The Story & Introduction 🌸
Hi, I’m Sarrah, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. I believe food brings people together especially women who love to share warmth and happiness through cooking.
When I first tried Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust, it reminded me of cozy family gatherings filled with laughter, stories, and the scent of something sweet roasting in the oven. 🍖✨ The glossy maple glaze, the hint of brown sugar caramelizing on top it’s pure comfort food.
Growing up, we didn’t have ham often, but my grandmother taught me that special meals are not just about taste they’re about connection. Every time I prepare this maple-glazed ham, I remember her words: “Food made with love always tastes better.” 💕
Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or just a Sunday family dinner, this recipe adds that touch of elegance and warmth to the table. The combination of maple syrup and brown sugar creates a beautiful crust that’s both sticky and savory, while the ham stays juicy and tender.
So, grab your apron it’s time to make this show-stopping Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust that’ll impress everyone and fill your home with joy and irresistible aroma. 😍
Table of Contents
🧺 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust perfect every time:
- 1 (8 to 10-pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup pure maple syrup 🍁
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup water (for roasting pan)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a perfect glaze and a tender, juicy ham every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan. Pour ½ cup water into the bottom to keep it moist while baking.
Step 2: Make the Maple Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
Step 3: Glaze and Bake
Brush the ham generously with the warm maple glaze.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
During the final 30 minutes, remove the foil to let the glaze caramelize beautifully.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
When done, remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices for tender, flavorful slices.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Add a basket of warm dinner rolls and a drizzle of leftover glaze for extra flavor.
This ham also makes fantastic leftovers — perfect for sandwiches or breakfast omelets the next day! 🥪🍳
📋 Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 10–12
- Calories: ~340 per serving
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Occasion: Holidays, Family Dinners, Celebrations 🎄🎉
🏁 Conclusion
This Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust is more than just a recipe — it’s a celebration of tradition, family, and love. The sweet glaze, golden crust, and tender slices create a masterpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. ❤️
Every bite carries the warmth of maple, the richness of brown sugar, and the comfort of shared meals. Don’t wait for a holiday to make it bring a little joy to any day of the year with this irresistible ham. Serve it, share it, and create your own beautiful memories around the table. 🍽️✨