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There is something truly magical about a perfectly glazed ham that brings warmth and cheer to any gathering, and this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to share with friends and family. The harmonious blend of sweet maple syrup and honey with the tangy bite of Dijon mustard creates a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully over a tender, spiral-cut ham. This dish not only looks impressive but delivers layers of flavor with every bite, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for any holiday or special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential, and the simplicity of this recipe’s components really lets each flavor shine through. Each item adds a unique layer of taste, texture, or color that transforms an ordinary ham into something truly exceptional.
- 8 pound bone-in spiral-cut half ham (smoked or uncured): The star of the show, pre-sliced for both convenience and perfect flavor absorption.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps build a sticky, glossy finish on the glaze.
- 1 cup pure maple syrup: Brings rich, warm sweetness with a hint of depth and earthiness.
- ½ cup Dijon mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy undertone that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sprinkled on top prior to baking, it caramelizes to create a crunchy, flavorful crust.
How to Make Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Glaze
Start by setting your oven to 275°F, a gentle heat that warms the ham through without drying it out. Meanwhile, whisk together the honey, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Cover this glaze and chill it in the refrigerator; the flavors will meld beautifully as it rests.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan and Ham
Line a deep pan with parchment paper to catch any glaze drippings and make cleanup a breeze. Next, unwrap your ham and place it flat-side down in the pan, which helps it stay stable while baking and ensures even heat distribution.
Step 3: Apply Brown Sugar and Cover
Rub the brown sugar all over the top and sides of the ham, creating a layer that will caramelize into a beautiful, flavorful glaze during cooking. Tightly cover the pan with aluminum foil to trap moisture and keep the ham tender as it cooks.
Step 4: Bake Low and Slow
Bake your ham for about 15 minutes per pound—in this case, roughly 2 hours for an 8-pound ham. This low-and-slow approach allows the meat to heat evenly without sacrificing juiciness, setting the stage for the glaze’s final transformation.
Step 5: Glaze and Broil to Perfection
Once baked, remove the ham from the oven and take off the foil. Increase your oven setting to broil and generously pour the glaze over the ham. Broil uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes, carefully watching as the glaze caramelizes, bubbling and browning into a shiny, flavorful crust that’s irresistible.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
The moment you’ve been waiting for—remove the ham from the oven and let it rest just a minute before slicing. This Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe shines when served warm, letting each slice deliver that perfect combo of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of fresh rosemary sprigs or a scattering of chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a subtle herbaceous aroma to complement the glaze’s sweetness. Thin lemon slices can also brighten the presentation and add a hint of citrus freshness.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or honey-glazed carrots, enhancing the dish’s cozy, homey feel. For a lighter contrast, a crisp apple and fennel salad or steamed green beans with almonds offers texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange the sliced ham on a large wooden board surrounded by bowls of mustard and apple chutney so guests can customize their bites. Another fun idea is to serve smaller ham sliders using soft dinner rolls and a touch of extra glaze as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover ham tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, making it perfect for turning into sandwiches, omelets, or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked ham slices wrapped securely in plastic wrap and sealed inside a freezer bag. Stored properly, the ham will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat your ham gently in the oven at 275°F covered with foil to keep it moist, or microwave slices covered with a damp paper towel for a quick warm-up. If you have extra glaze, brush it on before reheating to revive that fresh, sticky finish.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless ham for this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in adds extra flavor and moisture, a boneless spiral-cut ham will still work wonderfully with this glaze and method. Just watch the cooking time carefully.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can substitute with yellow mustard or a mix of mustard powder and a little vinegar for tang. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it necessary to broil the ham at the end?
Broiling is key to caramelizing the glaze and creating that beautiful golden crust. If you skip it, the glaze will be sticky but without the tasty browned finish.
Can I prepare the glaze the day before?
Yes, making the glaze in advance is a great time saver. Just cover it and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.
How do I know when the ham is fully heated through?
Since the ham is pre-cooked, you’re really just warming it up. The internal temperature should reach around 140°F for perfect serving temperature.
Final Thoughts
If you want a show-stopping ham that tastes like a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, you simply must give this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe a try. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a treasured addition to your holiday table or anytime you crave something special. I can’t wait for you to experience that glorious caramelized glaze and tender, juicy meat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham recipe delivers a tender, flavorful spiral-cut ham coated in a luscious glaze made from honey, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. Perfectly baked and then broiled to caramelized perfection, this ham is an exquisite centerpiece for holiday celebrations or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Ham
- 8 pound bone-in spiral-cut half ham (smoked or uncured)
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F to prepare for baking the ham gently and evenly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate to keep the glaze fresh until use.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a deep baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place Ham: Unwrap the ham from all packaging and position it in the pan with the flat side down for stability.
- Apply Brown Sugar: Rub the brown sugar evenly over the top and sides of the ham to add sweetness and aid caramelization during cooking.
- Bake Ham: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake the ham for approximately 15 minutes per pound — about 2 hours for an 8-pound ham.
- Broil Preparation: Remove the ham from the oven, uncover the foil, and set your oven to broil to prepare for caramelizing the glaze.
- Glaze and Broil: Pour the prepared honey mustard maple glaze evenly over the ham. Return it to the oven under the broiler for 5 to 8 minutes, carefully monitoring to prevent burning. This process will warm the glaze thoroughly and create a delicious caramelized finish.
- Serve: Once the glaze is nicely browned and the ham is heated all the way through, remove from the oven, slice, and serve immediately for the best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure to watch the ham closely during the broil step to avoid burning the glaze.
- Use a deep pan to catch any drippings from the ham while baking.
- Leftover ham can be stored refrigerated for up to 4 days and is great in sandwiches or salads.
- For a more intense flavor, allow the ham to marinate with the glaze for an hour before baking.
