Name: Christmas Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8-10 pound bone-in fully cooked ham; 1/2 cup pineapple juice; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup maple syrup; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 4 garlic cloves, smashed

There’s something magical about a ham glazed with maple syrup during the holidays, and this Christmas Maple Glazed Ham Recipe brings that magic right to your dining table. The blend of sweet maple syrup and warm spices creates a caramelized crust that’s absolutely irresistible, making it the star of any festive gathering. Whenever I’ve served this ham, it sparks compliments and requests for the recipe — it really is that memorable.

If you’re wondering whether this recipe is worth the effort, trust me when I say it’s surprisingly straightforward and perfect for filling your home with that cozy Christmas aroma. Plus, the balance of flavors works beautifully with traditional sides, making it a crowd-pleaser that you’ll keep coming back to year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together to make a rich, flavorful glaze that’s both sweet and spicy but never overwhelming. They’re simple staples that you can find easily, and combining them correctly is the secret to achieving that perfect crackly glaze.

Bone-in fully cooked ham: Choosing bone-in gives more flavor and helps the ham stay juicy during cooking.
Pineapple juice: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps tenderize while balancing the sweetness of the glaze.
Water: Helps to keep the ham moist by creating steam in the roasting pan.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the glaze without overpowering it.
Brown sugar: Essential for that deep caramel color and tender crust.
Maple syrup: This is the star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness and that signature maple flavor that defines this recipe.
Dijon mustard: Adds just the right tang and depth, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that gives a hint of holiday cheer.
Ground cloves: Just a touch adds complexity without being too overpowering.
Garlic cloves (smashed): Brings subtle aromatic notes that enhance the overall glaze.

Variations

I love making this Christmas Maple Glazed Ham Recipe my own by adjusting a few ingredients depending on the year or who I’m cooking for. It’s great to have some flexibility to tailor the glaze and flavors to your taste, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Spicy twist: One year, I added a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a little heat, and it was a hit with the adults.
Orange zest: Adding orange zest or substituting pineapple juice with fresh orange juice gives a bright citrus note that pairs beautifully with the maple.
Gluten-free option: Ensure your mustard and maple syrup don’t contain any gluten for a safe festive treat for everyone.
Smoked ham: Using a smoked ham can deepen the flavor complexity if you want a more intense smoky profile.

How to Make Christmas Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Prep your ham and glaze ingredients

First things first—preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While that’s warming up, score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern. This isn’t just for looks; it allows the glaze to seep deeper into the meat, giving you more flavor in every bite. Then, combine your pineapple juice, water, butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and smashed garlic in a saucepan. Heat it gently and stir until the sugar and butter melt, then let it simmer for a few minutes. This step is key because it helps meld the flavors and thicken the glaze slightly.

Step 2: Glaze and roast with love

Place the ham in a roasting pan, flat side down, and add a splash of water to the bottom to keep it moist. Brush a generous layer of your glaze all over the ham, being sure to get into those scored lines. Tent the ham loosely with foil to prevent the glaze from burning early and roast it for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with more glaze every 20-30 minutes. Near the end, you can remove the foil and turn the oven up to 400°F (204°C) for the last 15 minutes or so to encourage a caramelized, shiny finish. Keep a close eye here so it doesn’t burn!

Step 3: Rest and enjoy

Once your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), pull it out and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps every slice succulent and full of flavor. I always find this resting step is essential—rushing it can lead to dry ham, and we definitely don’t want that on Christmas!

How to Serve Christmas Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

Christmas Maple Glazed Ham Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For garnishes, I love to place some fresh rosemary sprigs and a few orange slices around the ham—it adds vibrant color and a fresh aroma that perks up the presentation. Sometimes, I’ll toss pomegranate seeds on the platter too; they bring a lovely pop of color and a subtle tartness that complements the sweetness of the glaze perfectly.

Side Dishes

Side dishes are where the real magic of a Christmas dinner shines, and this ham pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and a bright, crunchy Brussels sprout salad. One Christmas, I served it alongside a sweet potato casserole with pecan topping—it was a crowd pleaser and balanced the sweet and savory notes of the ham beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling festive? Try serving your ham on a large wooden board surrounded by small bowls of mustard, maple syrup, and cranberry sauce for dipping. This interactive setup invites guests to customize their slices and adds a fun, communal vibe to the table. You can also elevate your presentation by carving the ham into thick slices and arranging them in a spiral on a platter for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Christmas Maple Glazed Ham Recipe are just as good the next day, if not better! I wrap my leftover ham tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it moist and flavorful. It lasts well for about 4-5 days, which means you can enjoy ham sandwiches, soups, or salads throughout the week without losing quality.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your leftover ham, slice it first and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then foil or freezer bags. This double-layer helps prevent freezer burn, and I’ve found the ham keeps best up to 3 months frozen. When thawing, I do so overnight in the fridge to keep things safe and juicy.

Reheating

To reheat, I generally put slices in a covered baking dish with a splash of water or leftover glaze, then warm them in a 275°F (135°C) oven until heated through. This gentle reheating keeps the ham from drying out, plus the glaze reactivates beautifully so you get that lovely sticky coating again.

FAQs

Can I use a pre-cooked ham for this Christmas Maple Glazed Ham Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is designed with a fully cooked, bone-in ham in mind, which means you’re essentially reheating and glazing it to add flavor and a beautiful crust. Just be sure not to overcook since the ham is already cooked—you’re just bringing it to serving temperature with a tasty makeover.
What size ham should I buy for a holiday dinner?

For Christmas dinners, an 8 to 10-pound bone-in ham is a perfect size for a group of 8 to 10 people. It leaves you with generous leftovers without overwhelming your fridge!
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

You can! Making the glaze a day ahead saves time on the big day. Just reheat it gently before brushing it over the ham.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute with honey or a mix of honey and molasses, but maple syrup really does give this Christmas Maple Glazed Ham Recipe its signature flavor that’s hard to replicate exactly.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Maple Glazed Ham Recipe has become a holiday staple in my family’s kitchen because it’s reliable, delicious, and just the right amount of fancy without being complicated. If you want a showstopper that’s both sweet and savory with that unforgettable maple touch, this ham is your new best friend. Promise me you’ll at least give it a try this year—you might just find yourself making it every holiday after that!