Make a juicy, flavorful baked ham with this easy Maple Glazed Spiral Ham recipe. Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or holiday dinners, this spiral-sliced ham is coated in a rich maple syrup and brown sugar glaze with hints of mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Oven-baked to perfection, it comes out tender, moist, and caramelized. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a classic holiday meal. Step into festive cooking with this simple and delicious ham recipe.

Ingredients

7 to 9-pound bone-in, fully-cooked spiral sliced ham
½ cup pure maple syrup
½ cup light or dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons stone-ground or whole-grain mustard
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
A pinch of ground cloves (no more than ⅛ teaspoon)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare the ham: Remove the ham from its packaging. Place it flat side down on a very large piece of heavy-duty foil. Fold the foil securely around the ham, leaving the top loosely covered so it can open easily. Transfer the ham to a large baking dish or roasting pan.
Bake the ham: Cook for 10–14 minutes per pound, until heated through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.
Make the glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3–4 minutes, until thick and syrupy. Remove from heat—the glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.
Glaze the ham: After the initial baking, remove the pan from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C). Open the foil and pour about ¾ of the glaze over the top and sides of the ham. Return the ham, uncovered, to the oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Rest and serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest in the foil for 10 minutes. Spoon any glaze that collected in the foil over the ham and brush with the remaining glaze before slicing and serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and savory flavor: The combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, and mustard creates a rich, perfectly balanced glaze.
Effortless elegance: Spiral-sliced ham makes serving easy, while still looking impressive on the table.
Perfect for holidays or special occasions: This recipe works wonderfully for Christmas, Easter, or family gatherings.

Tips

Use a meat thermometer: Ensures your ham is heated perfectly without drying out.
Watch the glaze: Caramelization happens quickly, so keep an eye during the final baking.
Resting matters: Letting the ham rest allows juices to redistribute, keeping every slice tender.

Variations and Substitutions

Sweeteners: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a different flavor profile.
Spices: Add a dash of allspice or ginger for a unique twist.
Mustard: Dijon or spicy brown mustard can replace stone-ground mustard for a milder or sharper kick.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ham ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake the ham up to the initial heating stage, cover, and refrigerate. Glaze and caramelize just before serving.

Q: Can I use a boneless ham?
A: Absolutely. Adjust baking time slightly (usually 8–12 minutes per pound).

Q: How thick should the glaze be?
A: The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

Serving

Slice the ham along the spiral cuts for easy serving.
Spoon extra glaze over each slice for maximum flavor.
Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Suggestions

Leftovers: Use in sandwiches, wraps, or diced in salads.
Presentation: Garnish the ham with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a festive touch.
Drink pairing: Sweet wines or sparkling cider complement the rich maple glaze beautifully.