Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Glazed Baked Ham with Vanilla Maple Sauce! Imagine a perfectly cooked ham, glistening with a rich, sweet glaze that combines the warmth of maple syrup, the depth of vanilla, and a hint of aromatic spices. This isn't just a recipe - it's a flavor journey that will elevate your holiday table or weekend feast from mundane to magnificent, leaving your guests begging for seconds and your kitchen filled with irresistible aromas.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole ham (about 2kg)
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is ideal for slow-cooking the ham, allowing it to become tender and flavorful.
- Prepare the ham by removing any packaging and placing it in a large roasting pan. If the ham has a thick layer of skin or fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate and adds a beautiful presentation.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, vanilla extract, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This will create a delicious glaze for your ham.
- Once the glaze is ready, reserve about 1/2 cup of it for basting later. Pour the remaining glaze over the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial cooking phase. This will help prevent the ham from drying out.
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake the ham for about
- 5 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld, and the ham will begin to heat through.
- After
- 5 hours, remove the ham from the oven and carefully remove the aluminum foil. Brush the reserved glaze over the surface of the ham to create a shiny, flavorful crust.
- Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a rich, golden color.
- Once the cooking time is complete, check the internal temperature of the ham. It should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. If it hasn’t reached this temperature yet, continue baking, checking every 10 minutes.
- Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful ham.
- Slice the ham and serve it warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze from the roasting pan. Enjoy your delicious glazed baked ham with vanilla maple sauce!
Tips
- • Always choose a high-quality ham for the best results - the quality of your main ingredient matters! • Score the ham's surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate and create a stunning presentation. • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness - aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). • Don't rush the resting period after cooking; those 15 minutes help redistribute juices and keep the meat moist. • For extra flavor, consider using fresh ground spices instead of pre-ground if possible. • If the ham's surface starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning. • Save any remaining glaze to drizzle over sliced ham for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 757kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 175mg
