Maple Glazed Ham

Holiday-themed maple glazed ham with a call-to-action overlay for Thanksgiving recipes.

Maple Glazed Ham Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Centerpiece for Any Occasion

A beautifully caramelized Maple Glazed Ham is undeniably the star of any holiday table. Its sweet and savory flavors create a warm, festive feel that’s hard to resist. But every great main dish deserves equally delicious sides to bring the meal together. With the right pairings, your Maple Glazed Ham can shine even brighter, offering your guests a well-rounded and unforgettable dining experience.

Whether you’re looking for classic comfort foods like creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables or lighter options like seasonal salads and tangy cranberry sauce, the possibilities are endless. Add in the perfect beverage pairing or a decadent dessert, and you’ll have a meal that’s not only delicious but perfectly balanced. Let’s explore some of the best side dishes and accompaniments to serve with your holiday ham!

Sliced maple glazed ham surrounded by cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and rosemary on a wooden platter.

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Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Maple Glazed Ham

A beautifully caramelized Maple Glazed Ham is undeniably the star of the table, but the right side dishes and drinks can elevate your meal to an unforgettable experience. Here are some delicious ideas to complete your holiday feast:

Classic Side Dishes

  • Roasted Vegetables: Think honey-glazed carrots, Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, or roasted sweet potatoes. The earthy flavors and caramelized edges perfectly complement the sweet and savory ham.
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A rich, buttery mash balances the flavors and is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
  • Green Bean Casserole: The creamy texture and crunchy topping provide a nice contrast to the ham’s sweetness.
  • Cornbread or Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm bread is perfect for soaking up the maple glaze and juices from the ham.

Fresh and Light Options

  • Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, homemade cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the ham and adds a festive touch.
  • Seasonal Salad: Try a mixed greens salad with dried cranberries, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing side.

Beverage Pairings

  • White Wine: A dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the sweet glaze and smoky ham.
  • Sparkling Apple Cider: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling cider adds just the right amount of sweetness and fizz.
  • Festive Cocktails: A cranberry mimosa or a maple old-fashioned complements the flavors beautifully.

Desserts to Complete the Meal

  • Pumpkin Pie: The warm spices and creamy texture of pumpkin pie are a classic holiday finish.
  • Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream ties in the autumnal flavors seamlessly.
  • Pecan Tart: The nuttiness of pecans offers a delicious contrast to the ham’s sweetness.

By thoughtfully pairing your Maple Glazed Ham with these sides and beverages, you’ll create a balanced, flavor-packed meal that your guests will rave about. Let us know in the comments what you’re serving with your ham this holiday season!

Sliced maple glazed ham with a caramelized finish on a wooden plate, surrounded by rosemary and autumn spices.

Storing and Transforming Leftovers: What to Do with Extra Maple Glazed Ham

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your Maple Glazed Ham, don’t let a single slice go to waste! Proper storage and creative reuse can extend the life of this delicious dish, saving you time in the kitchen and creating even more memorable meals.

How to Store Leftovers

  1. Refrigeration: Place leftover ham slices or chunks in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
  2. Freezing: For longer storage, transfer the ham to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, frozen ham can last up to 3 months.
  3. Reheat Gently: To keep the ham moist, reheat in the oven covered with foil or microwave it with a splash of water or stock.

Creative Leftover Ideas

Turn your extra ham into a new meal with these simple and tasty ideas:

  1. Ham and Cheese Sliders: Layer sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and mustard on mini buns, then bake until warm and gooey.
  2. Breakfast Omelets or Quiches: Add diced ham to eggs, along with your favorite veggies and cheese, for a hearty breakfast.
  3. Ham and Potato Soup: Simmer leftover ham with diced potatoes, onions, and cream for a comforting bowl of soup.
  4. Ham Fried Rice: Sauté leftover ham with rice, soy sauce, and vegetables for a quick and flavorful dinner.
  5. Ham Salad Spread: Chop ham finely and mix with mayo, Dijon mustard, and pickle relish for a delicious sandwich spread.

Tips for Using the Ham Bone

Don’t forget about the ham bone—it’s a treasure for making rich, flavorful soups and broths! Use it to enhance split pea soup, bean stew, or even a classic vegetable broth.

By properly storing and repurposing your leftovers, you can make the most of your Maple Glazed Ham and enjoy its sweet and savory flavors long after the holiday feast is over. Let us know how you used your leftovers in the comments below!

Maple glazed ham surrounded by mini pumpkins and autumn leaves on a Thanksgiving-themed table.
Diamond-scored maple glazed ham on a plate, garnished with rosemary and served with orange slices.

Maple Glazed Ham

Make your holiday dinner unforgettable with this easy Maple Glazed Ham Recipe! Perfectly caramelized with a sweet and savory maple syrup glaze, this show-stopping dish is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, it's the ultimate holiday centerpiece. Get step-by-step instructions, storage tips, and creative leftover ideas to make the most of this delicious ham. Visit SatisfyYourCravings.com for the full recipe and more holiday inspiration!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Servings 10
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan: A large pan to hold the ham and catch the juices and glaze as it bakes.
  • Rack for Roasting Pan: Elevates the ham for even heat distribution and prevents it from sitting in the juices.
  • Small Saucepan: For preparing the maple glaze.
  • Basting Brush: To evenly coat the ham with the glaze throughout the cooking process.
  • Sharp Knife: Essential for scoring the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
  • Aluminum Foil: To cover the ham during the initial baking stage and keep it moist.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensures the ham is heated to an internal temperature of at least 140°F for fully cooked hams.
  • Cutting Board: For carving the ham once it’s ready to serve.
  • Serving Platter: A beautiful way to present your maple-glazed ham at the table.

Ingredients
  

For the Ham:

  • 1 7-10 lbs Fully cooked, bone-in ham
  • 1 Cup Water or apple juice (for baking)

For the Maple Glaze:

  • 1 Cup Pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 Cup Brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbsp Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tsp Ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 Tsp Ground cloves
  • 1/2 Tsp Ground nutmeg
  • Zest of one orange

Garnish (optional):

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Orange slices

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Ham:
    Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
    Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it on a rack in a large roasting pan, flat side down.
    Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about ¼ inch deep. This allows the glaze to seep into the meat, infusing every bite with flavor.
  • Prepare the Glaze:
    In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and orange zest.
    Simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes). Set aside.
  • Bake the Ham:
    Pour 1 cup of water or apple juice into the roasting pan to keep the ham moist. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
    Bake in the preheated oven for about 1½–2 hours (10 minutes per pound), basting with pan juices every 30 minutes.
  • Glaze the Ham:
    Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
    Brush the ham generously with the maple glaze and return it to the oven, uncovered.
    Continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, basting every 5 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
  • Rest and Serve:
    Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
    Garnish with fresh rosemary and orange slices for a festive touch. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Maple glazed ham on a plate, surrounded by cranberries, orange slices, and maple syrup bottle.

A Feast to Remember

The beauty of a Maple Glazed Ham is more than just its incredible flavor—it’s the way it brings people together. This dish is a centerpiece not only for your table but for the moments shared with loved ones, from the laughter during preparation to the satisfied smiles after the first bite. Its sweet and savory richness captures the spirit of the holidays, making every gathering feel special.

As you prepare this ham, take a moment to savor the process, knowing you’re creating something that will be remembered long after the plates are cleared. I hope this recipe finds a place in your family’s traditions, bringing warmth and joy to your celebrations for years to come. If you try this recipe, share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear about the memories you create around this feast!

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