How long do you bake a maple glazed ham?

A 7- to 9-pound ham takes about 2 to 2.5 hours total at 350°F. Bake covered for 1 hour, then uncovered for 1 to 1.5 hours while brushing with maple bourbon glaze every 30 minutes. The ham is done when an instant-read thermometer reads 140°F at the thickest part.

Can I make maple glazed ham without bourbon?

Yes. Swap the bourbon for an equal amount of apple cider or orange juice. The maple brown sugar glaze will still caramelize beautifully — you just lose some of the smoky depth the bourbon adds.

What is the best maple syrup for ham glaze?

Pure maple syrup, Grade A Dark Color with Robust Taste or Very Dark with Strong Taste. These deeper varieties hold up against smoky ham and tangy mustard. Never use pancake syrup, which is mostly corn syrup with artificial flavoring.

How do you keep a glazed ham from drying out?

Three things: start with a fully cooked smoked ham, cover tightly with foil for the first hour to trap steam, and keep water in the bottom of the roasting pan. Basting with the maple glaze every 30 minutes adds a protective, flavorful coating too.

How long does leftover glazed ham last?

Up to 5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container, or up to 2 months frozen. Slice before freezing for easy portioning.

Can I make the maple bourbon glaze ahead of time?

Yes. The ham glaze keeps up to 3 days refrigerated in a sealed jar. Warm gently before brushing onto the ham — a cold glaze won't spread as evenly.

Bone-in or boneless ham — which is better for this recipe?

Bone-in is the better choice for this maple glazed ham recipe. The bone adds flavor during baking, helps retain moisture, and you can save it afterward for split pea soup or bean soup.

What size ham do I need per person?

Plan on 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person for bone-in ham. A 7- to 9-pound half ham serves 10 to 14 people with enough left over for sandwiches the next day.