Indulge in a succulent baked ham with a mouthwatering maple glaze that adds a touch of sweetness. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors, tender meat, and a crispy caramelized crust. Prepare this delightful dish for a special occasion or a comforting family meal. The combination of the smoky ham and the sweet maple glaze creates a delectable flavor profile that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 pounds) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan.
- Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt.
- Brush half of the glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil, leaving room for the heat to circulate, and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake uncovered for another 30 minutes or until the glaze is sticky and caramelized, and the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Interesting Facts
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of maple trees.
Ham has been enjoyed for centuries and has become a staple in American cuisine.
Baking the ham with a glaze enhances the flavors and creates a delicious caramelized crust.
The combination of sweet maple syrup and savory ham creates a perfect balance of flavors.