Maple Glazed Ham with Bold Cherry-Pineapple Sauce

Alright, alright, alright, my fellow flavor fanatics— Mr. flavorphile here, ready to drop some knowledge on you about a dish that’ll have your taste buds dancing like they’re on fire. We're talking holiday maple glazed ham that’s got soul, with a glaze so sweet and smoky you’ll be looking for a mic to drop. Infused with fresh thyme and maple butter, this ham isn’t just glazed—it’s marinated in flavor so deep it will blow your mind.

Yo listen up, this version of glazed ham is gonna rock your world this holiday season. We're talking about a holiday maple glazed ham recipe that’s got that deep, sweet and smoky vibe you’ve been craving.

First, we take that ham and slather it in a buttery maple glaze infused with fresh thyme—bringing that herbalicious kick that’s smooth like a jazz tune.

Related Holiday Posts:

• Dutch-Oven Pot Roast
• Crispy Roasted Cornish Hen
• Haitian Fried Chicken

I was never a fan over those baked hams with the sliced canned pineapples and maraschino cherries stuck to them. So I flipped things and just made a killer sauce based on those flavors using cherry and pineapple juices.

But we don’t stop there. Oh no, we bring the heat with a sauce that’s got attitude—cherry juice and pineapple juice coming together like a dynamic duo, all mixed up with bourbon, chipotle adobo sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. You’re getting sweet, smoky, spicy, and everything in between.

This ham's got layers, baby. It’s like a flavor symphony, and every bite’s got you groovin’ to the beat. Whether it’s the glaze or that sauce, you’re in for a holiday treat that’s as bold and unforgettable as they can get.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with Maple Glazed Ham)

Patrice Rushen's "To Each His Own" pairs beautifully with maple-glazed ham topped with cherry pineapple sauce because both offer a harmonious blend of smoothness, sweetness, and a hint of complexity.

The song’s velvety groove, soothing melodies, and soulful vibe mirror the rich, caramelized flavors of the maple glaze, while the bright, fruity tang of the cherry pineapple sauce reflects the song’s uplifting and playful undertones.

Just as the ham balances sweet and savory, the track balances mellow rhythms with a funk-infused energy that keeps you engaged. Together, they create a dining experience that’s as satisfying and soulful as Rushen's timeless sound—comforting, vibrant, and unforgettable.

Key Ingredients Needed To Drive Flavor

• Bone In Ham - pre cooked ham is preferred
• Pure Maple Syrup - offers a complex sweetness with hints of caramel and toffee that perfectly complement the savory, salty flavor of ham.
• Fresh Thyme sprigs - Its fresh, floral aroma adds a light, bright contrast to the sweetness of glazes made with ingredients like maple syrup
• Dark or Light Brown Sugar - When baked, brown sugar caramelizes, forming a slightly crispy, flavorful crust on the surface of the ham that adds both texture and visual appeal.
• Pure Cane Sugar - Adds a clean, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the glaze.
• Allspice - provides boldness and warmth. It’s a multifaceted spice that adds depth and complexity giving the sauce a more layered and sophisticated profile.
• Cinnamon - balances the sweetness of the brown sugar, maple syrup, and fruit juices.
• Cherry juice - brings a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, which cuts through the rich, salty flavor of the ham and creates a more balanced, well-rounded taste.
• Pineapple juice - adds a fresh, tropical fruitiness that pairs well with both sweet glazes (like those made with brown sugar or maple syrup) and savory ingredients like herbs and spices.
• Chipotle adobo sauce (only the sauce, not the peppers) - adds a subtle heat that isn’t overpowering, giving the ham a gentle kick that balances the sweetness of the sauce
• Bourbon Whiskey - brings a deep, rich flavor with caramel, vanilla, and those oak barrell notes that enhance the sweetness

How To Make The Best Glazed Ham Recipe

Prepare the Maple Syrup Glaze

Heat small sauce pan on low heat. Add butter and melt. Add thyme to the heated butter and allow it to infuse the butter with flavor. Turn off heat after two minutes.

Add maple syrup, mix well, and allow to sit a few minutes. Add maple syrup glaze.

Prepare the Ham

pre-heat the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.

Place ham in a roasting pan. Brush the spiral ham all over with the maple butter glaze. Be sure to brush in between each slice and their edges to glaze both the interior and exterior parts of the ham.

Place the ham bone side up. Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Roast 10 minutes for every pound, so for a 12 pound ham your cooking time will be 120 minutes (2 hours).

Remove the ham from the oven. Remove the foil and place the ham on it's side. Either pour the pan drippings from the baking dish into a sauce pan. Alternatively use a large spoon to transfer the jus to the sauce pan. Reserve the jus.

Mix together the dry spices and sugars (brown suger, pure cane sugar, allspice, paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper) in a medium bowl. If there is any remaining glaze apply another coating to the ham. Sprinkle the exterior of the ham with about a tablespoon of the spice mix. Reserve the rest.

Cook the ham uncovered for another 15 minutes.

While the ham cooks, make the sauce.

Make The Sauce

Add the cherry juice, pineapple juice, adobo sauce, bourbon, and remaining spice mix to the ham jus. Bring to a boil over medium heat then reduce to a simmer.

Cook until the sauce reduces by about ⅔. Take off heat and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes.

Serve ham topped with the cherry-pineapple sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme and orange slices.

What To Serve with Baked Ham

• Southern Collard Greens
• Baked Mac and Cheese
• Fried Black-eyed Peas
• Cucumber Salad
• Hot Water Cornbread
• Green Beans and Potatoes
• Jollof Rice
• Soup Joumou
• Southern Sweet Tea
• Sweet Potato Pie
• Southern Bread Pudding

Tips and Considerations for This Ham Recipe

This is a really good Christmas ham recipe or any fall/winter holiday for that matter. Here are a few good tips to consider if making:

• Definitely use a pre-cooked smoked ham that has also already been sliced. It's just that much more convenient. If you choose to slice yourself try to cut the ham slices as evenly as possible.
• For the honey loyalists this recipe works just as well if you prefer honey over maple syrup
• For a bit more complexity and tang in that ham glaze add some dijon mustard.
• Allow ham to reach room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
• Adding the spiced-sugar mix to the ham helps with caramelization intensifying the flavor on the edges, but also adds a bit of texture to the ham slices.
• If the sauce is too thick, feel free to add more pineapple or cherry juice and mix in well right in the sauce pan until desired consistency is achieved. Also if too thin just allow to cook a little longer.
• The sauce is super delicious and versatile. Reserve some and use on other dishes like pies, pancakes, etc.

Choosing the Right Ham for a Maple Glazed Ham Recipe

When it comes to crafting the perfect maple glazed ham recipe, the first step is choosing the right ham. Opt for a bone-in ham, as it brings more flavor and texture to the table. You can go for either a smoked or cured ham, but make sure it’s fully cooked before you start glazing.

A spiral-cut ham is a nice choice because it’s pre-sliced, making it super easy to serve and ensuring that every slice gets a generous coating of that luscious maple glaze. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later.

How To Store and Re-heat Leftover Ham

Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage):

• Step 1: Allow the ham to cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking.
• Step 2: Wrap the ham tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container.
• Step 3: Store it in the refrigerator
• Shelf Life: 3–5 days.

Freezing (Long-Term Storage):

• Step 1: Slice or portion the ham to make thawing and reheating easier.
• Step 2: Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Step 3: Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
• Shelf Life: up to 2–3 months for best quality.

Reheating:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Add a little liquid (like broth or water) to keep the ham moist.
• Cover with foil and heat until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Substitutions and Variations

Maple Syrup:

• Substitute: Honey or agave nectar
• Flavor Impact: Honey adds floral notes, while agave provides a milder sweetness.

Fresh Thyme:

• Substitute: Rosemary, sage, or dried thyme (use half the amount of dried thyme).
• Flavor Impact: Rosemary adds a piney, earthy taste, while sage brings a slightly peppery, savory flavor.

Cherry Juice:

• Substitute: Pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, or apple cider.
• Flavor Impact: Pomegranate and cranberry add tartness, while apple cider brings a fruity sweetness.

Pineapple Juice:

• Substitute: Orange juice, mango juice, or apricot nectar.
• Flavor Impact: Orange juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor, while mango or apricot nectar adds tropical sweetness.

Bourbon:

• Substitute: Whiskey, rum, or brandy
• Flavor Impact: Whiskey and rum add similar warmth and depth, while brandy gives a fruitier, richer flavor.

Chipotle Adobo Sauce:

• Substitute: Smoked paprika, chili powder, or sriracha for heat and smokiness.
• Flavor Impact: Smoked paprika offers a mild smokiness without the heat, while chili powder or sriracha adds more spice.

Make This Baked Ham Recipe

And there you have it, flavor peeps—the holiday maple glazed ham that’s got more layers than a jazz solo and more soul than a Sunday morning sermon. With that thyme and maple butter working their magic and a cherry-pineapple sauce that’s sweet, smoky, and just the right kind of spicy, this ham ain’t just a meal—it’s a statement.

So, remember what I the flavorphile always say: taste buds don’t lie! Serve it up, watch the smiles spread, and know you just dropped some serious flavor on your peeps. Stay bold, stay flavorful, and as always—Do. The. Right. Thing. in your kitchen!

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