Brown Sugar and Maple Glazed Ham with Whole Cloves

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) 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.

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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