Maple glazed spiral ham is a true classic for any special meal, with its sweet and sticky maple syrup glaze perfectly complementing the tender, juicy layers of spiral-cut ham. The way the glaze seeps into every slice makes each bite flavorful and just a little bit irresistible. This dish brings a wonderful balance of salty and sweet that’s hard to beat.
I love making this ham when I want something impressive but that doesn’t require hours of fuss. The spiral cut means it’s already sliced for you, which is a total win when you’re serving a crowd. Brushing on a maple glaze gives it that beautiful caramelized finish that smells amazing while it cooks — it always fills the kitchen with such a cozy, inviting aroma.
One of my favorite ways to serve maple glazed spiral ham is alongside simple roasted veggies or a fresh green salad. It’s also fantastic in sandwiches the next day, wrapped around a slice of cheese and a little mustard. This ham always makes the table feel festive, and it’s a dish that everyone seems to agree on because it’s both comforting and delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spiral Ham: A pre-cooked spiral-sliced ham is ideal for this recipe. It’s already sliced for easy serving and cooks quickly. If you can’t find spiral-cut, a regular pre-cooked ham works fine but you’ll need to slice it yourself.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup brings natural sweetness and a rich flavor to the glaze. If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or molasses can be used, though they will change the flavor a bit.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramelization. You can swap light brown sugar for dark brown sugar for a stronger molasses taste, or even use coconut sugar for a different twist.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy bite that balances the sweetness. Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can be used, but Dijon is mild and smooth, which pairs best with the maple.
Spices: Cinnamon and cloves bring warm, cozy notes. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip or replace with nutmeg or allspice for similar warmth.
How Can I Get the Glaze Perfectly Sticky and Caramelized on the Ham?
Getting the glaze just right is key to a tasty ham. Here’s how I do it:
- Start by warming the glaze: Heating the maple syrup, sugar, and spices helps everything dissolve and combine well.
- Brush generously: Apply the glaze not only on top but also between the spiral slices to flavor it deep inside.
- Bake covered first: Tent with foil so the ham stays moist and doesn’t dry out.
- Glaze often: Basting every 20-30 minutes layers flavor and builds a sticky coating.
- Finish uncovered at high heat: Take off the foil and crank up the oven for the last 15-20 minutes to caramelize the glaze. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
These steps result in a tender ham with a glossy, sticky crust that’s sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor. Let it rest after baking to keep the meat juicy when slicing.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan – I use this to hold the ham and catch any drips, making clean-up easier.
- Small saucepan – perfect for heating the glaze ingredients to a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Basting brush – helps spread the glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring every slice gets coated in flavor.
- Aluminum foil – essential for tenting the ham and keeping it moist during the initial baking stages.
- Meat thermometer – I recommend this to check when the ham is heated through without overcooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use bourbon or whiskey instead of apple cider vinegar for a boozy twist that pairs well with the sweet glaze.
- Mix in orange zest or juice into the glaze for a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the sweetness.
- Sprinkle with crushed pine nuts or chopped pecans before serving for added crunch and richness.
- Swap out spices: try allspice or nutmeg for different warm flavors that complement the maple syrup beautifully.
Maple Glazed Spiral Ham
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 2 to 2.5 hours of total time. Prep takes around 10 minutes to mix the glaze and prepare the ham. The ham then roasts for about 12-15 minutes per pound, during which you’ll baste it every 20-30 minutes. The last 15-20 minutes are for caramelizing the glaze. Letting it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving helps keep it juicy and tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Ham:
Start by heating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Put your spiral-sliced ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down to keep it stable and juicy as it cooks.
2. Make the Maple Glaze:
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Warm over medium heat, stirring often until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Glaze the Ham:
Brush a generous layer of the warm maple glaze all over the ham. Be sure to get it between the spiral slices so every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Roast the Ham:
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Roast it in your preheated oven, brushing more glaze over it every 20-30 minutes to build up a sticky, tasty crust. Bake for roughly 12-15 minutes per pound — about 2 to 2.5 hours total.
5. Caramelize the Glaze:
For the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush on a final layer of glaze. Turn the oven up to 400°F (200°C) to caramelize the glaze, cooking until the ham’s surface becomes bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
6. Rest and Serve:
Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat nice and tender. Slice along the spiral cuts and serve with any glaze or pan juices drizzled on top.
Can I Use Frozen Spiral Ham for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the ham in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and safely.
How Do I Store Leftover Ham?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little glaze or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day or two in advance. Just warm it slightly before brushing it onto the ham to help it spread easily.
What Sides Go Well with Maple Glazed Ham?
This ham pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. The sweet glaze also suits warm cornbread or dinner rolls perfectly.