Maple glazed spiral ham is a delicious and easy way to bring a sweet, sticky, and flavorful centerpiece to your table. The ham is pre-sliced in a spiral, making it perfect for serving, and the maple glaze adds that perfect hint of sweetness that makes everyone smile.
I love how the maple glaze caramelizes on the edges of the ham as it bakes, giving it a beautiful, golden crust with just a touch of crunch. It’s one of those recipes where the sweet and savory flavors come together effortlessly, and I always find myself going back for another slice. Plus, the spiral cut means it’s simple to serve without much fuss.
For me, this ham is a go-to for holidays or family dinners because it looks impressive but cooks up easily. I usually serve it alongside some roasted veggies or mashed potatoes to soak up the glaze, and sometimes I even warm a little extra maple syrup on the side for dipping. It always brings a bit of warmth and comfort to the meal, and everyone seems to enjoy the sweet twist on a classic dish.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spiral Ham: Using a pre-cooked spiral ham makes this recipe simple and quick. The spiral cut lets the glaze soak in and makes serving easy. You can substitute with a bone-in shank ham, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives a warm, natural sweetness that’s hard to beat. If you don’t have it, honey or molasses can work, but they’ll change the flavor a bit.
Brown Sugar & Dijon Mustard: Brown sugar adds depth and helps caramelize the glaze, while Dijon mustard gives a mild tanginess that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard is an okay substitute.
Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg bring cozy fall flavors that complement the ham well. If you don’t have all, just use cinnamon and cloves for a nice warm touch.
How Do You Get the Perfect Sticky, Caramelized Glaze?
The glaze is what makes this ham special. Here’s how to get that wonderful sticky crust:
- Baste the ham early with half the glaze so the flavor starts soaking in before baking.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil to keep it moist while it cooks.
- Regularly baste every 20-30 minutes with the rest of the glaze—it builds up layers and helps caramelize the sugar.
- Take off the foil near the end of cooking to let the glaze thicken and brown. Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
Keeping an eye on it and basting often will give you a glossy, sticky glaze that tastes fantastic and looks beautiful on your ham.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan – I find it’s perfect for holding the ham and catching drips.
- Basting brush or spoon – makes it easy to apply the glaze evenly all over the ham.
- Small mixing bowl – for whisking together the glaze ingredients.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the ham during baking and keep it moist.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – to check that the ham is heated through perfectly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use honey or maple-flavored bourbon instead of pure maple syrup for a different sweet note.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the glaze if you like a little heat or smoky flavor.
- Incorporate orange juice or zest into the glaze to brighten the flavor.
- Top the ham with crushed pineapple or cherries during baking for a fruitier, festive touch.
How to Make Maple Glazed Spiral Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional: Whole cloves for studding the ham
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 1.5 to 2 hours for baking, depending on the size of your ham. You’ll also want to let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Plan for about 2 to 2.5 hours total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ham:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place your spiral ham flat side down in a large roasting pan. If you like, press whole cloves into the fatty edges at regular intervals for extra flavor and decoration.
2. Make the Maple Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until everything is blended smoothly.
3. Glaze and Bake:
Brush or spoon about half of the glaze evenly over the ham. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake it in the oven for about 10-12 minutes per pound (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Every 20-30 minutes, baste the ham with the remaining glaze to build up a delicious, sticky coating.
4. Finish with a Beautiful Glaze:
During the last 15-20 minutes of baking, remove the foil so the glaze can thicken and caramelize, creating a golden brown crust. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
5. Rest and Serve:
Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices settle, keeping the meat moist. Slice and serve the ham warm, spooning any pan juices or extra glaze over the top for an added touch of sweetness.
Can I Use Frozen Ham for This Recipe?
It’s best to use a fully thawed spiral ham. Thaw frozen ham in the fridge for 24-48 hours depending on size to ensure even reheating and proper glaze absorption.
Can I Prepare the Ham and Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can apply the glaze and refrigerate the ham, covered, for up to a day before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before baking and baste as instructed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover ham tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a bit of extra maple syrup or glaze to keep it moist.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Glaze?
Absolutely! If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup or brown sugar slightly. For a bolder flavor, add a splash of bourbon or increase the mustard a bit.