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Perfect Maple Dijon Glazed Ham Recipe with Cloves for Easy Festive Gatherings

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A foolproof, easy-to-make maple Dijon glazed ham studded with cloves, perfect for festive gatherings. The glaze caramelizes to create a sticky, flavorful crust with a balance of sweet, tangy, and warm spice notes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Bone-in fully cooked ham (about 8 to 10 pounds / 3.6 to 4.5 kg), preferably spiral-sliced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) pure maple syrup (Grade A amber recommended)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, freshly cracked
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the roasting pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
  2. If the ham isn’t pre-scored, use a sharp knife to make shallow diamond-shaped cuts across the surface, cutting through the fat layer but not into the meat.
  3. Insert whole cloves into the center of each diamond, spacing them about an inch apart.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  5. Place the ham on the rack in your roasting pan and pour water into the bottom of the pan to create steam.
  6. Tent the ham loosely with foil and heat in the oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes (or 10 minutes per pound). Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) if pre-cooked.
  7. Remove foil and baste the ham with half the glaze. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) and roast for 15-20 minutes to caramelize the glaze, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Baste again with the remaining glaze and roast for another 10 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.

Notes

If glaze thickens too much while basting, warm it slightly before spreading. Always tent the ham with foil during baking to keep moisture and prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper internal temperature. Resting the ham after cooking is essential for juicy slices. For lower sugar, substitute half the maple syrup with pureed apple or pear sauce. Mustard brands vary in gluten content; check labels if gluten-free is required.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple glazed ham, Dijon mustard ham, holiday ham recipe, festive ham, glazed ham with cloves, easy ham recipe, Christmas ham, spiral-sliced ham

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/perfect-maple-dijon-glazed-ham-recipe-with-cloves-for-easy-festive-gatherings/