This Maple Orange Glazed Ham is sweet, citrusy, and super delicious. The cool part about it—you get to mix up a special glaze that smells amazing, draw fancy patterns on the ham, and then see it transform into a beautiful dish in the oven!
We love this recipe because it is absolute eye candy for the Thanksgiving table and Christmas table! Though this recipe calls for Bourbon, the Bourbon is totally optional. This glazed ham recipe with brown sugar and mustard will be one your whole family, friends, and in-laws will love!
Looking for other delicious and easy holiday recipes? Try our Deviled Eggs , Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges, Air Fryer Apple Bombs , Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole , Cast Iron Peach Cobbler or Apple Cider Margarita!
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Reasons Why You'll Love Glazed Ham
Irresistible Flavor Combination: The combination of maple syrup, orange juice, and a blend of spices creates a delicious flavor profile that's both sweet and savory.
Tender and Juicy Ham: This cooking method and glaze help retain the ham's moisture, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.
Aromatic and Warm Spices: The spices in this recipe will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma.
Versatility for Different Occasions: This recipe is versatile enough to serve as a centerpiece for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or special occasions.
Easy to Prepare: This recipe can be made by newbies and experienced cooks alike!
Beautiful Presentation: The clove-studded ham and glaze are sure to impress your guests or family members.
Key Ingredients For Maple Orange Glazed Ham
Bone-in Fully Cooked Ham: The bone-in fully cooked spiral-cut ham is a savory addition to the holiday table. The bone enhances the flavor of the ham during the cooking process. If you prefer, you can use a boneless spiral-cut ham like black forest ham, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Maple Syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness to the glaze and compliments the savory notes of the ham. The syrup's natural sweetness provides a contrast to the smokiness of the meat. If you don't have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup for a similar sweet profile.
Orange Juice: Orange juice gives the ham a citrus flavor that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup. It also gives it a pleasant acidity, that enhances the overall taste. You can use store-bought orange juice if fresh orange juice isn't available. Pineapple juice or a combination of orange and pineapple juice can be used as a substitute.
Brown Sugar: The brown sugar brings a molasses flavor to the glaze. You can substitute with white sugar or a sugar alternative like swerve.
Bourbon (or Non-alcoholic Bourbon Flavoring): Bourbon introduces a warm, smoky note to the glaze. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with apple juice, or omit it altogether.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. and then remove the rind from the ham using a sharp knife. This is done by gently cutting along the edge of the skin, starting from a corner, and then peeling the skin away from the ham until it's taken off completely.
Step 2
Score the fat in a diamond pattern (I usually make shallow cuts about ¼ inch deep in a diamond pattern on the fat surface of the ham). After that, insert 1 whole clove into each intersection of the diamonds.
Step 3
Place the ham on a casserole dish, a large roasting pan, or a large baking dish lined with aluminum foil.
Step 4
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, orange juice, brown sugar, bourbon, ground cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and mustard. Bring them all to a boil and then reduce the heat. Simmer the glaze ingredients for about 5 minutes. Optionally, you could strain and reduce the glaze for a thicker consistency.
Step 5
Brush 2-3 tablespoons of your maple orange glaze on top of the ham and cloves and bake the ham for 45 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 15 minutes until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 145 degrees F which is a safe level and the glaze is caramelized.
Step 6
Let your beautiful ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife. Feel free to spoon any extra maple glaze over the cooked ham. Optionally, you could garnish your ham with fresh herbs or orange slices for a visually appealing presentation.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
If you are using a store-bought glaze, be sure to read the label carefully. Many store-bought glazes tend to have a lot of sugar and sodium.
If you are making your own glaze, don't be afraid to taste it as you make it so that you can adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.
Basting the ham with glaze every 15-20 minutes while it is baking will keep it from drying out.
If you are serving the ham immediately, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to be redistributed throughout the ham.
Storage and Reheating Maple Orange Glazed Ham
You can freeze or refrigerate glazed ham leftovers by simply wrapping the ham tightly in plastic wrap as well as foil. Freeze the ham for up to 3 months. You can also place leftovers in a ziplock bag or airtight container and put them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat frozen glazed ham leftovers, thaw the ham overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake the ham in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the leftovers are heated through.
Maple Orange Glazed Ham FAQs
What is the best type of ham for glazed ham recipes?
The best type of fresh ham for glazed ham recipes is a bone-in ham. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and juicy than boneless hams. They are also easier to carve and slice. You can also use a boneless ham that has a generous covering of fat.
How do I pull the rind off the ham?
Using a small knife, gently lift the edge of the rind and peel it away from the ham. Discard the rind before you begin glazing.
What is the best way to glaze a ham?
There are many different ways to glaze a ham. One method is to make your own homemade glaze, while another method is to use a store-bought glaze. Glazes are usually applied to the ham with a basting brush or ladle before and after it is baked.
What cut is the holiday ham?
Holiday ham comes from the pig's hind leg, which is a special part known for making delicious ham for celebrations like Christmas or Easter.
How long should I cook a glazed ham?
The cooking time for a glazed ham will differ depending on the size of the ham and the oven temperature. A general rule of thumb is to cook a ham for 12-15 minutes per pound at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I know when a glazed ham is done?
A glazed ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of your ham.
Why is it important to let the ham rest after baking?
Letting the ham rest after baking will ensure that the juices inside it redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful ham when sliced.
What can I serve with a glazed ham?
Side dishes that you can serve with glazed ham include mashed potatoes, new potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, bread rolls, biscuits, and more.
Can I make this ham ahead of time for a holiday dinner?
Yes, you can prepare the ham ahead and reheat it before serving. Be sure to store it properly and baste it with pan juices during the reheating process.
Why is my glazed ham dry?
There are a few reasons why your glazed ham may be dry. One reason is that you may have overcooked your ham. Another reason is that you may not have used enough glaze or your ham may have been too lean.
Why is my glazed ham tough?
If your glazed ham is tough, it’s likely that you overcooked it. Ham should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking it longer will make it tough.
So, are you ready to amaze your family by making the most fantastic ham ever? Grab your apron, start cooking, and let the ham adventure begin!
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Recipe
Maple Orange Glazed Ham
Equipment
- Casserole Dish or Roasting Pan
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Basting Brush
Ingredients
- 8-10 pound bone-in ham, fully cooked
- ½ cup maple syrup (warm slightly for easier mixing, if needed)
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 ounces bourbon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice (or nutmeg)
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 12 whole cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. and then remove the rind from the ham using a sharp knife. This is done by gently cutting along the edge of the skin, starting from a corner, and then peeling the skin away from the ham until it's taken off completely.
- Score the fat in a diamond pattern (I usually make shallow cuts about ¼ inch deep in a diamond pattern on the fat surface of the ham). After that, insert 1 whole clove into each intersection of the diamonds.
- Place the ham on a casserole dish, large roasting pan or a large baking dish lined with aluminum foil.
- In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, orange juice, brown sugar, bourbon, ground cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and mustard. Bring them all to a boil and then reduce the heat. Simmer the glaze ingredients for about 5 minutes. Optionally, you could strain and reduce the glaze for a thicker consistency.
- Brush 2-3 tablespoons of your maple orange glaze on top of the ham and cloves and bake the ham for 1 hour, brushing with more glaze every 15 minutes until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 145 degrees F which is a safe level and the glaze is caramelized.
- Let the beautiful ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife. Feel free to spoon any extra maple glaze over the cooked ham. Optionally, you could garnish your ham with fresh herbs or orange slices for a visually appealing presentation.
Madhu says
This recipe sounds delicious! The maple and orange together must make it so juicy and full of flavor!
Risa says
This ham glaze looks absolutely amazing. The maple orange combination sounds good, can't wait to try this with our next ham dinner. Thanks for the great recipe!