Brown Sugar and Maple Glazed Ham with Whole Cloves

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist baked ham featuring a rich brown sugar and maple syrup glaze accented by aromatic whole cloves for a beautifully spiced finish. This american-inspired brunch ready in about 125 minutes combines pounds fully cooked bone-in ham, brown sugar, pure maple syrup into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 12, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 105 min Serves 12 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Score the 8-pound fully cooked bone-in ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8 inch deep and stud with 25 whole cloves at the intersections.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, and 2 tbsp Dijon mustard until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Place the ham on a rack inside a roasting pan and brush half of the maple glaze evenly over the surface.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1 cup apple juice into the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist while baking.
  5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 45 minutes, basting every 20 minutes with the remaining glaze until the ham is heated through and the glaze is glossy and caramelized.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and rest for 15 minutes before slicing to serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Brown Sugar and Maple Glazed Ham with Whole Cloves take to make?

Total time is about 125 minutes (20 min prep + 105 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Brown Sugar and Maple Glazed Ham with Whole Cloves?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brown Sugar and Maple Glazed Ham with Whole Cloves?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brown Sugar and Maple Glazed Ham with Whole Cloves for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Brown Sugar and Maple Glazed Ham with Whole Cloves?

American brunch like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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