefully to caramelize the glaze without burning it.
- Serve: Once caramelized, remove the ham from the oven, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- Choose a smoked or uncured bone-in spiral ham for best flavor and ease of slicing.
- Line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Watch closely during broiling to avoid burning the glaze.
- The baking time is calculated based on 15 minutes per pound to ensure the ham is heated fully without drying out.
- Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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