Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply wanting to elevate a weeknight dinner, a delicious ham glaze can take your meal to the next level. This Maple Ham Glaze recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, adding a rich, caramelized flavor to your ham. The combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, and warm spices creates a glaze that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Serve this flavorful ham as the centerpiece of your meal for a delightful dining experience that is sure to impress.
**Maple Ham Glaze**
*Ingredients:*
– 1 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 spiral-cut ham (about 8-10 pounds)
*Instructions:*
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and cook the glaze for an additional 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Remove the pan from the heat and set the glaze aside to cool.
4. Place the spiral-cut ham in the prepared roasting pan, flat side down. Using a basting brush, generously coat the ham with the maple glaze, making sure to get in between the slices.
5. Cover the ham with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze. Remove the foil during the last 20 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful golden crust.
6. Once the ham is cooked through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
7. Slice the maple-glazed ham and arrange it on a platter, spooning any remaining glaze from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or orange slices for a festive touch.
Enjoy this Maple Ham Glaze recipe as the star of your next holiday feast or special gathering. The combination of sweet maple syrup, warm spices, and tangy Dijon mustard creates a glaze that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the ham. Your guests will be impressed by the stunning presentation and delicious taste of this mouthwatering dish. Add this recipe to your repertoire of go-to holiday favorites and savor the cozy, comforting flavors of the season.
