Description
A simple, forgiving, and delicious holiday main dish featuring a pre-cooked spiral-sliced ham coated in a sticky, caramelized glaze made from brown sugar, real maple syrup, and warm spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8–10 lbs pre-cooked spiral-sliced ham (bone-in recommended)
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup real maple syrup (Grade A or B)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Whole cloves (optional, for studding)
- Whole allspice berries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove ham from packaging, discard liquid, and place cut-side down in a roasting pan.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, ground cloves, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and bubbly (about 3-4 minutes).
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham. Brush evenly over the top and into the cuts. If using, push whole cloves into the center of each spiral slice.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Remove ham from oven and increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Pour remaining glaze over the ham.
- Return ham to oven uncovered for 15-20 minutes to caramelize the glaze, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for authentic flavor. Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes after baking to retain juices. The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-80 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4oz slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Protein: 22
Keywords: holiday recipe, christmas dinner, baked ham, maple glazed ham, brown sugar glaze, easy holiday meal, spiral sliced ham