This glazed ham is juicy and tender with a glossy, sweet-and-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully around the edges. It’s one of those main dishes that looks impressive on the table without feeling complicated.
I especially love serving it for holidays and special occasions because it works with so many different sides and always feels a little more special than an everyday dinner.
Whether you serve it with cauliflower mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, it makes a beautiful centerpiece for the table.
Below, I’ll walk you through how to glaze the ham, when to add the glaze, and how to tell when it’s heated through.
- 1 Is Ham Keto-Friendly?
- 2 Is Glazed Ham Keto-Friendly?
- 3 Why You’ll Love This Glazed Ham
- 4 Ingredients for Glazed Ham
- 5 How to Make Glazed Ham
- 6 Tips for the Best Glazed Ham
- 7 What to Serve With Glazed Ham
- 8 How to Store Glazed Ham
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- 10 More Delicious Dinner Recipes
- 11 Glazed Ham
Is Ham Keto-Friendly?
Plain ham is generally low in carbohydrates, but some packaged hams contain added sugar. Check the ingredient list and nutrition label when choosing one for a low-carb or keto meal.
Is Glazed Ham Keto-Friendly?
Traditional glazed ham is often made with brown sugar, honey, or regular maple syrup, which can add a significant amount of sugar and carbohydrates.
This version uses my homemade maple syrup for a lower-carb glaze while keeping that sweet-and-savory flavor you expect from glazed ham.
Why You’ll Love This Glazed Ham
- The ham stays tender and juicy while the outside develops a glossy, caramelized glaze.
- It’s simple to prepare but looks impressive on the table.
- You can prepare it ahead of time.
- The glaze uses low-carb maple syrup instead of a traditional sugary glaze.
- It pairs easily with all kinds of side dishes.
- It’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, and other special occasions.
Ingredients for Glazed Ham
Here’s what you’ll need to make the ham and its sweet-and-savory glaze:
- Ham – Use a bone-in, fully cooked ham.
- Maple Syrup – I use my homemade maple syrup for a lower-carb glaze.
- Water – Added to the roasting pan while the ham heats.
- Butter – Unsalted butter adds richness to the glaze.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds tanginess that balances the sweetness. You can use another mustard you enjoy if preferred.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds acidity that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a savory note to the glaze.
- Ground Cloves – Add warm, aromatic spice.
How to Make Glazed Ham
- Preheat the oven to 356°F/180°C and line a roasting pan with foil.
- Pour the water into the bottom of the roasting pan and place the ham in the pan.
- Bake for about 1 hour 10 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and reaches the appropriate internal temperature according to its package directions.
- Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. Add the butter and maple syrup to a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Whisk until the butter is melted, then add the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and ground cloves.
- Whisk until well combined and simmer for about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F/200°C.
- Pour the glaze evenly over the ham.
- Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the edges are golden brown.
- Check the ham with an instant-read thermometer before serving and follow the temperature guidance on the package for the type of fully cooked ham you are using.
Tips for the Best Glazed Ham
- Lightly score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife if you want the glaze to settle into the surface and create a decorative finish.
- Keep an eye on the glaze during the final 15 minutes because it can darken quickly.
- For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Use an instant-read thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time, since the exact heating time can vary depending on the size and shape of your ham.
- Check the ham packaging for specific reheating instructions, especially if you are using a different type or size of ham.
What to Serve With Glazed Ham
One of the best things about this easy glazed ham recipe is how many different sides work with it.
Try serving it with:
- Cauliflower Rice
- Roasted Vegetables
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Cauliflower Risotto
- Zucchini Noodles
- Air Fryer Green Beans
How to Store Glazed Ham
Refrigerator: Store leftover glazed ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze leftover glazed ham in an airtight freezer-safe container for 2–3 months.
To Reheat: Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven or in the microwave until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know When a Fully Cooked Ham Is Heated Through?
Because this recipe starts with a fully cooked ham, you are reheating rather than cooking it from raw.
Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone. Follow the reheating temperature listed on the ham package, since requirements can differ depending on how the ham was packaged.
Can I Make This Recipe With Uncured Ham?
Yes, but check the package before cooking. “Uncured” does not necessarily mean the ham is raw.
Determine whether your ham is fully cooked or labeled cook-before-eating, then follow the package instructions for cooking or reheating it. The cooking time and target temperature may be different from the fully cooked ham used in this recipe.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes
- Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Grilled Salmon Steak with Creamy Mustard Sauce
Glazed Ham
Description
Ingredients
- 10 lb Bone-in ham
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/2 cup homemade maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Ground cloves
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven at 356F/180C degrees.
- Prepare a roasting pan and line it with foil.
- Pour the water into the pan’s bottom and place the ham in it.
- Bake the ham for about 1 hour and 30 minutes until it reaches 140 degrees F when an internet thermometer is inserted.
- Meantime make the glaze. Add the butter and maple syrup to a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Whisk until the butter is melted, then add the mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, and ground cloves
- Mix until it is well combined and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and set aside.
- Remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 200F.
- Pour the glaze over the ham.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the edges of the ham are golden brown.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.