Easy Honey Baked Ham with Maple Glaze 6 stp

Is This the Perfect Holiday Centerpiece You’ve Been Searching For?

Looking for that show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas table that delivers on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen? A honey baked ham recipe might be exactly what you need. This festive main combines the natural sweetness of honey with the rich depth of maple syrup to create a glazed masterpiece that’s impressive yet surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for feeding a crowd,

this maple glazed ham, easy baked ham, festive ham dinner, homemade honey ham, Christmas ham main takes the stress out of holiday cooking while delivering maximum flavor.

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Honey Baked Ham with Maple Glaze – Easy Foolproof Christmas Main

Ingredients List

• 1 (7-9 pound) spiral-cut ham, fully cooked
• 3/4 cup pure honey (locally sourced if possible for richer flavor)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (avoid pancake syrup substitutes)
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but adds wonderful depth)

Substitution options: Light brown sugar can replace dark brown sugar. White wine vinegar works in place of apple cider vinegar. For a less sweet version, reduce honey to 1/2 cup.

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (mostly measuring ingredients)
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (primarily hands-off)
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Actual Active Cooking Time: Only 25 minutes of hands-on work

This recipe saves approximately 30 minutes compared to traditional glazed ham recipes that require frequent basting. Plus, 80% of the cooking time is hands-off, allowing you to prepare side dishes or socialize with guests.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Remove ham from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to bring to room temperature. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large roasting pan with foil for easier cleanup and place a rack inside. Remove any packaging from the ham, reserving any included glaze packet for another use.

Pro tip: Place the ham cut-side down to prevent drying during baking.

Step 2: Create the Maple-Honey Glaze

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until sugar dissolves completely. Add cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until butter is melted.

Technique tip: For a smoother glaze, use a silicone whisk that won’t scratch your pan.

Step 3: Prepare and Bake the Ham

Place ham cut-side down on the rack in the prepared roasting pan. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes. This gentle heating ensures the ham stays moist while warming through.

Time-saver: Use this hands-off baking time to prepare your side dishes.

Step 4: Apply the Glaze

Remove ham from oven and increase temperature to 400°F (200°C). Discard foil covering. Brush one-third of the glaze all over the ham, getting between the slices when possible. Return ham to oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Repeat Glazing

Remove ham and apply another third of the glaze. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until glossy and caramelized. Repeat once more with remaining glaze and bake for a final 15 minutes until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Accuracy tip: Use a digital meat thermometer for perfect results every time.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Transfer ham to a cutting board and let rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for optimal moisture. Collect any glaze drippings from the pan to serve alongside.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (approximately 6 oz):

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 1100mg
• Vitamin B: 30% Daily Value
• Zinc: 15% Daily Value

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduce sugar content by using half the honey and maple syrup
• Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar for a lower glycemic option
• Use a ham with lower sodium content (look for “lower sodium” on packaging)
• For a gluten-free version, ensure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free
• Pair with plenty of fresh vegetables to balance the meal

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stunning honey baked ham on a large platter surrounded by fresh herb sprigs (rosemary and thyme work beautifully) and orange slices for visual appeal. Complement with:

• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
• Green bean almondine
• Cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast
• Homemade dinner rolls to soak up the delicious glaze
• A medium-bodied Pinot Noir or sparkling apple cider pairs excellently

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overheating the ham: Since it’s fully cooked, you’re just warming it through while adding flavor.
2. Skipping the rest period: Cutting immediately releases juices, resulting in a drier ham.
3. Applying glaze too early: This can cause burning; follow the three-stage glazing process for best results.
4. Not checking internal temperature: Even pre-cooked hams need to reach 140°F for food safety.
5. Using artificial maple syrup: Real maple syrup provides significantly better flavor complexity.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap portions tightly in freezer paper or vacuum seal and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat: Warm ham slices covered with foil in a 300°F oven with a splash of water or broth for moisture until just heated through (about 10 minutes). Avoid microwaving which can toughen the meat.

Bonus meal prep: Reserve ham bone for split pea soup, dice leftover ham for breakfast hash, or create ham and cheese sliders for easy lunches.

Conclusion

This honey baked ham with maple glaze delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect solution for holiday entertaining. The combination of sweet honey, rich maple, and warming spices creates a caramelized exterior that will have your guests raving. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or a special family gathering, this recipe promises to become a tradition worth repeating. Try it this holiday season and discover why this foolproof method has become a favorite for so many home cooks!

FAQs

Can I use a non-spiral cut ham for this recipe?
Yes, though spiral-cut hams allow the glaze to penetrate between slices for more flavor. If using non-spiral, score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep to help glaze penetration.

How do I know what size ham to buy?
Plan for approximately 3/4 pound per person for a bone-in ham, which allows for generous portions and some leftovers.

Can I make the glaze a day ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the glaze, refrigerate in an airtight container, then gently reheat before applying to the ham.

Is this recipe suitable for a holiday buffet?
Perfect for buffets! This ham tastes wonderful at room temperature and won’t dry out quickly, making it ideal for extended serving times.

What’s the best way to use leftover ham?
Beyond sandwiches, try dicing for omelets, adding to scalloped potatoes, incorporating into bean soups, or creating a delicious ham salad with mayo and relish.