Maple glazed ham with cherry mustard sauce is not just a dish; it’s a celebration on a plate, bursting with flavor and joy. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, as the savory ham caramelizes beautifully under a glossy maple glaze, complemented by the zing of cherry mustard sauce. It’s like a party for your taste buds, especially when you serve it at family gatherings or festive occasions.
I remember the first time I made this dish for a holiday dinner. The sight of my family’s delighted faces as they dug in was priceless. This dish has become our go-to centerpiece for any celebration, radiating warmth and happiness.
Why You'll Love This Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce
- This incredible Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
I once had my friend literally drooling over this ham, which only encouraged me to whip it up more often!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Bone-in Ham: A good-quality bone-in ham provides rich flavor and moisture during cooking.
Pure Maple Syrup: Look for 100% pure maple syrup to achieve that perfect sweetness and authentic flavor.
Cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries work well; they add a delightful tartness to balance the sweetness.
Dijon Mustard: Choose a smooth Dijon mustard for that creamy texture that complements the glaze perfectly.
Ground Ginger: A pinch of ground ginger adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
Cloves: Whole cloves are great for infusing aromatic warmth into your ham during baking.
Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
Water: Just enough to keep things moist while baking; no one likes dry ham!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce
Prepare Your Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the bone-in ham in a large roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern for better glaze penetration.
Create the Maple Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and ground ginger until fully blended. This mixture should be thick yet pourable.
Add Cloves: Insert whole cloves into the scored sections of your ham. Space them evenly; this adds flavor as it bakes and looks fancy too!
Spoon on the Glaze: Generously drizzle half of your maple glaze over the prepared ham, ensuring every inch is covered with that sticky goodness.
Bake Away: Cover your roasting pan with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for about 1 hour. Remove foil halfway through baking to allow caramelization.
Make Cherry Mustard Sauce: While the ham bakes, simmer fresh or frozen cherries in a small saucepan with remaining glaze over medium heat until they burst and thicken into a delightful sauce.
Once you’re done baking, let it rest before slicing into it! With each bite of this maple glazed ham drizzled in cherry mustard sauce, you’ll find yourself transported to flavor heaven. Enjoy every slice—it’s truly unforgettable!
This showstopping Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve a perfectly succulent Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce, start by preparing your ham. Score the surface to allow the glaze to penetrate deeply. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake the ham for about 15 minutes per pound. Meanwhile, whisk together your maple syrup and cherry mustard sauce. About 30 minutes before the ham is done, generously brush it with the glaze and return it to the oven for a beautiful caramelized finish.
Add Your Touch
Customization can elevate your Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce to new heights! Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth or substituting apricot preserves for the cherry mustard if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also experiment with different mustards; a spicy brown mustard adds a delightful kick. Don’t be shy—making this dish uniquely yours will impress your guests even more!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. When reheating, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C), cover the ham with foil to retain moisture, and heat until warmed through, about 20 minutes. This way, you can enjoy those delicious flavors all over again!
You Must Know About Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce
- This professional-quality Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce
- This professional-quality Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
I remember one holiday when I made this dish for my family gathering; they couldn’t stop raving about it! My cousin even tried taking leftovers home in his oversized jacket pockets.
FAQ
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
For a delicious Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce, choose a bone-in spiral-cut ham as it offers moistness and wonderful flavor retention during cooking. The spiral cut allows easy serving and ensures every slice is packed with juicy goodness.
Can I prepare this ham ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce a day in advance by glazing it and storing it in the fridge overnight before baking it just before serving time. This step allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
If you’re out of maple syrup or prefer an alternative, honey or agave nectar can work well as substitutes in your glaze mixture when crafting this delectable dish! Just know that adjustments might be necessary regarding sweetness levels.
How do I know when my ham is done?
The internal temperature of your Maple Glazed Ham should reach 140°F (60°C) when fully cooked through; use a meat thermometer inserted into its thickest part without touching bone to ensure accuracy while avoiding overcooking!
Conclusion for Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce
In conclusion, making a show-stopping Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce is easier than you think! With simple ingredients, attention to detail during cooking, and thoughtful customization options, you can create an unforgettable meal that dazzles friends and family alike. Remember to follow storage tips so you can enjoy those scrumptious leftovers too! Happy cooking!
Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce
Maple Glazed Ham with Cherry Mustard Sauce is the perfect centerpiece for your next family gathering or festive occasion. This dish features a succulent bone-in ham, drizzled with a sweet and sticky maple glaze, complemented by a zesty cherry mustard sauce. It’s not just a meal but an experience that delights the senses, creating memorable moments with every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in ham (6–8 pounds)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp whole cloves
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and ground ginger until smooth.
- Insert whole cloves into scored sections of the ham. Generously drizzle half of the maple glaze over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan with water, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for about 1 hour.
- Remove foil halfway through to allow caramelization.
- For the cherry mustard sauce, simmer cherries with remaining glaze in a saucepan until thickened.
- Let the ham rest before slicing and serve drizzled with cherry mustard sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 4 oz)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth. Substitute apricot preserves for cherry mustard for a different flavor twist. Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to five days.
