Maple-Honey Glazed Ham Recipe: Easy Holiday Ham Recipes for Crowd-Pleasing Dinners

Sweet and Savory Maple-Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Looking for delicious ham recipes that will impress your guests at your next holiday gathering? This maple-honey glazed ham combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why This Glazed Ham Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion

There’s something truly special about a beautifully glazed ham centerpiece that brings everyone to the table. This recipe transforms an ordinary ham into a mouthwatering masterpiece with a caramelized exterior and juicy, tender meat inside. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or simply Sunday dinner with family, this ham delivers amazing flavor without complicated techniques.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Servings: 20 servings
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dinner

Ingredients for the Perfect Glazed Ham

• 1 (10 pound) fully-cooked, bone-in ham
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Step-by-Step Ham Glazing Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove all packaging from the ham, including any plastic disc covering the bone.
3. Place ham on a rack set in a large roasting pan, flat side down.
4. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
5. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the roasting pan and cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Bake the ham for 1 hour and 30 minutes (about 9-10 minutes per pound).
7. While ham is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar.
8. Bring the glaze mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
9. After the initial baking time, remove the ham from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F (205°C).
10. Carefully remove the foil and brush half of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, working it into the scored cuts.
11. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes.
12. Brush the ham with the remaining glaze and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
13. Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
14. Transfer to a serving platter and spoon any glaze from the bottom of the pan over the sliced ham.

Expert Tips for Ham Success

• Choose the right ham: Look for a ham labeled “fully cooked” or “ready to eat.” Bone-in spiral-sliced hams work wonderfully with this glaze.
• Don’t skip the scoring: Creating that diamond pattern on the outside allows the glaze to seep into the meat for better flavor.
• Glaze multiple times: The secret to a beautifully caramelized exterior is applying the glaze in layers.
• Rest before slicing: Let the ham rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, tender slices.
• Save the bone: After serving, save the ham bone for making delicious soups or beans.

Nutritional Information

Serving Suggestions for Your Glazed Ham

This showstopping ham pairs beautifully with classic side dishes that complement its sweet and savory profile:

• Creamy scalloped potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Sweet potato casserole
• Fresh dinner rolls with butter
• Homemade mac and cheese
• Spring salad with light vinaigrette

Storing and Using Leftover Ham

One of the best parts about making a glazed ham is enjoying the leftovers! Here are some storage tips and creative ways to use them:

• Storage: Refrigerate leftover ham in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• Ham sandwiches: Layer thin slices with Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and lettuce on crusty bread.
• Breakfast dishes: Add diced ham to omelets, breakfast casseroles, or eggs Benedict.
• Soups and beans: Use the ham bone and meat scraps to flavor split pea soup or baked beans.
• Ham salad: Finely chop ham and mix with mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings for a delicious spread.

More Delicious Ham Recipes to Try

If you enjoy making homemade ham recipes, don’t stop with just this glazed version! There are many other delicious ways to prepare ham for your family gatherings and holiday meals.

This maple-honey glazed ham recipe is sure to become one of your favorite ham recipes for special occasions or whenever you’re craving a delicious, impressive main dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.