Maple-Glazed Holiday Ham

Maple-glazed holiday ham brings back memories of the first big dinner I ever hosted. I was nervous and determined to make something memorable without driving myself out of control in the kitchen. A friend suggested glazing a pre-cooked spiral ham with a maple-based sauce, and it changed everything for me. That sweet sticky glaze, the aroma filling my kitchen, and the ease of serving something so show-stopping it all made the day feel special without the stress.

Now, this ham is my centerpiece for every big holiday gathering. What I love most is how the maple syrup caramelizes over the surface and seeps into every slice, balancing the saltiness of the ham beautifully. It’s simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious and it gets people gathered around the table in no time, fork in hand and ready for seconds.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Spiral-cut ham – Already cooked and sliced which makes serving easy and ensures every slice gets coated in glaze
• Maple syrup – Adds rich natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven
• Brown sugar – Deepens the sweetness and helps form a sticky, glossy crust
• Dijon mustard – Brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness
• Apple cider vinegar – Adds acidity and brightness to the glaze
• Ground cloves – Warm and aromatic and perfect for holiday flavor
• Black pepper – Adds a hint of spice to round out the sweet and savory notes
• Fresh herbs (optional) – For garnish and a festive finish on the serving platter

Tools You’ll Need

• Roasting pan – Holds the ham and catches any glaze drips
• Aluminum foil – Helps cover the ham to keep it moist in the beginning of baking
• Basting brush or spoon – For coating the ham evenly with the maple glaze
• Small saucepan – Used to cook and thicken the glaze before applying
• Meat thermometer – Ensures the ham is heated through without overcooking
• Sharp carving knife – For clean and easy slicing at the table
• Serving platter – To beautifully present your finished ham surrounded by herbs or fruit

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I start by preheating my oven to 325°F (165°C). I set the spiral ham cut-side down in a roasting pan and cover it loosely with foil.

Step 2: Warm the Ham

I bake the covered ham for about 10 minutes per pound. For a typical 8–10 lb ham, that’s around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Maple Glaze

While the ham warms up, I combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, and black pepper in a small saucepan. I simmer it over medium heat for about 5–8 minutes, stirring until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Glaze and Roast

I remove the foil and begin brushing the ham with the maple glaze, making sure to get it into the sliced layers. I continue baking uncovered, basting with more glaze every 10–15 minutes for about 30–40 minutes, until it’s deeply golden and sticky.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once the ham is caramelized and heated to at least 140°F internally, I take it out and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. Then I transfer it to a serving platter and garnish with orange slices and fresh herbs for a festive touch.

Tips

I recommend using 100% pure maple syrup for the best flavor it makes a big difference! If your ham isn’t pre-sliced, you can score it in a crosshatch pattern to let the glaze soak in. And if you like a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the glaze gives it a gentle kick. You can also make the glaze ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Ways to Serve

This maple-glazed holiday ham is perfect for serving warm as the star of your holiday dinner. I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and homemade dinner rolls. Leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, or diced into soups and casseroles. You can even serve it cold with cheese and pickles on a charcuterie board the next day it’s a surprisingly versatile centerpiece!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bone-in ham for maple-glazed holiday ham?

Yes! A bone-in ham works beautifully and adds extra flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly based on weight.

Does the maple glaze burn?

Not if you baste often and keep an eye on it. I start with foil on, then glaze in the last 30–40 minutes uncovered.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

You can, but the flavor will be slightly different. Maple has a deeper, richer sweetness perfect for ham.

How do I store leftovers from maple-glazed holiday ham?

Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a little extra glaze or broth.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope this maple-glazed holiday ham brings the same joy to your table as it has to mine. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or keeping it cozy, this recipe is a beautiful, flavorful centerpiece that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Don’t forget to save it for your next holiday menu I’d love to hear how it turned out!

Happy Cooking!

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