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Maple Glazed Ham with Orange and Clove Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Jack
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10-12 servings 1x

Description

This Maple Glazed Ham recipe features a succulent 10-pound leg ham, oven-baked to perfection with a rich and sticky maple syrup glaze flavored with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and allspice. Studded optionally with cloves and garnished with fresh oranges, this festive dish is perfect for celebratory meals and offers a beautiful balance of sweet and savory notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Ham

  • 5 kg / 10 lb leg ham (bone in, skin on)
  • 30 cloves (optional, for studding)
  • 2 oranges, cut into quarters
  • 1 cup (250 ml) water

Glaze

  • 3/4 cup (185 ml) maple syrup (can substitute honey)
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard (can substitute American or other plain mustard)
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp allspice (or nutmeg)

Instructions

  1. Bring Ham to Room Temperature: Remove the ham from the refrigerator one hour prior to cooking to ensure even cooking.
  2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C / 320°F (140°C fan). Position the oven shelf in the lower third so the ham will sit in the center of the oven for even heat exposure.
  3. Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and allspice until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Remove Ham Rind: Carefully remove the skin (rind) from the ham. Use a small knife to run around the bone handle and under the rind on the cut face, then loosen the rind by sliding fingers underneath, pulling it back gently and trimming any remaining rind if necessary.
  5. Score Fat Surface: Using a knife, lightly score the fat of the ham in 2.5 cm (1 inch) diamond patterns about 75% through the fat layer without cutting into the meat.
  6. Stud with Cloves (Optional): Insert cloves into the intersections of the diamond scoring on the fat surface for decoration and flavor.
  7. Set Up Baking Dish: Place the ham in a large baking dish. Prop the bone handle up on the edge of the pan with scrunched foil to keep the ham surface level for even caramelization.
  8. Add Oranges: Squeeze the juice of one orange over the ham, then place all the orange quarters around the ham in the baking dish.
  9. Apply Initial Glaze: Brush or spoon half of the prepared glaze over the surface and cut face of the ham. Do not worry about the underside, as the glaze will drip down into the pan.
  10. Add Water: Pour 1 cup (250 ml) water into the bottom of the baking dish to create steam during baking.
  11. Bake and Baste: Place the ham in the oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. Baste generously every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze and pan juices to develop a sticky, golden caramelized surface. Use foil patches to protect areas that brown too fast.
  12. Rest the Ham: Remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Continue to baste with pan juices as they thicken for extra flavor and shine.
  13. Serve and Present: Remove cloves if used. Wrap the bone handle with baking paper and a ribbon for an elegant touch. Place the ham on a serving platter garnished with orange quarters and greenery. Slice thinly and serve warm or at room temperature, drizzling with pan juices or your preferred condiments.
  14. Store Leftovers: Refrigerate leftover ham for up to a week in a water-vinegar soaked ham bag or pillowcase, or freeze with the bone for extended storage.

Notes

  • Removing the rind is crucial to allow the glaze to penetrate and caramelize the fat properly.
  • Scoring the fat in diamonds enhances caramelization and helps hold the glaze.
  • Cloves are optional and mainly for decorative and aromatic purposes.
  • Use foil patches on parts that brown faster to prevent burning without damaging the caramelization.
  • Pan juices make an excellent sauce; warm and thin with water if needed.
  • Leftover ham and bone can be used in various recipes; consider soups, stews, or hash.
  • Storing the ham in a vinegar and water soaked bag keeps it moist and fresh longer.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Maple Glazed Ham, Baked Ham, Holiday Ham, Festive Ham, Maple Syrup Ham, Oven Baked Ham, Glazed Ham Recipe

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Find it online: https://eatwithjack.com/maple-glazed-ham-with-orange-and-clove-recipe/