Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

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If you are searching for a spectacular centerpiece that blends sweetness with a touch of tangy sophistication, the Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a beautifully glazed ham with a succulent, smoky base elevated by the rich flavors of pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey that caramelizes to a perfectly golden crust. It’s an irresistible dish that’s sure to dazzle your guests at any gathering or simply make a weeknight dinner something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving that luscious balance of flavors in this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe. Each item plays a simple but essential role, whether it’s boosting the sweetness, adding depth, or creating that gorgeous caramelized finish you’ll love.

• 8 pound bone-in spiral-cut half ham: Choose smoked or uncured for a juicy, flavorful foundation.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Adds natural sweetness and a lovely sticky texture to the glaze.
• 1 cup pure maple syrup: Brings a deep, rich sweetness that balances the sharpness of mustard.
• ½ cup Dijon mustard: Delivers a sharp, slightly spicy kick that elevates the glaze beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Used to rub the ham, it helps create a caramelized crust packed with flavor.

How to Make Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 275°F to ensure a low and slow cooking process that keeps the ham moist and tender. Preparing your oven upfront helps streamline the cooking once your ham and glaze are ready.

Step 2: Whisk the Glaze

In a small bowl, combine the honey, pure maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and fully blended. This glaze will be the soul of your ham’s flavor, so don’t rush—make sure the mixture is perfectly emulsified. Once done, cover and chill it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Prep the Pan

Line a deep roasting pan with parchment paper; this helps with cleanup and prevents the ham juices from sticking and burning during baking. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final presentation!

Step 4: Place the Ham

Unwrap the spiral-cut ham and set it flat-side down in your lined pan. Positioning it this way ensures even cooking and that it soaks up all the juiciness from the bottom throughout the bake.

Step 5: Apply Brown Sugar Rub

Generously rub brown sugar all over the top and sides of the ham. This layer is the secret weapon that leads to a caramelized, slightly crispy surface that perfectly complements the sticky glaze you’ll apply later.

Step 6: Bake Low and Slow

Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil, which traps moisture to keep the ham tender. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound—so an 8-pound ham will take roughly 2 hours. This slow roasting ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful without drying out.

Step 7: Glaze and Broil

Carefully remove the ham from the oven and uncover it. Set your oven to broil. Pour the chilled honey mustard maple glaze all over the ham, letting it seep into the crevices of the spiral slices.

Step 8: Caramelize the Glaze

Place the uncovered ham back under the broiler for no more than 5 to 8 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—the glaze should bubble, caramelize, and turn a beautiful golden brown without burning. This step creates that irresistible sticky, shiny finish everyone loves.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Once caramelized, remove the ham and let it rest briefly before slicing. The rich aroma and glossy glaze make this ham not just a meal but an experience. Serve it warm to savor every juicy, flavorful bite.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

Garnishes

For a stunning finish, garnish the ham with freshly chopped parsley or rosemary sprigs to add a pop of green and a subtle herbaceous note. Thin slices of fresh orange or apple can also complement the sweetness of the glaze and enhance the presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This ham pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or buttery green beans almondine. For a fresh contrast, a crisp apple and fennel salad brings zest that lifts the richness of the ham.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, arranging the sliced ham on a platter surrounded by citrus wedges and fresh herbs makes a vibrant centerpiece. Alternatively, turn leftover slices into hearty sandwiches or mix chopped ham into a savory bread pudding to highlight its complex flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover ham tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making for easy meals later in the week without losing that signature honey mustard maple glaze flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep the ham longer, slice it and place pieces in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen ham keeps well for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers without drying them out, place ham slices in a covered baking dish with a splash of water or broth and heat at 275°F until warmed through. You can brush additional glaze on top to refresh that glossy finish and flavor burst.

FAQs

Can I use a fully cooked ham for this recipe?

Yes, the Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe is designed for fully cooked hams, especially spiral-cut varieties, so you’re essentially reheating while adding that amazing glaze.

What if I don’t have maple syrup on hand?

While pure maple syrup gives this recipe its signature rich sweetness and caramelization, you can substitute with honey or a mild molasses if needed, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Is it necessary to cover the ham with foil during baking?

Covering the ham helps trap moisture and prevent drying out during the long bake time, ensuring tender, juicy slices. So yes, it’s a key step for perfect texture.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making the honey mustard maple glaze ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated until you are ready to glaze and broil the ham.

What should I watch for when broiling the ham?

Since broilers vary in intensity, watch your ham closely. The glaze caramelizes quickly, so remove it as soon as it’s bubbly and golden brown to avoid burning and bitterness.

Final Thoughts

The Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe is truly a joyful discovery for anyone who loves bold, sweet-savory flavors wrapped around tender, juicy meat. It’s simple to make but impressive to serve, perfect for special occasions or any time you want to turn an ordinary meal into a celebration. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a keeper in my kitchen and hopefully in yours too!

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