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 truly comforting about a well-glazed ham, and this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe hits all the right notes — sticky-sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of caramelized goodness. It’s the kind of dish that turns any meal into a celebration, no matter the occasion.

A stack of around eight pancakes is shown closely, each pancake having a golden-brown surface with some darker spots, indicating a light crispiness. Between and on top of the pancake layers are generous amount of light yellow syrup that is thick and glossy, slowly dripping down the sides. The edges of the pancakes are soft and slightly uneven, with the syrup pooling a little at the base. The whole stack sits on a white plate, which is placed on a white marbled surface. The 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 ham glaze is seriously one of my favorites to make — it’s effortless but makes your ham taste like it took hours of work. The mix of honey, mustard, and maple syrup brings out an irresistible flavor that’s both sweet and tangy.

Perfect balance of flavors: The glaze combines honey, mustard, and maple syrup in a way that creates a harmonious sweet-tangy finish.
Simple to make: Just whisk a few ingredients and brush the glaze on — no complicated steps or expensive ingredients needed.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weekend family dinner, this glazed ham is always a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the glaze to suit your taste preferences — add more mustard for tang, or more maple for extra sweetness.

A sliced pile of roast ham with a shiny, caramel brown color sits on a dark tray, showing many layers of juicy, tender meat arranged in a semi-fanned pattern. A woman's hand holds a small clear jar of bright yellow sauce while another woman's hand uses a spoon to pour the thick sauce slowly over the top of the ham, letting it drip down the sides. The background is a white marbled texture with simple white tile details visible behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe comes from a handful of simple ingredients that blend perfectly. Each has a specific role — the honey and maple syrup bring sweetness and caramelization, while Dijon mustard adds a sharp tang that cuts through the richness.

Flat lay of a fresh bone-in spiral-cut half ham with natural pink and brown tones, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl holding rich amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, and a small white ceramic bowl with moist light brown granulated brown sugar, all ingredients placed in perfect symmetry with realistic proportions 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 ham: The bone locks in flavor and keeps the ham juicy; spiral-cut makes it easy to slice and serve.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps achieve that beautiful glaze shine when cooked.
Pure maple syrup: Offers depth and richness, complementing the honey with a slightly earthy sweetness.
Dijon mustard: Gives the glaze a kick of tang and balances out the sweet elements.
Brown sugar: Sprinkled on the ham before baking, it enhances caramelization and adds extra texture.

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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

I love playing around with this glaze depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to tweak the sweetness or punch it up with a little heat — it’s all about what makes you happy at the table!

Variation: I’ve tried adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a smoky kick that works wonders during colder months.
Dietary swap: If you want to reduce sugar, swap brown sugar with coconut sugar — it still caramelizes beautifully.
Maple-free version: If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, you can use additional honey combined with a little apple cider for complexity.
Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t have to worry about substitutions.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Ham and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 275°F. I like to line a deep roasting pan with parchment — it helps with cleanup and keeps the ham from sticking. Unwrap your spiral-cut ham and place it flat-side down. This helps the glaze soak in evenly later on.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, pure maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until smooth. I cover mine and pop it in the fridge to let the flavors mingle while the ham starts baking — it makes a big flavor difference!

Step 3: Apply Brown Sugar and Bake Slow

Rub brown sugar all over the top and sides of your ham. This extra step creates a beautiful caramelized crust. Cover the ham tightly with foil and bake it low and slow—typically 15 minutes per pound. For my 8-pound ham, that means about 2 hours.

Step 4: Glaze and Broil to Perfection

Once baked, take the ham out and set your oven to broil. Pour that gorgeous glaze evenly all over the ham, then return it to the oven uncovered. Keep a close eye because the glaze can go from caramelized to burnt quickly — about 5 to 8 minutes usually does the trick. That last broil gives the glaze a sticky, golden-brown finish that’s downright addictive.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

After you pull the ham from the oven, let it rest a few minutes so the glaze sets nicely. Then slice it right along the spiral cuts and enjoy! This recipe serves about 12 people easily.

Top Tip

From my experience, glazing ham can be tricky if you’re not careful to watch the broil step closely. These tips can save your glaze from turning bitter and keep your ham juicy and flavorful every time.

Slow and steady baking: Cooking the ham low and slow (275°F) helps the meat stay tender and juicy before the glaze step.
Watch the broil closely: When glazing under the broiler, stay close and keep the oven door slightly ajar if you can — it caramelizes fast.
Don’t over-glaze: Too much glaze can cause burning; a thin, even coat works best for that perfect balance.
Use a foil tent: Covering the ham tightly while baking keeps it moist and prevents drying out.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this ham with a few fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary — it adds a lovely herbal aroma that balances the sweet glaze perfectly. Sometimes, a scattering of toasted pecans on the side adds unexpected crunch and nuttiness that guests adore.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m all about the classics: creamy mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, and a bright apple cranberry chutney. These complement the sweet-savory notes of the ham beautifully. And don’t forget a fresh dinner roll to soak up all those lovely juices!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged spiral ham on a large platter surrounded by citrus slices and fresh herbs — it makes such a stunning centerpiece. Sometimes I drizzle extra warmed glaze over each slice at the table for an impressive finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep it from drying out, I pour a little bit of the glazed juices on top before sealing it. This keeps every bite moist and flavorful even as leftovers.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the ham, slice it first, then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or a freezer bag. It freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftover ham slices in the oven at 275°F wrapped in foil to keep them moist, or pop them in a skillet with a splash of water or broth. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the glaze from turning rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a pre-cooked ham for this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe?

Yes! Most spiral-cut hams you buy are pre-cooked. This recipe simply reheats it slowly while glazing to add flavor and caramelization — no raw ham involved.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning during broiling?

Broil the ham uncovered, but keep a close eye on it — 5 to 8 minutes is usually enough. If your broiler runs hot, leave the oven door slightly ajar. Applying a thin, even layer of glaze also helps prevent burning.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze actually tastes better after sitting in the refrigerator for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld. Just give it a good whisk before brushing it over the ham.

What sides pair best with Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, and cranberry sauce beautifully complement the sweet and tangy flavors of this ham. Adding fresh rolls or a crisp salad can round out the meal nicely.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham Recipe feels like coming home every time I make it. There’s something special about sharing a beautifully glazed ham with loved ones — the flavors, the warm golden crust, and the ease of preparation make it a forever favorite. I hope when you try it, it becomes one of your go-to recipes too. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!