Maple-Glazed Ham with Mustard Sauce

Introduction

Maple-Glazed Ham with Mustard Sauce is a showstopping centerpiece perfect for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or celebratory gatherings. The ham is slow-baked and basted with a sticky maple glaze that balances savory, smoky meat with the natural sweetness of maple syrup. Served with a tangy mustard sauce, every bite delivers layers of flavor—salty, sweet, smoky, and sharp.

This dish is both classic and comforting, yet elevated with the elegance of maple and mustard. It’s hearty enough to feed a crowd, and the leftovers are just as good (if not better!) the next day in sandwiches, omelets, or salads.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Perfect harmony of flavors: The glaze combines maple syrup, mustard, and warm spices for a sweet-salty finish.
• Impressive yet simple: Despite looking gourmet, the steps are easy and require little active time.
• Great for gatherings: Serves many people and feels festive.
• Leftover-friendly: Delicious cold or reheated, making it versatile for multiple meals.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This ham is a must-try because it embodies the heart of celebratory cooking—rich, satisfying, and visually impressive. The maple glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a golden crust, while the mustard sauce cuts through with tang and brightness. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that balances indulgence with elegance.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2–2 ½ hours (depending on ham size)
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 10–12
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American (Holiday / Festive Classic)
• Course: Main Dish / Centerpiece

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 7–8 lbs)
• Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

For the Maple Glaze:

1. 1 cup pure maple syrup
2. ½ cup brown sugar
3. 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
4. 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or orange juice)
5. ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

For the Mustard Sauce:

• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup whole-grain mustard
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup mayonnaise or sour cream (for creaminess)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the ham by scoring the fat.
2. Make the maple glaze and brush over ham.
3. Bake, basting with glaze until caramelized.
4. Whisk together mustard sauce.
5. Serve ham slices with sauce on the side.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prep the Ham

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Place ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
• Score the fat in a diamond pattern (don’t cut into meat). Stud with whole cloves if desired.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

• In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon.
• Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 3: Bake the Ham

• Brush ham with glaze, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 1 ½ hours.
• Uncover, baste with more glaze, and bake another 30–45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes until caramelized and glossy.
• Internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).

Step 4: Make the Mustard Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon, whole-grain mustard, honey (or maple syrup), vinegar, and mayonnaise/sour cream until smooth.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

• Let ham rest 15 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm with mustard sauce on the side.

How to Serve

• Slice thick or thin depending on preference.
• Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or fresh bread.
• Serve mustard sauce in a small pitcher or ramekin for drizzling or dipping.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Score ham before glazing—this allows glaze to seep in.
• Tent foil loosely while baking to prevent drying.
• Use a roasting rack for even cooking and to keep ham from sitting in fat.
• For extra shine, broil the ham for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Variations

• Spicy Maple Ham: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the glaze.
• Orange-Maple Glaze: Replace vinegar with orange juice and add zest.
• Whiskey or Bourbon Glaze: Stir 2 tbsp bourbon into glaze for depth.
• Pineapple-Glazed Ham: Add pineapple juice and rings as garnish.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze sliced ham (with or without glaze) for up to 2 months. Wrap well in foil and plastic.
• Reheating: Warm gently in oven at 300°F (150°C), covered with foil.

Special Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan with rack
• Basting brush
• Foil
• Meat thermometer

Conclusion

Maple-Glazed Ham with Mustard Sauce is the ultimate holiday centerpiece: savory, sweet, smoky, and tangy in every bite. The maple glaze creates a caramelized crust that beautifully complements the juicy ham, while the mustard sauce cuts through with brightness. It’s a dish that feels festive, indulgent, and comforting all at once. With simple preparation and big flavors, this recipe is one you’ll return to year after year for special occasions.