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There’s something truly magical about gathering loved ones around a beautifully golden, aromatic Christmas ham. The scent of warm maple syrup and spiced glaze filling your kitchen instantly stirs up the feeling of home, love, and celebration. This Christmas Maple Glazed Ham captures the essence of the holidays sweet, savory, and rich with comforting flavors that make every bite unforgettable.
Whether you’re hosting your very first holiday feast or continuing a long-held family tradition, this recipe will show you how tocreate a perfectly caramelized ham that glistens on your table and delights your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Maple Glazed Ham
- Perfect for festive gatherings: It feeds a crowd and looks stunning as a centerpiece.
- Irresistibly sweet and savory: The maple syrup glaze balances the saltiness of the ham beautifully.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep and bake ahead, freeing up time for friends and family.
- Simple ingredients, incredible flavor: Every ingredient adds depth and warmth without complicating the process.
The Best Maple Glazed Ham for a Festive Christmas Feast
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
Description
A beautifully caramelized Christmas Maple Glazed Ham baked with warm spices, sweet maple syrup, and tangy orange for a festive, flavorful centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 5 kg / 10 lb leg ham, bone in, skin on
- 30 cloves (optional, for decoration)
- 2 oranges, cut into quarters
- 1 cup (250ml) water
- Glaze:
- 3/4 cup (185ml) maple syrup
- 3/4 cup (165g) brown sugar
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp All Spice or nutmeg
Instructions
1. Remove ham from fridge 1 hour before cooking.
2. Preheat oven to 160°C / 320°F (140°C fan).
3. Mix glaze ingredients in a bowl.
4. Remove rind and score fat into diamonds.
5. Stud with cloves if desired.
6. Place ham in baking dish with oranges and glaze.
7. Add water, bake 1.5–2 hrs, basting every 30 minutes.
8. Let rest 20 minutes before serving.
9. Baste again with thickened glaze before slicing.
Notes
Use real maple syrup for best results.
Foil patches prevent over-caramelization.
Leftovers keep up to 5 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Christmas, Holiday
Ingredients for the Perfect Maple Glazed Ham
Here’s what you’ll need to make this show-stopping Christmas ham.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Leg ham (bone-in, skin on) | 5 kg / 10 lb | Use a good-quality smoked ham for best results |
| Cloves | 30 | Optional, for studding and decoration |
| Oranges | 2 | Cut into quarters |
| Water | 1 cup (250ml) | To keep the ham moist while baking |
| Glaze Ingredients | ||
| Maple syrup | ¾ cup (185ml) | Can substitute honey if desired |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup (165g) | Packed tightly for rich caramelization |
| Dijon mustard | 3 tbsp | Balances sweetness with a mild tang |
| Ground cinnamon | ¾ tsp | Adds holiday warmth |
| All Spice (or nutmeg) | ½ tsp | Enhances the glaze with festive aroma |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
- Remove your ham from the fridge at least one hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) or 140°C (fan). Adjust the oven rack so the ham sits in the lower third, keeping it centered for even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Maple Glaze
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and All Spice until fully blended and smooth.
Step 3: Remove the Ham Rind
- Use a small knife to cut around the bone handle and along each side under the rind.
- Gently slide your fingers beneath the skin to separate it from the fat, pulling it back carefully.
- Trim off any residual rind with the knife.
- Lightly score the fat in a diamond pattern, cutting about 75% deep into the fat (avoid cutting the meat).
- (Optional) Stud each cross of the diamonds with a clove for a classic festive look.
Step 4: Glaze and Bake the Ham
- Place the ham in a large baking dish. Use foil to prop the handle up so the surface lies flat for even caramelization.
- Squeeze the juice from one orange over the top, then arrange the orange pieces around the ham.
- Brush half the glaze generously all over the ham’s surface and cut face.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the baking dish this will help keep the ham moist as it bakes.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with reserved glaze and pan drippings, until the ham is sticky, golden, and aromatic.
- If certain spots brown too quickly, lightly cover them with foil patches to prevent over-caramelization.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Let the ham rest for 20 minutes before serving.
- Baste again with the thickened pan juices for an irresistible glossy finish.
- Slice and drizzle additional glaze over your servings for that final burst of flavor.
Helpful Tips for the Best Maple Christmas Ham
- Studding with cloves is mostly decorative, so feel free to skip it if you prefer a smoother finish.
- Choose quality maple syrup – real maple syrup lends depth, unlike artificial alternatives.
- Use foil wisely. Protect edges that caramelize faster to ensure an even golden glaze.
- Don’t rush the resting step. Resting allows the ham to reabsorb juices, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Leftovers tip: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze slices for up to 3 months. Excellent for sandwiches or breakfast omelets!
Serving Ideas
- Pair your ham with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh cranberry relish for a balanced, festive meal.
- For wine pairing, choose something crisp like Riesling or a light Pinot Noir to complement the sweetness of the glaze.
FAQs About Maple Glazed Christmas Ham
How do you keep ham from drying out while baking?
Bake your ham with water in the pan and baste it generously every 30 minutes. The steam and glaze help lock in moisture.
Can you make maple glazed ham ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and bake the ham up to a day in advance. Reheat it with reserved glaze before serving for that glossy finish.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate. Reheat slices in the oven or pan with extra glaze for best texture.
Can I substitute honey for maple syrup?
Absolutely. Honey works beautifully and gives a slightly different depth of sweetness while maintaining that sticky, caramelized coating.
Conclusion
Making this Christmas Maple Glazed Ham isn’t just about cooking it’s about creating a memory. The sweet maple glaze, the comforting warmth of spices, and the festive aroma filling your home all make it a dish that connects hearts during the holidays. When you carve into that glistening ham and see your loved ones’ faces light up, you’ll know that every moment of care was worth it.
Serve it with love, laughter, and gratitude because that’s what Christmas truly tastes like.