Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Try our maple brown sugar glazed ham recipe for a juicy, flavorful centerpiece that’s perfect for Easter or Christmas.
Best Brown Sugar Ham Recipe
There’s something really wonderful about a great holiday centerpiece, and this maple brown sugar glazed ham delivers all the flavor and presentation you need for a memorable Easter or Christmas dinner.
With its sticky-sweet glaze and tender, juicy meat, this oven baked ham recipe has become a family favorite in our house. The blend of brown sugar, maple syrup, and spices creates a flavor that’s perfectly balanced. It’s not too sweet and has just the right amount of savory.
If you’re planning a holiday menu, consider rounding it out with sides like Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Beans Almondine, or Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a meal everyone will love.
Brown Sugar Ham Glaze
Let’s talk about how easy it is to make a glaze for ham! The brown sugar glaze is what makes this recipe shine. A blend of brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, orange juice, and warm spices creates a caramelized coating that’s sweet, tangy, and full of flavor.
Tips for the Glaze
- Consistency Matters: Simmer the glaze until it thickens slightly, but don’t let it heat too long. A runny glaze will slide off the ham, while a too-thick glaze won’t spread easily. Aim for a syrup-like consistency.
- Brush Generously: Apply the glaze multiple times during the last 45 minutes of baking. Each layer caramelizes, adding flavor and a beautiful sheen to your ham.
- Score the Ham: Scoring the ham in a diamond pattern allows the glaze to seep into the meat, ensuring flavors has an opportunity to flavor it nicely.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Holiday Ham
Baking a ham doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to make sure it comes out perfect every time!
- Don’t Overbake: A fully cooked ham only needs to be warmed to 135-140°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy and check the packaging for the exact temperature.
- Baste with Pan Juices: Add more flavor by spooning pan juices over the ham during the baking process.
- Plan Ahead: Make the glaze a day in advance and refrigerate it. Warm it before applying to the ham.
What type and size of ham should I use for this recipe?
For this recipe, a fully cooked bone-in ham is a good choice. A spiral-cut ham works wonderfully, too. It’s already pre-sliced, making it easy for the glaze to seep between the layers.
As for size, aim for a ham that’s 8-10 pounds, which is perfect for feeding 8-10 people with some leftovers. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, simply adjust the glaze recipe for a smaller ham or freeze leftover portions for later.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, reheat the glaze in a saucepan over low heat until it’s smooth and pourable.
Can I make this ham for occasions other than Christmas?
Absolutely! This maple brown sugar glazed ham isn’t just a Christmas recipe. It’s perfect for Easter, family gatherings, or even Sunday dinners when you want something special. If you’re making it outside of the holiday season, you might want to adjust the flavor profile to match the time of year.
What can I do about the warming spices if it’s not the holidays?
The warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg bring a holiday feel to the glaze, but they can easily be adjusted or omitted for a lighter, more versatile flavor. Here are a few alternatives:
- Spring or Summer: Replace the spices with a touch of freshly grated ginger or orange zest for brightness.
- Anytime of Year: Skip the spices altogether and let the maple syrup, brown sugar, and orange juice shine on their own.
- Lots of Savory Flavor: Add a teaspoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the glaze for a more savory-sweet balance.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.
More Pork Recipes to Try
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Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in whole ham, or spiral ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham cut side down in a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan lined with foil to make cleanup easier.1 fully cooked bone-in whole ham
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.1 ¼ cups light brown sugar½ cup maple syrup¼ cup Dijon mustard¼ cup orange juice½ teaspoon ground cinnamon¼ teaspoon ground cloves¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Score the Ham (Optional): If you're using a whole ham, score the surface in a diamond pattern about ¼ -inch deep.
- Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This typically takes 1 ½ to 2 ½ hours.
- Apply the Glaze: About 45 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil. Brush the ham generously with the glaze, then continue baking uncovered. Reapply the glaze every 10-15 minutes, allowing it to caramelize on the surface.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For a main dish, plan for about ¾ to 1 pound of ham per person, which accounts for the bone and any leftovers.
- For smaller servings, when paired with multiple side dishes, you can aim for about ½ pound per person.
- In regards to the nutrition facts, we opted for ½ pound per serving.