Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing holiday main? This maple glazed bone-in ham is the perfect centerpiece—whether you choose to make it scored or unscored! While this particular ham wasn’t scored, I’ve learned that scoring next time really helps the sweet and savory glaze soak in deeper, adding extra flavor and beautiful caramelized edges. But scored or not, this oven-baked ham with its rich maple mustard glaze always turns out juicy, tender, and full of holiday cheer. It’s a classic recipe that’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to impress at any special occasion or Easter dinner!
Maple Glaze for Bone-In Ham (Unscored or Scored)
A 5-pound ham will serve roughly 6 to 8 people
A 10-pound ham can serve about 12 to 16 people
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or orange juice)
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional for texture)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves (or allspice)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Add a bit of water, apple cider, or orange juice to the bottom of the pan (about ½ cup).
- Optional but recommended: If your ham is not scored and has a thick outer layer of fat or skin, you can make shallow diagonal cuts in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife. This helps the glaze stick and soak in better. If the surface is smooth or already trimmed, you can skip this step.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine all glaze ingredients. Stir until sugar is dissolved and the mixture thickens slightly (5–7 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Brush a layer of glaze evenly over the ham. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Bake the ham according to weight (about 15–18 minutes per pound), basting with more glaze every 20–30 minutes.
- During the last 20–30 minutes, remove the foil and apply a final coat of glaze. This will caramelize and create a sticky, golden finish. Keep an eye out for dark spots—tent again with foil if needed.
- Rest for 15–20 minutes after baking before slicing.
🔪 Notes:
- This glaze works well even without scoring, especially if your ham has a leaner or trimmed surface.
- Leftover glaze can be simmered and spooned over the sliced ham for extra flavor at serving.
To round out this sweet and savory maple-glazed ham, we love adding a variety of colorful, flavorful sides that make the whole meal feel like a celebration. A good sauce goes a long way—grainy or Dijon mustard brings a zesty contrast, while a spoonful of cranberry sauce adds a bright, fruity pop that cuts through the richness of the ham. Feeling bold? A creamy horseradish sauce brings just the right amount of heat. For veggies, green beans with butter and toasted almonds are always a hit, and roasted Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of balsamic (or a handful of crispy bacon bits!) are hard to resist. Garlic-sautéed spinach or Swiss chard adds a lovely earthy note. And since it’s Easter—or any special occasion—we go all in with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery sautéed mushrooms, and sometimes scalloped potatoes or a cheesy gratin. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss in some spring peas with fresh mint for a pop of green. It’s comfort food with a little flair—and always a crowd-pleaser!
Cooking a bone-in ham with a maple glaze is a simple and delicious way to create a show-stopping holiday meal. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) and placing the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Adding a splash of apple cider or orange juice to the pan helps keep the ham moist during the slow oven bake. For best results, score the ham in a crisscross pattern—this technique allows the maple mustard glaze to penetrate deeply, enhancing flavor and creating beautiful caramelized edges. Brush the ham generously with your sweet ham glaze, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning, and baste every 20 to 30 minutes to build layers of rich, savory-sweet flavor.
Here are some useful tips to perfect your oven-baked bone-in ham: During the last 20–30 minutes, remove the foil to let the glaze caramelize but watch closely and tent with foil if it starts to brown too fast. After baking, allow the ham to rest for 15–20 minutes to keep it juicy and tender when sliced. Leftover glaze can be simmered and served alongside as a delicious accompaniment. Whether you’re making a scored or unscored ham, this classic maple glazed ham recipe is sure to impress as a centerpiece for Easter dinner, holiday gatherings, or any special occasion.
This maple glazed ham is truly a showstopper, combining the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re preparing a traditional Easter ham, a holiday roast, or a special family dinner, this easy ham glaze recipe elevates your bone-in ham to a whole new level. The rich maple syrup, tangy mustard, and warm spices create a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, delivering juicy, tender meat with a glossy finish. If you’re searching for a simple yet impressive baked ham with maple syrup glaze, this recipe is your go-to for a delicious and crowd-pleasing main course. Give it a try and enjoy a flavorful, memorable ham dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!