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Christmas Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 65 reviews

This classic Christmas Maple Glazed Ham features a succulent 10 lb bone-in leg ham coated with a luscious maple syrup and brown sugar glaze seasoned with Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and allspice. The ham is studded with cloves for aromatic appeal and slow roasted in the oven, resulting in a beautifully caramelized, juicy centerpiece perfect for holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale

Ham and Preparation

  • 5 kg / 10 lb leg ham, bone in, skin on
  • 30 cloves (optional, for studding)
  • 2 oranges, cut into quarters
  • 1 cup (250ml) water

Glaze

  • 3/4 cup (185ml) maple syrup (can substitute honey)
  • 3/4 cup (165g) brown sugar, packed
  • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard (can substitute American or other plain mustard)
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp allspice (or nutmeg)

Instructions

  1. Bring Ham to Room Temperature: Remove the ham from the refrigerator 1 hour prior to cooking to ensure even roasting.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 160°C / 320°F (140°C fan) and position the shelf in the lower third to center the ham within the oven.
  3. Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and allspice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Remove the Rind: Using a small knife, carefully slice around the bone handle and along each side, then under the rind on the cut face. Loosen the rind by sliding fingers underneath and gently pulling back, using the knife to remove any residual rind.
  5. Score the Fat: Lightly cut diamond shapes approximately 2.5 cm (1 inch) apart into the fat layer, cutting about 75% through but not into the meat. Optionally, insert a clove at each diamond intersection for flavor and decoration.
  6. Position the Ham in Baking Dish: Place the ham in a large baking dish, propping the handle up with the edge of the pan and scrunched foil to level the surface for uniform caramelization.
  7. Add Oranges and Juice: Squeeze the juice from one orange over the ham and place all quartered oranges around the ham in the baking dish.
  8. Apply Initial Glaze: Brush or spoon half of the glaze mix all over the ham’s surface and cut face. No need to glaze the underside as glaze will drip down while baking.
  9. Add Water and Bake: Pour 1 cup of water into the baking dish and place the ham in the preheated oven.
  10. Baste and Bake: Roast the ham for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting generously every 30 minutes with remaining glaze and pan juices. Use foil patches to cover areas that brown too quickly to prevent burning.
  11. Rest the Ham: Remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to let juices redistribute.
  12. Final Basting and Serving: Continually baste the ham with thickened glaze and pan juices before serving. Serve with pan juices warmed as a sauce and optional condiments such as Dijon mustard, onion jam, or cranberry sauce.
  13. Presentation Tips: Remove cloves before serving. Wrap the handle with baking paper and ribbon if desired. Garnish the serving platter with greenery and orange quarters for festive color.
  14. Storage and Leftovers: Properly store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week using a water-vinegar soaked ham bag or freeze with the bone intact. Use leftover ham and bone in various recipes.

Notes

  • Removing the rind before scoring the fat allows the glaze to penetrate and caramelize beautifully.
  • Scoring the fat in diamond shapes prevents curling and encourages even glazing.
  • Cloves are optional and mainly for decoration and subtle aroma.
  • Keep an eye on the ham during roasting and cover spots that brown too quickly with foil patches to avoid burning.
  • Using pan juices as sauce adds deep flavor to the dish; warm and thin with water if needed.
  • The ham can be served warm or at room temperature according to personal preference.
  • Store leftover ham properly to maintain freshness or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Christmas ham, glazed ham, maple glazed ham, holiday ham, baked ham, roast ham, festive ham recipe, maple syrup glaze

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/christmas-maple-glazed-ham-recipe/