Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust

The Story & Intro

Growing up on the sunny island of Crete, I never thought I’d fall in love with something as uniquely comforting as Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust. In Greece, ham wasn’t something we made often, but when I first visited a friend in the U.S. one Christmas, the scent of sweet maple syrup and caramelized brown sugar filled the kitchen. It instantly reminded me of my grandmother’s baked pork roasts rich, sweet, and full of love.

Now, every time I make this maple-glazed ham, I’m reminded how food can bridge cultures. It’s not a Greek dish, but it carries that same warmth and togetherness my grandmother always spoke about. The way the brown sugar crust crisps on top, and the glaze drips down each slice it’s like magic in the oven.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a Sunday family meal, or just craving something that smells like comfort, this maple-glazed ham is a showstopper. It’s simple, beautiful, and so rewarding. You’ll love how the maple syrup caramelizes into a sticky glaze while the brown sugar adds depth and a gentle crunch to the crust.

Cooking is never just about the food it’s about the laughter, the clinking glasses, the stories shared around the table. And this dish? It’s one of those recipes that invites everyone in, warm and smiling.

Ingredients

You don’t need much to create something unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust:

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 pounds)
1 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional but lovely)
Whole cloves (for studding, optional)

Optional Garnish:

Fresh rosemary sprigs
Orange slices or pineapple rings for presentation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham, flat side down, on a large roasting rack inside a roasting pan. If there’s a thick rind, trim it off, leaving a thin layer of fat. Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern this helps the maple glaze soak in beautifully.

If you love a classic holiday look, stud the intersections with whole cloves. It adds aroma and that timeless touch.

Step 2: Make the Maple Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens slightly about 5 minutes.

The smell at this stage? Pure heaven. That mix of sweet maple and spice fills your kitchen with a cozy warmth.

Step 3: Glaze and Bake

Brush the ham generously with the maple glaze, then cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 1½ to 2 hours (about 15–18 minutes per pound).

Every 20–30 minutes, remove the foil and baste with more glaze. The more you baste, the deeper that golden-brown crust becomes.

Step 4: Caramelize the Crust

For that signature brown sugar crust, remove the foil completely during the last 30 minutes. Brush again with glaze, sprinkle an extra tablespoon of brown sugar over the top, and return it to the oven uncovered.

The edges will begin to caramelize, forming a sticky-sweet crust that’s absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

When your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), take it out and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle, keeping each slice moist and flavorful.

Serve it on a platter with orange slices, rosemary sprigs, or pineapple rings for a gorgeous presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust with:

Creamy mashed potatoes 🥔
Roasted Brussels sprouts 🥦
Fresh green beans with lemon zest 🍋
A crisp Greek salad (yes, I had to sneak that in!) 🥗

It’s also delicious cold the next day in sandwiches or diced into omelets.

If you’re serving this for Christmas or Easter, light a few candles, pour a glass of wine, and savor the moment. It’s food made to be shared, just like my grandmother used to say.

💌 Marilyn’s 100-Word Short Story

Hi, I’m Marilyn, 38, from Crete, Greece. I grew up watching my grandmother create simple yet magical dishes. Though this Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust isn’t Greek, it brings the same warmth she taught me about food made with love. I first tried maple-glazed ham while visiting a friend in the U.S., and it instantly reminded me of home. Now it’s one of my favorite holiday recipes, mixing my Greek heart with American comfort. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cook, I’m here to share the joy of creating food that feels like home.

📜 Recipe Card

⏱ Time:
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Rest: 20 min | Total: ~2 hrs 35 min

🧂 Ingredients:

1 bone-in ham (8–10 lb)
1 cup maple syrup
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cloves
Whole cloves (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Score ham and stud with cloves.
Simmer maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves.
Brush ham with glaze, cover, and bake for 1½–2 hrs, basting often.
Uncover, sprinkle extra brown sugar, and bake 30 min more for crust.
Rest 15–20 min, slice, and serve warm.

💡 Notes:

Substitute honey for maple syrup if preferred.
Leftovers make great sandwiches.
For a deeper crust, broil the ham briefly at the end.

Conclusion

Making Maple-Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar Crust is a wonderful reminder that good food connects us all. From Crete to America, the joy of sharing meals remains the same. This ham is sweet, savory, and perfect for any celebration or even just a cozy Sunday dinner.

Don’t stress about perfection; embrace the little messes and laughter in the kitchen. After all, the best memories come from cooking with love and enjoying the journey.