Irresistibly Sticky Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

Okay, let me tell you about this Maple Sticky Glazed Ham that… well, it’s sort of magical. Picture this: a sweet, rich glaze all caramelized and sticky, coating tender ham, filling your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma. It’s a recipe that not only tastes amazing but also creates a spectacular centerpiece for any gathering, family dinner, or holiday feast. You’ve got the harmony of maple syrup, brown sugar, and a hint of mustard dancing together for that perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s just the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm inside, like it’s hugging you from the inside out. Trust me, you’ll love it!

Why You’ll Crave It

• The sticky glaze is like, seriously addictive… you’ll find yourself sneaking bites!
• It’s super easy to whip up, even if you don’t consider yourself a chef.
• Perfect for holidays or special occasions—it impresses without too much fuss.
• Leftovers? Oh, the joy… they taste even better the next day in sandwiches.

Honestly, my family fights over the last slice every single time!

What You’ll Need

• Pre-cooked ham: about 2 kg, bone-in is best for that juicy flavor
• Maple syrup: 1 cup, the real stuff, please—none of that fake syrup!
• Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, for that rich sweetness
• Dijon mustard: 1/4 cup, adds a nice zing
• Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons, a little acidity goes a long way
• Ground cloves: 1 teaspoon, for that warm, spiced note
• Ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, just a hint to round things out

Easy How-To

Getting Started

First, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). This part is super important! While the oven is heating up, take your ham and score the top in a diamond pattern. Just, you know, don’t cut too deep; you just want to get that glaze into the meat…

Making Your Glaze

Now, grab a saucepan and combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar over medium heat. Stir it, stir it just until it’s nicely smooth and bubbling—oh, the smell will get you!

Glazing the Ham

Remove the glaze from heat and brush about half of it over your scored ham, making sure it gets into those lovely little cuts you made. Then, place the ham into a roasting pan and cover it loosely with foil.

Baking Time

Alright, let’s bake that beauty! Pop it in the oven for about an hour. After that, take it out, and here’s where it gets fun again: brush on the rest of the glaze, and this time, leave the foil off. You want that caramelization happening… mmm.

The Final Touch

Bake it again, uncovered, for another 30 minutes. Just… keep an eye on it, okay? You want it to look all shiny and sticky but not burnt. Ah, and don’t forget to check that it’s at least 60°C (140°F) internally, so you’re all good to go!

Slicing and Serving

Once it’s done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to carve and keeps it juicy—such a good little tip! Then, slice along the scored lines… and you’re ready to serve!

Good to Know

• Bone-in ham tends to have the best flavor and texture, so give it a shot if you can.
• Don’t be shy! Spice it up a bit with extras like cinnamon or ginger in the glaze if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Leftover ham? Store it in an airtight container for about 5 days, and it’s perfect for sandwiches or even breakfast hash!

Serving Ideas

• Pair it with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a comforting and balanced meal.

Top Tricks

• Baste the ham a few times while it’s baking for an extra sticky glaze. Trust me, it makes a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely! Honey or agave syrup works too, though they’ll change the flavor a bit. Experiment—have fun with it!

What should I do if the glaze is too thick?

No worries! Just add a little water or broth to loosen it up. Easy fix!

Can I prepare the ham in advance?

You sure can! Prepare and glaze it, then pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to let it warm up to room temperature before baking…

How do I store leftover glazed ham?

Store it in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 5 days, and it’s just as delightful!

Can I freeze glazed ham?

Definitely! Wrap it tightly and freeze it. It’ll last for several months if you do it right.

Conclusion

Indulging in this Maple Sticky Glazed Ham is like… a tiny taste of luxury at your dinner table. Honestly, the blend of maple, mustard, and spices makes the ham so flavorful; it’s hard not to fall in love with it. This recipe is approachable yet just fancy enough to make your gatherings feel extra special. I promise your guests will be raving long after the meal is over!

More Recipe Suggestions

Honey Mustard Glazed Ham

Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of vinegar for a sweet-tangy variation that livens up your ham.

Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Add a tropical twist by incorporating pineapple into your brown sugar glaze—it’s such a delightful combination!

Maple Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Pair your ham with these… trust me, the sweet and smoky together is just perfection.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup

Like a match made in heaven—sweet potatoes drizzled with maple syrup are a must-have on your plate.

Classic Scalloped Potatoes

Rich and cheesy scalloped potatoes are just, well, divine alongside that sticky ham.

Maple Glazed Carrots

Bright, colorful, and sweet—maple glazed carrots are so lovely next to your ham.

Apple and Walnut Salad

A crunchy, refreshing apple and walnut salad complements the sweetness of the ham perfectly.