Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust 🍖

INAYA November 7, 2025

0 15 4 minutes read

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA and today I’m bringing you a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day: Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust. Growing up on the sunny island of Crete, we didn’t often make ham, but my grandmother had a sweet spot for experimenting with flavors. I remember one winter evening when she tried her own version with honey and herbs and that magical caramelized glaze inspired this recipe.

When I first tasted maple-glazed ham, it was love at first bite. The sweetness of maple syrup, the gentle spice of cloves, and that golden brown sugar crust melting into tender meat it’s a celebration on a plate! I love making this during family gatherings or holidays when the table is full, laughter echoes around, and the air smells of something truly special.

This Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making. Whether you’re hosting a cozy Sunday dinner or your holiday feast, this dish guarantees to be the showstopper.

The best part? It looks fancy but is actually super simple to make. Let’s get that glaze shimmering and the ham sizzling!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✨ Sweet & Savory Harmony: The maple syrup and brown sugar bring out the natural saltiness of the ham perfectly.
🔥 Golden Crust: That irresistible caramelized coating gives a restaurant-quality finish.
💖 Easy Prep: Just mix, glaze, and bake your oven does the magic!
👩‍🍳 Perfect for Holidays: Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving or any special meal.

Ingredients 🧂

For the Ham:

1 (8–10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham
Whole cloves (about 25–30)
½ cup water

For the Maple Glaze:

1 cup pure maple syrup 🍁
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for tang)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Place the ham, fat side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern this helps the glaze soak in.

Insert whole cloves into the center of each diamond cut. Pour ½ cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep things moist.

Step 2: Make the Maple Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, apple cider vinegar, and butter.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Glaze & Roast

Brush a generous layer of glaze all over the ham. Cover loosely with foil.
Roast for 1½ to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with more glaze.

When the ham reaches about 130°F (55°C) internal temperature, remove the foil and brush again with glaze to create that stunning caramelized crust.

Step 4: The Final Touch

Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 15–20 minutes. This step gives you that sticky, golden-brown perfection!

Let the ham rest for 15–20 minutes before carving. The glaze will thicken beautifully as it cools.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Slice your Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust into thin, even pieces and serve with:

Mashed potatoes or sweet potato puree 🥔
Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans 🥦
Cranberry sauce or pineapple rings 🍍
Warm dinner rolls or homemade bread 🥖

For a beautiful presentation, drizzle a little extra glaze over the slices before serving.

Tips & Tricks 💡

Use real maple syrup! The flavor difference is worth it.
Don’t skip scoring the ham it helps the glaze penetrate deeper.
For extra shine, brush with one last coat of glaze just before serving.
Leftovers? Make maple-glazed ham sandwiches with Dijon mayo — divine!

🍯 Recipe Card

🕒 Time Clock:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Total: 2 hrs 30 mins

🥣 Ingredients:
✔️ 1 fully cooked ham (8–10 lb)
✔️ Whole cloves
✔️ 1 cup maple syrup
✔️ 1 cup brown sugar
✔️ 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
✔️ 1 tsp cinnamon
✔️ ½ tsp ground cloves
✔️ 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
✔️ 2 tbsp butter

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Score ham and insert cloves.
Mix glaze ingredients and simmer until smooth.
Brush glaze on ham, cover, and bake 1½–2 hours, basting every 30 min.
Increase oven to 400°F for final 20 min for caramelized crust.
Rest 15 min, slice, and serve warm.

📝 Note:
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 2 months. Perfect for sandwiches or breakfast omelets!

Conclusion ❤️

Cooking this Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust always fills my kitchen with memories of family, laughter, and love. The golden glaze, the aroma of maple and spice it’s pure joy on a platter. Remember, cooking isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating moments that linger long after the meal is done.

So light up your oven, pour that syrup, and share this dish with those you love. Because food, after all, is a story and every slice of this ham tells one worth remembering.

🌸 100-Word Short Story Version

Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete! This Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust is inspired by my grandmother’s love for sweet and savory flavors. I still remember her smile as the glaze bubbled into golden perfection. My version combines maple syrup, brown sugar, and a hint of Dijon for that perfect sticky crust. It’s a heartwarming dish for any festive table, easy to prepare, and impossible to forget. Serve it with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a meal that feels like home. Cooking this recipe isn’t just about flavor it’s about sharing joy and making memories. 💛