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Maple Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust Recipe

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Maple Glazed Ham with a Brown Sugar Crust

Maple Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust

Get ready to create the centerpiece of your next holiday meal: a stunning Maple Glazed Ham with a sweet, crunchy brown sugar crust. This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and delicious aromas to your kitchen. We believe that amazing food starts with quality ingredients and the right tools, and this recipe is designed to be both user-friendly and incredibly impressive.

We’ve carefully crafted this guide to walk you through every step, ensuring you achieve a perfectly cooked, juicy ham with a glossy, flavorful glaze every time. Plus, we’ll share some of our favorite kitchen helpers, all available on Amazon, that make the process even smoother. Let’s dive in and cook something spectacular together!

What You’ll Need

A showstopping ham starts with excellent ingredients. We’ve selected high-quality options you can order directly from Amazon to make your prep simple and stress-free.

Ingredients:

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Follow these simple instructions to create a ham that will have everyone asking for seconds. Having the right tools makes all the difference, so we’ve linked our top picks to help you out.

1. Prepare the Ham

First, let your ham sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. This helps it cook more evenly. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham, cut-side down, in a sturdy roasting pan. If your ham isn’t spiral-cut, score the surface in a diamond pattern about ¼-inch deep. Stud the intersections of the scores with whole cloves. Pour about 1 cup of water or apple cider into the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist, then cover it tightly with foil.

2. The First Bake

Place the ham in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (not touching the bone) reads 120°F (49°C).

3. Mix the Glaze

While the ham is baking, prepare your delicious maple glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, ½ cup of the brown sugar, and the Dijon mustard. Whisk everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze has slightly thickened.

4. Glaze and Create the Crust

After the first bake, carefully remove the ham from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Remove the foil. Using a basting brush, generously brush half of the maple glaze all over the surface of the ham. Then, pack the remaining ½ cup of brown sugar firmly onto the top, creating a thick crust.

5. The Final Bake

Return the ham to the hot oven, uncovered. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—you want the glaze to be bubbly and caramelized, and the brown sugar crust to be beautifully browned and slightly crispy. If it starts to get too dark, you can loosely tent it with foil. The internal temperature should now reach 140°F (60°C).

6. Rest and Carve

Let the ham rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and moist. Use a sharp carving set to slice the ham and serve it warm.

Read More: White Chocolate Raspberry Yule Log Recipe

Our Favorite Kitchen Tools from Amazon

Having the right equipment is a game-changer. Here are the essential tools we recommend for this recipe, all available on Amazon.

  • Digital Meat Thermometer: This is non-negotiable for perfectly cooked meat. The ThermoPro TP03 is fast, accurate, and affordable. It takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures your ham is safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
  • Heavy-Duty Roasting Pan: A good roasting pan provides even heat distribution. We love the Cuisinart 16-Inch Roaster with Rack because it’s spacious, durable, and comes with a rack to elevate the ham.
  • Silicone Basting Brush: For applying that glorious glaze, a silicone brush is a must. The OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting Brush holds glaze well and is easy to clean.
  • Electric Carving Knife: Get perfect, uniform slices every time. An electric knife like the Cuisinart CEK-41 makes carving effortless, especially with a large cut of meat.

Tips for the Perfect Ham

Want to take your ham to the next level? Here are a few extra tips:

  • Don’t skip the resting time! This is crucial for a juicy, flavorful result.
  • Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the brown sugar by a ¼ cup.
  • Get creative: Add a splash of bourbon or pineapple juice to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
  • For more inspiration, check out a classic like The Joy of Cooking, which is filled with timeless techniques and recipes.

Perfect Pairings

This maple-glazed ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Try serving it with:

  • Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
  • Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
  • A fresh Garden Salad with a light vinaigrette
  • Dinner rolls to soak up any extra glaze

You can find easy recipes and ingredients for these sides on Amazon Fresh to complete your meal planning in one go!

Your Turn to Wow Your Guests

This Maple Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust isn’t just food; it’s a celebration on a platter. With its irresistible sweet and savory flavors and stunning presentation, it’s guaranteed to be the star of your dinner table. We hope you feel inspired and confident to give this recipe a try!

Gather your ingredients, grab your tools from Amazon, and get ready to create a memorable meal. Don’t forget to share your cooking experience with us in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear how it turns out!

 

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