Mapled Glazed Ham: The Ultimate Recipe and Guide

Missouri Burger: Get ready to sink your teeth into a taste of the Midwest! Imagine a juicy, perfectly seasoned burger, piled high with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce that just screams “comfort food.” This isn’t just any burger; it’s a culinary tribute to the Show-Me State, and trust me, it’ll show you what a truly great burger can be.

While the exact origins of the Missouri Burger are debated, its spirit is undeniably rooted in the state’s rich agricultural history and love for simple, hearty flavors. Missouri, known for its cattle ranches and BBQ traditions, naturally lends itself to creating a burger that’s both satisfying and flavorful. It’s a celebration of local ingredients and down-to-earth cooking.

People adore this burger for its perfect balance of textures and tastes. The savory beef, the smoky bacon, the sharp cheddar, and that irresistible BBQ sauce create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying and relatively easy to make at home, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing option for your next cookout. So, fire up the grill and let’s make a Missouri Burger that will have everyone asking for seconds!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-15 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup water (or apple juice)
• Whole cloves, for studding (optional)

Preparing the Ham:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature will ensure the ham heats through evenly without drying out.
2. Prepare the ham for glazing. Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any netting or plastic discs. Place the ham on a large roasting pan fitted with a rack. The rack is important because it allows air to circulate around the ham, promoting even heating and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
3. Score the ham (optional, but recommended). Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern. Make shallow cuts, about 1/4 inch deep, across the surface of the ham. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as you only want to score the fat layer. Scoring allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the ham and also creates a visually appealing presentation.
4. Stud with cloves (optional). If you desire a more festive look and a hint of clove flavor, insert whole cloves into the points of the diamond pattern created by scoring. This is purely for aesthetic and flavor purposes, so feel free to skip this step if you prefer.

Making the Maple Glaze:

1. Combine the glaze ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Ensure all ingredients are well combined and the brown sugar is dissolved. The apple cider vinegar adds a touch of tanginess that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and brown sugar. The Worcestershire sauce provides umami depth, while the spices add warmth and complexity.
2. Adjust the consistency (if needed). If the glaze seems too thick, add the water (or apple juice) a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency. You want the glaze to be thick enough to cling to the ham but thin enough to spread easily.

Glazing and Baking the Ham:

1. Apply the first layer of glaze. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush or pour about half of the maple glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into all the crevices created by the scoring. The initial layer of glaze will start to caramelize and create a flavorful crust.
2. Add water to the pan. Pour about 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help to create steam, which will keep the ham moist during baking. Be sure to monitor the water level during baking and add more if it evaporates completely.
3. Bake the ham. Place the roasting pan with the ham in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (without touching the bone) to check the temperature.
4. Baste with pan juices (optional). Every 30-45 minutes, baste the ham with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful. This step is optional but recommended for a more succulent ham.
5. Apply the remaining glaze. During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the ham from the oven and brush or pour the remaining maple glaze over the entire surface. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking until the glaze is deeply caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Increase the oven temperature (optional, for extra caramelization). For the last 10-15 minutes of baking, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to further caramelize the glaze. Watch the ham carefully to prevent the glaze from burning. If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil.

Resting and Carving the Ham:

1. Rest the ham. Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is deeply caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm during resting. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
2. Carve the ham. Place the ham on a cutting board. To carve the ham, first locate the shank bone (the bone in the lower part of the ham). Using a sharp carving knife, make a series of slices parallel to the bone, working your way down the ham. Then, run the knife along the bone to release the slices. Alternatively, you can carve the ham in a spiral fashion, starting at the shank end and working your way around the ham.
3. Serve and enjoy! Serve the mapled glazed ham warm with your favorite side dishes. It’s delicious with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad. Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and used in sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.

Tips for Success:

• Choose the right ham. A bone-in, fully cooked ham is the best choice for this recipe. The bone adds flavor and moisture, and the fact that it’s fully cooked means you’re just heating it through and glazing it.
• Don’t overbake the ham. Overbaking will result in a dry, tough ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
• Adjust the glaze to your liking. Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the glaze to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more maple syrup or brown sugar. If you prefer a tangier glaze, add more apple cider vinegar.
• Use a roasting pan with a rack. The rack allows air to circulate around the ham, promoting even heating and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy.
• Baste the ham regularly. Basting with pan juices will keep the ham moist and flavorful.
• Let the ham rest before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
• Don’t discard the ham bone. The ham bone can be used to make a delicious soup or stock.

Variations:

• Add pineapple. For a tropical twist, add pineapple slices to the roasting pan during the last hour of baking.
• Use different spices. Experiment with different spices in the glaze, such as ginger, allspice, or cardamom.
• Add citrus. Add orange or lemon zest to the glaze for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Make a bourbon glaze. Substitute a few tablespoons of bourbon for some of the maple syrup in the glaze for a richer, more complex flavor.
• Add a touch of heat. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a subtle kick.

Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed potatoes
• Sweet potato casserole
• Green bean casserole
• Roasted asparagus
• Dinner rolls
• Cranberry sauce
• Mac and cheese
• Cornbread
• Coleslaw
• Potato salad

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Freeze leftover ham in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating Instructions:

• Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place ham slices in a baking dish with a little water or broth. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place ham slices on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ham slices and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until heated through.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This maple glazed ham recipe is truly a showstopper, and I genuinely believe it deserves a place on your holiday table, or even just a special Sunday dinner. The combination of the savory ham with the sweet and slightly tangy maple glaze is simply divine. It’s a flavor explosion that will have your guests raving and coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

But why is this particular recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s surprisingly straightforward. I’ve broken down each step to ensure even novice cooks can achieve ham-glazing perfection. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here! It’s all about simple steps, quality ingredients, and a little bit of patience. The result? A beautifully glazed, incredibly moist, and utterly delicious ham that will be the star of your meal.

Think of the possibilities! Imagine slicing into that glistening, mahogany-colored ham, the aroma of maple and spices filling your kitchen. Picture your family and friends gathered around the table, their faces lighting up as they take their first bite. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a memory in the making.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations, because the fun doesn’t stop with the ham itself! For a classic holiday spread, serve your maple glazed ham with scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce complements the ham beautifully, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Alternatively, for a more casual gathering, try serving it with cornbread, coleslaw, and baked beans.

But don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a little kick.
* Citrus twist: Incorporate orange or pineapple juice into the glaze for a brighter, more tropical flavor.
* Herbaceous delight: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an earthy, aromatic touch.
* Smoked ham: Use a smoked ham as the base for an even deeper, richer flavor.

Leftover ham? Lucky you! There are endless ways to enjoy it. Use it in sandwiches, salads, omelets, or even as a pizza topping. You can also dice it up and add it to soups, stews, or pasta dishes. The possibilities are truly endless! My personal favorite is using leftover ham in a hearty breakfast hash with potatoes, onions, and peppers.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I truly believe it will become a family favorite. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of glazing a ham; it’s much easier than you might think. Just follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly spectacular dish.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some culinary magic. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how your maple glazed ham turned out. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!