Elevate your holiday table with this exquisite Maple Glazed Ham, featuring a homemade glaze that truly sets it apart. Say goodbye to bland, sugary pre-packaged mixes and hello to a culinary masterpiece!
Holidays often bring cherished traditions, especially when it comes to the dinner table. While I sometimes enjoy venturing into non-traditional menus – perhaps chicken instead of ham for Easter, or pasta in place of potatoes – my husband holds a deep appreciation for classic holiday meals. And since I usually orchestrate our weekly dinners, I find myself embracing the tradition of serving a magnificent ham for Easter.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a perfectly cooked ham; in fact, it’s a staple for many festive occasions. My personal preference just leans towards enjoying it for other celebrations like the Fourth of July. However, when it comes to Easter, a beautifully glazed ham takes center stage, and this recipe ensures it’s an unforgettable experience.
Crafting the Ultimate Holiday Ham: Why This Recipe Shines
If you’re seeking a show-stopping ham recipe this year, you’ve come to the right place. While I have a few fantastic options up my sleeve – including an incredibly easy Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Ham (just be careful not to overcook it!) – today’s highlight is a classic oven-roasted method that promises unparalleled flavor and tenderness.
What truly distinguishes this ham is the sensational homemade glaze. Unlike the often artificial and overly sweet glazes found in pre-packaged mixes, our recipe empowers you to create a vibrant, complex glaze from scratch. This isn’t just a simple coating; it’s a flavor infusion that transforms an ordinary ham into an extraordinary culinary delight.
The Secret to an Irresistible Glaze
Our custom glaze masterfully blends the rich sweetness of maple syrup and dark brown sugar with unexpected, yet perfectly balanced, elements. Whole-grain mustard introduces a delightful tang and subtle heat, cutting through the sweetness and adding depth. Cinnamon and apple jelly contribute warm, fruity notes, creating a symphony of flavors that will intrigue and delight your palate. It might sound like an unconventional combination, but trust us – it comes together in perfect harmony, creating a truly addictive caramelized crust.
Ham is inherently a low-maintenance meat, and this recipe embraces that simplicity while maximizing flavor. The ham roasts gently in an oven bag, ensuring it stays incredibly moist and tender for a couple of hours. This crucial step prepares it perfectly for the grand finale: a generous smothering in our exquisite homemade glaze, followed by a hot bake to achieve that coveted, deeply caramelized, and utterly delicious exterior. The result is a succulent, tender, and flavorful ham that will be the star of any holiday gathering.
Choosing the Right Ham for Your Feast
For this recipe, a fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham is ideal. Spiral-sliced hams are pre-cut, making carving incredibly easy once it’s out of the oven. A 7-10 pound ham is perfect for feeding a large family or for enjoying delicious leftovers. When selecting your ham, look for one that is uniform in shape, which will ensure even cooking. Most spiral hams come with a glaze packet; you’ll want to discard this and rely solely on our superior homemade version.
The Oven Bag Advantage
Using an oven bag might seem like an extra step, but it’s a game-changer for moist ham. The bag traps steam and juices, preventing the ham from drying out during its initial slow roast. This method guarantees a juicy, tender interior, which is paramount before we even begin to caramelize the outer layer with our incredible glaze. It’s the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone craves.
What to Serve With This Decadent Ham
A glorious ham deserves equally delightful accompaniments. Here are some perfect pairings to complete your holiday meal:
- Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits: Serve warm, tender biscuits like these Buttermilk Biscuits or light and airy Cream Biscuits to soak up any extra glaze or ham juices.
- Crispy Homemade Baked Tater Tots: A fun and satisfying potato side that offers a delightful textural contrast.
- Classic Deviled Eggs: A timeless appetizer that complements the richness of the ham beautifully.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A holiday classic that pairs perfectly with almost any main course, especially a flavorful ham.
- Roasted Asparagus or Green Bean Casserole: Add a vibrant green vegetable side to balance the meal.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterpoint.
Maple Glazed Ham
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Ingredients
- 1 (7-10) pound spiral sliced ham
- 1 (12-ounce) jar apple jelly
- ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
- 1 cinnamon stick, broken into rough pieces
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
Instructions
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Remove the ham from its original packaging. Discard any glaze packet or plastic disk covering the bone. Carefully place the ham into a large oven bag and secure it closed with the provided tie. Cut four small slits (about 2 inches each) into the top of the oven bag to allow steam to escape during cooking. Transfer the bagged ham to a sturdy roasting pan and let it rest at room temperature for approximately 1 1/2 hours before baking. This step helps the ham cook more evenly.
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Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). Bake the ham for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until its internal temperature reaches about 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius). About an hour into the ham’s baking time, begin preparing the maple glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple jelly, 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar, maple syrup, whole-grain mustard, cinnamon stick, and ground nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently until the glaze becomes very thick and syrupy, typically around 45 minutes. Stir the glaze frequently as it simmers to prevent sticking and ensure even reduction; it should reduce to about 1/3 cup. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the butter until fully incorporated and smooth.
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In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of dark brown sugar with the dry mustard. This mixture will create a beautiful caramelized crust. Carefully remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. While the ham rests, increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Gently cut open the oven bag and peel it back, allowing it to fall to the bottom of the roasting pan so the entire ham is exposed. Using a pastry brush, generously paint the warm maple glaze evenly over the top and sides of the ham. Then, with clean hands, carefully press the brown sugar and dry mustard mixture onto the glazed exterior of the ham. Return the ham to the preheated 400-degree oven and bake for another 14-16 minutes, or until the glaze is beautifully dark brown and caramelized, creating a rich, glossy finish.
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Once baked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and succulent result with every slice.
Notes
Recommended Products
Tips for Success & Savory Leftovers
To ensure your Maple Glazed Ham is a roaring success, here are a few expert tips. First, don’t rush the resting time after removing the ham from the oven. The 15 minutes before carving are essential for the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. Slicing too early can lead to dry meat.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the glaze up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then gently reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s pourable and smooth before applying it to the ham. This little trick can significantly reduce your stress on a busy holiday cooking day.
Leftover ham is a treasure! Store any remaining ham slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This flavorful ham is fantastic in sandwiches, diced into omelets or quiches, or tossed into a pasta dish. You can even cube it and add it to a hearty split pea soup or a classic ham and bean soup for another comforting meal.
Recipe Source: adapted slightly from Cook’s Country April/May 2010