Christmas Recipe! Maple-Glazed Roast Ham with Holiday Spices

When the holiday season rolls around, nothing beats the warm and inviting smell of a beautifully roasted ham filling your home.

Maple-glazed roast ham with holiday spices is a timeless recipe that brings sweetness, warmth, and savory flavors together in one delicious dish.

Whether you’re cooking for a large family gathering or just a cozy evening, this ham recipe will be a showstopper.

In this blog post, I'll guide you through making this holiday classic, share some helpful tips to ensure your ham is perfectly roasted, and provide suggestions to elevate your dish with flavors that celebrate the season.

Maple Glazed Ham - BEST Ham Glaze ever!

Why Choose a Maple-Glazed Ham?

A maple-glazed ham combines the natural sweetness of maple syrup with the salty, smoky richness of the meat. This balance of flavors is what makes it a popular choice for holiday meals. The addition of spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg adds depth and warmth, turning a simple ham into a festive masterpiece.

Pro Tip: Always opt for pure maple syrup rather than artificial varieties. The rich, natural sweetness of pure syrup makes a huge difference in the final flavor of the glaze.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Maple-Glazed Ham

Before diving into the recipe, here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients that will make this ham unforgettable:

• Bone-in ham (around 8-10 pounds)
• Pure maple syrup (1 cup)
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup)
• Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons)
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon)
• Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)
• Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Maple-Glazed Roast Ham

Follow this easy step-by-step process to prepare your maple-glazed ham for the holidays:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place your ham, fat side up, in a roasting pan lined with foil to make cleanup easier later.
2. Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only makes the ham look beautiful but allows the glaze to seep into the meat.
3. Stud with cloves (optional): If you're using whole cloves, insert them into the intersection points of the diamond cuts. This adds an aromatic, festive touch.
4. Prepare the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Glaze the ham: Brush about half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to cover it evenly. This first layer of glaze will help caramelize the surface as it bakes.
6. Roast the ham: Place the ham in the oven and roast it for about 15 minutes per pound. This means an 8-pound ham will take approximately 2 hours. Baste the ham with more glaze every 30 minutes to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.
7. Final glaze: About 20 minutes before the ham is done, brush on the remaining glaze to create a glossy, caramelized finish.
8. Rest the ham: Once the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every slice tender and juicy.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the ham: A common mistake is overcooking, which can dry out the ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the ideal internal temperature of 140°F for fully cooked hams.
• Keep the ham moist: Regular basting is key to a moist ham. Every 30 minutes, brush on more glaze or use the pan juices to keep the surface from drying out.
• Use the right ham: Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and moist compared to boneless varieties. The bone also helps the ham cook more evenly.

How to Serve Your Maple-Glazed Ham

Now that your ham is perfectly glazed and roasted, it’s time to serve it in style! Slice thin pieces and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and maybe even a few orange slices for a festive touch.

Pairings: This sweet and savory ham pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and even a light salad to balance out the richness. For drinks, try serving it with a crisp white wine or even a glass of apple cider to complement the flavors.

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover ham (though it’s hard to imagine you will!), store it properly to enjoy for the next few days. Wrap the ham tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Leftover ham is fantastic in sandwiches, soups, or even as a topping for salads.

Pro Tip: If you’re not planning to use all the leftovers within a few days, you can freeze the ham for up to two months. Just be sure to slice it before freezing so you can easily thaw and reheat small portions when needed.

Making a maple-glazed roast ham with holiday spices is a great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

The combination of sweet maple syrup, warm spices, and succulent ham will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it also fills your home with the cozy aromas of the holidays.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to follow and guarantees delicious results every time.

So, get ready to wow your family and friends this holiday season with this perfect maple-glazed ham!

Let me know in the comments how your ham turned out and if you have any secret ingredients or tips to share!

Enjoy this Easy video tutorial about Ham Glaze

Source: RecipeTin Eats

Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Save THIS PIN to your Cooking Board on Pinterest!