Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

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Are you ready to wow your guests with a tasty main dish? This maple glazed ham recipe is perfect for your next big dinner. The sweet and tangy glaze makes a yummy crust on the ham that your family will love. You only need a few simple items to make this tasty meal. The mix of maple syrup, brown sugar, and spices gives the ham a great flavor.

Making this ham is easy. You’ll start by warming up the ham and scoring it. Then you’ll make a tasty glaze and brush it on the ham as it cooks. The ham will come out of the oven looking and smelling amazing. Your guests will be so excited to try it!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this tasty maple glazed ham:

• 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in ham
• 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon or whole-grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice or apple cider

Make sure you have all these items before you start cooking. The ham is the star, but the glaze is what makes it special.

You can pick either Dijon or whole-grain mustard based on what you like best. For the liquid at the end, go with orange juice for a citrus kick or apple cider for a more autumn flavor.

Don’t forget to grab some heavy-duty foil for the roasting pan. It’ll make clean-up much easier!

Instructions

Let the ham sit at room temperature for an hour. Take off the skin if needed. Heat your oven to 325°F. Cut diamond shapes on the ham’s surface about 1/4-inch deep. Put it on foil in a roasting pan.

Mix maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and spices in a pot. Heat and stir until thick. Add butter for shine.

Brush glaze on the ham. Cover with foil and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The ham should reach 140°F. Brush with glaze every 30 minutes.

Take the ham out and turn up the oven to 400°F. Add more glaze and pour orange juice on top. Bake without foil for 20-30 minutes. Brush with pan juices every 10 minutes.

Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before you slice it. Serve with pan juices and your favorite sides. Enjoy your tasty maple glazed ham!

Possible Substitutes List

If you don’t have all the ingredients for this maple glazed ham recipe, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps you can make:

Ham:

• Boneless ham instead of bone-in
• Smoked turkey breast for a lighter option

Sweeteners:

• Honey instead of maple syrup
• Dark brown sugar in place of light brown sugar

Mustard options:

• Yellow mustard for a milder taste
• Spicy brown mustard to add some heat

Spice substitutes:

• Nutmeg for cloves
• Allspice for ginger
• Pumpkin pie spice for all the spices

Liquids:

• Pineapple juice instead of orange juice
• Apple juice in place of apple cider

Remember, these swaps might change the flavor a bit, but your ham will still be tasty! Feel free to mix and match based on what you have in your kitchen.

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make this maple glazed ham recipe more diabetes-friendly, you can make a few simple changes. Start by using a sugar-free maple syrup instead of regular maple syrup. This swap will cut down on carbs and sugar.

Next, replace the brown sugar with a brown sugar substitute made for baking. These alternatives taste similar but have fewer carbs. You can find them in most grocery stores.

For the glaze, use less of it on the ham. Brush on a thin layer instead of a thick coating. This way, you’ll still get the flavor without as much sugar.

Try these ingredient swaps:

• 3/4 cup sugar-free maple syrup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar substitute
• 1/4 cup low-sugar orange juice

When serving, stick to a 3-ounce portion of ham. This is about the size of a deck of cards. Fill the rest of your plate with non-starchy veggies like green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Remember to check your blood sugar before and after eating. This will help you see how the meal affects your levels. Enjoy your ham in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best maple glazed ham, use a high-quality bone-in ham. The bone adds flavor and keeps the meat moist during cooking.

Make sure to score the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze seep into the meat, making it more flavorful.

Don’t skip the resting time after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier ham.

Try these tasty variations:

• Add 1/4 cup bourbon to the glaze for extra depth
• Mix in 2 tablespoons of orange zest for a citrusy kick
• Stud the ham with whole cloves before glazing

To store leftovers, wrap the ham tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat slices in a skillet with a bit of butter, or warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

Use leftover ham in sandwiches, omelets, or dice it for soups and casseroles. The bone makes a great base for split pea soup!