# Enchant your Holiday Meals with the Delectable Maple Glazed Ham
## Introduction
Add a heartwarming touch to your holiday feasts with our delightful recipe for Maple Glazed Holiday Ham. The sweet and savory fusion of flavors will surely make your festive dinners more joyful and memorable.
## Why Make this Recipe
One taste of this ham, and you will know why this recipe is a must for your holiday feasts. The succulent ham basted with a sweet and tangy glaze offers a mouthwatering flavor that’s both comforting and festive. It is also surprisingly simple to prepare, leaving you plenty of time for holiday festivities.
## How to Make Maple Glazed Holiday Ham
### Ingredients:
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (approximately 8-10 lbs)
– 1 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– Whole cloves, optional for garnish
### Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, stud the intersections with whole cloves
3. In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves.
4. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large baking pan, generously brush the glaze over the ham.
5. Bake the ham in the preheated oven. Baste every 30 minutes with additional glaze until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), about 2 hours.
6. For a caramelized finish, broil the ham for 5-10 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
7. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve warm.
## How to serve Maple Glazed Holiday Ham
Our Maple Glazed Holiday Ham is perfect as the centerpiece of your holiday table. Pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
## How to Store Maple Glazed Holiday Ham
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To enjoy it later, simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
## Tips to Make Maple Glazed Holiday Ham
– Make sure to score the surface of the ham to allow the glaze to penetrate more deeply, enhancing the flavor.
– Don’t forget to baste the ham every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
– Watch the ham closely when broiling to avoid burning the glaze.
## Variations
Switch up your glaze by adding your favorite spices or substitute the maple syrup for honey for a different twist on this holiday classic.
## FAQs
### Q: Can I use a boneless ham?
– A: Yes, you can, just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as boneless hams tend to cook faster.
### Q: What can I use as a substitute for apple cider vinegar?
– A: You can use white wine vinegar or even lemon juice as a substitute.
### Q: Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
– A: Definitely! You can prepare the glaze up to 2 days ahead and just keep it in the fridge until needed.
We hope this recipe enhances your holiday celebrations and adds warmth to your festive meals. Enjoy and happy cooking!