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 easter ready in about 125 minutes pairs pounds fully cooked bone-in ham, brown sugar, pure maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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

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.

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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 weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

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 covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown sugar from drying out.

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 easter 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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