When it comes to holiday entertaining, a glazed ham is a classic centrepiece. While many recipes lean on brown sugar for sweetness, this version takes a distinctly Canadian approach. This maple glazed ham is a simple, flavourful way to elevate a traditional roast.

Made with pure maple syrup, fresh orange juice and real vanilla bean, the glaze delivers a rich depth of flavour with just the right balance of sweetness and brightness. For the best flavour, opt for a darker maple syrup, which brings a deeper, more robust sweetness to the glaze. If you’re curious about how different maple syrup grades affect flavour, explore our guide to the four maple syrup grades in Canada.

As it cooks, the glaze caramelizes into a glossy, golden finish, creating an oven-roasted ham that’s both juicy and deeply flavourful.

Glazed ham on a cutting board with baby potatoes and a small jug of gravy.

Maple Glazed Ham

This oven roasted ham is glazed with a rich combination of pure maple syrup, fresh orange juice and vanilla bean, creating a glossy, caramelized finish.

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Ingredients

Half bone-in ham about 10 lbs/ 4.5-kg
2 cups dark pure maple syrup
1 cup orange juice
Freshly ground black pepper
3 vanilla pods
½ cup maple sugar

Instructions

Place ham in extra-large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium heat; reduce heat and simmer for 1 ½ hours.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Drain ham, then pat dry. Transfer to a roasting pan, fat-side up.
Using a paring knife, cut vanilla in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds. In bowl, whisk together vanilla seeds, maple syrup, orange juice, and pepper.
Using a knife, cut diamond-shaped notches about 1/4-inch deep into surface of the fat.
Insert vanilla pieces into diamonds, then brush with some of the maple mixture. Roast for 1 1/2 hours, basting often with the cooking liquid.
A few minutes before removing from the oven, sprinkle ham with maple sugar and roast until caramelized.
To serve, transfer ham to a platter. Strain the juices from the roasting pan and serve with ham.