Steve's Maple Glazed Spiral Ham Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Holiday Favorite

When it comes to holiday meals, a beautifully glazed spiral ham is a showstopping centerpiece that never fails to impress. Steve’s maple glazed spiral ham recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, combining the rich flavors of pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and savory mustard to create a succulent ham that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you're making this dish for Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion, this ham recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe has been a tradition in my family for years, and for good reason. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but the combination of the maple glaze with the tender spiral-cut ham creates a taste that is simply irresistible. The sweet maple syrup, combined with the saltiness of the ham and the slight tang from mustard, creates layers of flavor that elevate this dish beyond the ordinary.

The spiral-cut ham is already pre-cooked, which means the majority of the cooking process involves warming the ham and adding the glaze. This makes it a stress-free option for holiday entertaining, leaving you more time to focus on side dishes, desserts, or just enjoying time with your guests.

Recipe Overview

In this recipe, we’ll take a pre-cooked spiral ham and add a luscious glaze made from maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of cinnamon. As the ham bakes, the glaze thickens and coats the exterior of the ham, creating a deliciously sticky, golden-brown finish. You’ll want to brush on multiple layers of glaze throughout the cooking process to ensure every slice of ham is bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pre-cooked spiral ham (8-10 pounds)
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Fresh rosemary and orange slices, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make some adjustments to this recipe, here are a few substitution ideas:

• If you prefer a milder flavor, you can swap the Dijon mustard for whole-grain mustard or even honey mustard for a sweeter taste.
• For an extra citrusy twist, replace the orange juice with pineapple juice for a tropical flavor.
• If you want a smokier glaze, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the glaze mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the spiral ham, cut-side down, in a roasting pan or large baking dish. Cover the ham loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out during the initial cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Maple Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves (if using), and orange juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Glaze the Ham

Brush the ham generously with the maple glaze, making sure to get the glaze between the slices. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting with the glaze every 20 minutes.

Step 4: Finish Baking Uncovered

After the first hour and 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush the ham with more glaze. Continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the ham is caramelized and heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh rosemary and orange slices for a festive presentation, if desired. Serve the ham with any remaining glaze drizzled on top.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Steve’s maple glazed spiral ham pairs beautifully with classic holiday side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or stuffing. For a lighter meal, serve it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread. Leftovers are also fantastic in sandwiches or served alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.

Storage and Reheating

To store any leftover ham, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap individual slices in foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave slices for 1-2 minutes, covered, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can use honey in place of maple syrup for a slightly different flavor. Honey will create a more caramelized glaze, but it will still pair wonderfully with the ham’s salty flavor.

Can I cook this ham in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! To make this recipe in a slow cooker, prepare the glaze as instructed, then place the ham in the slow cooker and pour the glaze over the top. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, basting occasionally, until the ham is heated through and tender.

Conclusion

Steve’s maple glazed spiral ham recipe is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday meal. Its sweet and savory glaze, combined with the tender, juicy ham, is sure to be a hit with your family and guests. Whether you're serving it for Christmas, Easter, or any other special occasion, this recipe is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Give it a try this holiday season and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!