Name: Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 pound bone-in spiral-cut half ham smoked or uncured; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 cup pure maple syrup; ½ cup Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons brown sugar

There’s something utterly magical about a perfectly glazed ham, and this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe is just that. The sweet and tangy glaze combines the richness of honey, the warm depth of maple syrup, and the subtle kick of Dijon mustard, creating a ham that’s irresistibly flavorful and beautifully caramelized. Trust me, once you make it, your holiday dinners or special occasions will never be the same.

A stack of pancakes with about eight layers of thin, golden-brown pancakes sits on a white plate, each layer covered with a smooth, creamy light brown sauce that drips down the sides. The top pancake is fully coated with the sauce, making it look shiny and rich. The pancakes have a soft texture with some browning marks visible. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s both easy and impressive. It takes just a bit of prep, but the payoff is a ham that’s juicy, tender, and bursting with layers of flavor that everyone will rave about.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The honey, mustard, and maple syrup come together in this glaze for a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy harmony that’s just dreamy on ham.
Simple to Prepare: You don’t need to be a pro to pull this off – a quick whisk and a few oven steps lead to a show-stopping centerpiece.
Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday feast, a Sunday dinner, or a special celebration, this glazed ham fits right in and elevates your meal.
Juicy and Caramelized: The slow roasting followed by broiling caramelizes the glaze without drying the meat, which is a win in my book every time.

A close-up view of a large cooked ham with many thick slices stacked and showing a shiny, brown glaze on the surface, sitting in a black pan on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand is holding a small clear glass jar filled with a smooth yellow sauce, while another woman's hand is using a spoon to pour the sauce over the top of the ham, with the sauce flowing down the sides and shining in the light. The background shows white tiled walls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe plays a special role to build that rich, luscious glaze that clings to the ham while roasting. Here’s a quick look at the key players and why I trust them every time.

Flat lay of a whole bone-in spiral-cut half ham with natural marbling and a pinkish hue, a small white bowl filled with golden honey, a small white bowl containing dark amber pure maple syrup, a small white bowl of smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, and a small white bowl of light brown soft brown sugar, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bone-in spiral-cut half ham: The spiral cut makes slicing easy and ensures the glaze seeps in between the layers, locking in moisture.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, shiny coating that browns beautifully under the broiler.
Pure maple syrup: Works alongside honey but gives a deeper, woody sweetness with that unmistakable maple flavor.
Dijon mustard: Brings just the right tang and slight heat, balancing out the sweetness and adding complexity.
Brown sugar: Sprinkled on the outside, it boosts caramelization and adds a subtle molasses note.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I love the classic combo in this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe, it’s also fun to experiment a little. Don't hesitate to add your own twist based on what you love or what you’ve got on hand.

Variation: I sometimes add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a little extra zing when we want a bolder flavor.
Dietary tweaks: For a refined sugar version, swap brown sugar for coconut sugar and use a sugar-free maple syrup alternative; just keep the balance of sweet-tangy intact.
Glaze thickness: If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the maple syrup by a bit and simmer gently before using.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Magical Glaze

Start by mixing the honey, pure maple syrup, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Whisk these until they blend smoothly and set the bowl covered in the fridge while you prep the ham. I like chilling the glaze because it helps the flavors meld, making it richer when it hits the warm ham later.

Step 2: Prep Your Ham for Flavor

Place your bone-in spiral-cut half ham flat-side down in a deep roasting pan lined with parchment for easy cleanup. Rub the brown sugar generously all over the top and sides. This sugar layer is what helps caramelize the exterior into that perfect golden-brown crust we’re after.

Step 3: Low and Slow Baking

Cover the pan tightly with foil to keep moisture in, then bake at 275°F. Plan on about 15 minutes per pound of ham—my 8-pound ham took roughly 2 hours. Keep the ham covered so it gently heats through without drying.

Step 4: Glaze and Broil to Perfection

Once the baking time is up, take the foil off and switch your oven to broil. Pour the chilled glaze all over the ham, making sure every inch is kissed by that sweet, tangy sauce. Return the ham to the oven uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes. Watch it carefully — you want that glaze bubbling and caramelizing without burning. The broiler’s quick heat will give you a beautiful, shiny finish.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove the ham from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then carve along the spiral cuts. The glaze creates such a gorgeous, glossy surface that your slices will look as good as they taste. Serve it warm and enjoy all the compliments coming your way.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that consistently ensure this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe comes out perfectly every time. These tips have saved me from a few near disasters and really elevate the dish.

Foil Covering: Always cover the ham tightly with foil during baking to keep it moist and tender. Without this, the ham tends to dry out.
Watch the Broil Closely: The broiler works fast — keep the oven door cracked open and watch like a hawk to prevent burning the glaze.
Use the Spiral Cut: Don’t skip the spiral-cut ham; its pre-sliced nature means the glaze seeps in deeper, and carving is a breeze.
Rest Before Slicing: Letting the ham rest after glazing helps the juices redistribute, keeping each slice tender and moist.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

honey mustard maple glazed ham - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this ham with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color that brightens up the plate. Sometimes I add thin orange or lemon slices on the side to echo the sweet notes in the glaze—it’s a simple touch that impresses every time.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually go classic: creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans with garlic, and a warm, fluffy dinner roll. On holiday occasions, a sweet potato casserole or maple-glazed carrots complement the ham’s flavors beautifully. I find these sides keep the meal balanced and crowd-pleasing.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a holiday brunch, I served slices of this glazed ham alongside a build-your-own croissant bar with cheeses, fresh greens, and mustard spreads. The combination was a hit! For fancy dinners, arrange the slices on a large platter with edible flowers and citrus wedges—it turns the ham into an elegant centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the ham, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found that it keeps really well for up to four days, retaining its amazing flavor without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freezing is totally doable. Just slice what you want to freeze and place the pieces in freezer bags with as much air removed as possible. It stays delicious for up to three months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftover ham slices gently in the oven at 275°F, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes. This prevents drying and keeps the glaze lovely and sticky. You can also warm slices in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to steam them just right.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a pre-cooked ham for this glaze recipe?

Absolutely! Most spiral-cut hams are pre-cooked, which means you’re mainly reheating and glazing. Just adjust baking times to heat the ham through without drying it out.

What type of mustard works best for this glaze?

Dijon mustard is perfect for this recipe because it has a smooth texture and a nice balance of tanginess and spice that complements the sweet elements of the glaze really well.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning under the broiler?

Keep a close eye during the broil step and avoid leaving the ham unattended. I like to leave the oven door slightly open to monitor it easily and remove the ham as soon as it reaches a caramelized golden finish.

Can this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it. The ham can be glazed and baked a few hours before serving, then reheated gently to serve fresh and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe feels like an old friend I always turn to when I want to impress without fuss. It’s reliable, delicious, and downright comforting. I know you’ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it—so grab that ham and get ready for a glaze that’s truly unforgettable.