There’s something about the smell of slow-baked ham, filling the kitchen, that feels like the holidays, isn’t there? Whether it’s for Christmas dinner, Easter brunch, or a cozy Sunday gathering, this oven-baked ham recipe checks every box: it’s juicy, tender, and slathered in a brown sugar maple glaze that caramelizes into the most irresistible crust.
This delicious ham is a celebration of comforting classics like oven-baked ham andglazed spiral ham. The brown sugar-glazed ham, with its orange-maple glaze, creates a flavor profile that balances and adds depth. Whether you’re making a juicy baked ham for the holiday dinner or simply craving something nostalgic, this bine-in ham recipe fits the bill. It’s the kind of dish you imagine on a festive spread, beautifully carved, with that glossy, sweet glaze catching the light. It works well whether you’re preparing a whole ham or just a half, especially when you need a reliable, flavorful option for special occasions.
The Chemistry of Oven-Baked Ham
Let’s talk ham chemistry (yes, that’s a thing). Most bone-in hams sold at the grocery store are already cured and precooked- meaning your job is mostly about warming and glazing. Cooking it low and slow (hello, 225°F) ensures the heat reaches the center of the ham evenly, helping you avoid that dreaded dry ham situation. The bone helps conduct heat and adds extra flavor to the meat, plus it’s excellent for ham stock or bean soup later. The sweet glaze (thanks to brown sugar, maple syrup, and orange juice) caramelizes when the oven temperature is increased at the end of the cooking process, giving you that glossy, sticky crust that’s basically ham gold. The key is applying the glaze at the right time- late enough that it doesn’t burn, but early enough to soak into those scored diamond cuts.
Recipe Troubleshooting
Dry ham? To avoid this, always cover with foil and don’t exceed the recommended internal temperature. Use a probe thermometer if possible!
Glaze didn’t caramelize? This is usually due to not turning the heat up high enough at the end or applying it too early.
Not enough glaze? Just double the recipe- more glaze is always the right direction.
Burnt or overly thick glaze? This happens if you apply it too early at a high oven temperature. Always add the glaze after the initial baking phase and crank up the oven.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup? You sure can!
How long do I bake this ham per pound? For a bone-in, fully cooked ham, bake at 225°F for about 15 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
When should I add the glaze? Add the glaze during the last 30 minutes, after removing the foil.
Step One: Preheat your oven to 225 degrees.
Step Two: Prepare a roasting pan by adding 1/2 inch of water in the bottom and placing the inner pan over the water.
Step Three: Place your ham inside the roasting pan, cover the pan with aluminum foil, and put in the preheated oven.
Step Four: Mix together the glaze in a small mixing bowl. 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup and 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice. Mix until smooth. Pour the glaze all over the ham and spread around with a culinary brush.
Step Five: Bake for 2.5 hours. Remove the foil and add the glaze. While glazing the ham, turn the oven up to 400 degrees.
Step Six: Place the ham back in the oven for 30 minutes. Or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F.
Step Seven: Remove and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked ham, sliced, on a beautiful serving platter, garnished with sprigs of rosemary, bright orange slices, and a drizzle of those sweet pan drippings for extra shine. For ideal pairings, go with mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, or oven- roasted potatoes. For greens, cooked green beans, a Caesar salad, or crisp garden salad bring beautiful color and crunch. And don’t forget the best dinner rolls or cornbread! A dollop of cranberry sauce or a scoop of apple chutney adds the perfect sweet-tart contrast. For presentation, always score your ham in a diamond pattern before baking- it lets the glaze seep into every crevice and creates a gorgeous caramelized outer layer. Set out a small bowl of extra glaze at the table for drizzling- trust me, they’ll want it.
Seasonal Serving Suggestions
This recipe shines during the holiday season, making it a go-to for Christmas dinner main dish plans or your upcoming Easter ham with brown sugar glaze. It’s also ideal for a roundup of New Year’s dinner ideas when you’re planning something comforting, yet impressive. The orange maple glazed ham for holidays vibe hits all the right notes- it’s visually stunning and pairs perfectly with traditional sides. If you’re scouring Pinterest for the best ham glaze for the holidays, this one should be at the top of your list. The sweet-meets-savory combo, finished with a caramelized crust, will be the talk of your holiday dinner table.
Baking Tips
This is a bone-in ham recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again – not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s shockingly easy. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this method walks you through getting that perfectly cooked, sweet-glazed finish with minimal fuss. Oh, and yes, it makes epic leftover ham for sandwiches, soups, and more. Let’s dive in!
Storage Tips
To keep your ham fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing. You can also wrap slices in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge if you’re short on space.
Freezer- Ham freezes beautifully. Just wrap in aluminum foil or freezer-safe bags in smaller portions. Label and date, and it’ll last up to 3 months. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently over medium heat or in the oven at 325°F, covered.
Make Ahead- You can fully bake the ham the day before and reheat it the next day. Just save the glaze until right before serving, then reheat gently, covered in foil, at 300°F until warmed through. Letting the ham rest overnight actually improves the flavor- so if you’re juggling a million dishes on Christmas morning, this is a great way to work ahead.
Recommended Products
Easy Glazed Ham with Maple & Orange
If you’re looking for a show-stopping holiday main dish that doesn’t require a culinary degree (or four hours of stress), this oven-baked ham is the way to go. The brown sugar glaze, the maple-orange kick, the fork-fender slices, it’s what holiday dreams are made of. Whether it’s your first time hosting or your family expects you to show up with the “good ham,” those recipes have your back. Let it fill your kitchen with that nostalgic, soul-warming aroma and gather your people around. Don’t forget the napkins- it gets sticky in the best way.
Oven-Baked Ham with Citrus Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in half ham (10-13 lbs)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 225 degrees.
- Prepare a roasting pan by adding 1/2 inch of water in the bottom and placing the inner pan over the water.
- Place your ham inside the roasting pan, cover the pan with aluminum foil, and put in the preheated oven.
- Mix together the glaze in a small mixing bowl. 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup and 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice. Mix until smooth. Pour the glaze all over the ham and spread around with a culinary brush.
- Bake for 2.5 hours. Remove the foil and add the glaze. While glazing the ham, turn the oven up to 400 degrees.
- Place the ham back in the oven for 30 minutes. Or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F.
- Remove and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
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