Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Veggies

Chloe

Nurturing taste buds (and souls) with every recipe.

It’s funny how some recipes just become instant family classics. The Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Veggies recipe, for us, was one of those delightful surprises. I remember the first time I made it – a chilly autumn evening, the scent of roasting root vegetables and sweet maple syrup filling the house. My kids, usually picky eaters, were actually excited to try it, drawn in by the glistening glaze and colorful veggies. And the taste? Oh my goodness. The ham, perfectly moist and savory, with that sweet and smoky maple glaze was just divine. Paired with the earthy, slightly caramelized roasted vegetables, it was a complete meal that felt both comforting and special. It’s become a go-to for holiday dinners and even just a satisfying Sunday supper. Honestly, it’s hard to beat the combination of ease, flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal that this recipe offers. If you’re looking for a centerpiece dish that will impress without stressing you out, look no further. This Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Veggies is a winner, every single time.

Ingredients

This recipe shines because of the quality of ingredients and the simplicity of preparation. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious meal:

Bone-in Ham: (About 8-10 pounds, fully cooked, shank or butt portion) – The star of the show! A bone-in ham provides richer flavor and moisture compared to boneless. The shank portion is often more flavorful, while the butt portion is meatier and easier to carve. Choose whichever you prefer or is available.
Maple Syrup: (1 cup, pure maple syrup) – This is what creates the signature sweet and sticky glaze. Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor, avoid pancake syrup which is usually corn syrup based.
Dijon Mustard: (1/4 cup) – Adds a tangy depth that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and complements the savory ham. Dijon mustard’s sharpness cuts through the richness.
Apple Cider Vinegar: (2 tablespoons) – A touch of acidity to further balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile of the glaze. It also helps tenderize the ham slightly.
Soy Sauce: (1 tablespoon, low sodium preferred) – Adds umami and saltiness, deepening the flavor of the glaze and creating a lovely savory-sweet balance. Low sodium is recommended to control the saltiness.
Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) – Provides a subtle savory background note to the glaze, enhancing the overall flavor.
Black Pepper: (1 teaspoon, freshly ground) – Essential seasoning that adds a bit of spice and enhances all the other flavors. Freshly ground pepper offers a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
Olive Oil: (1/4 cup) – Used for roasting the vegetables. Olive oil helps the vegetables caramelize and develop a delicious roasted flavor.
Root Vegetables (Assorted): (About 4-5 pounds total, such as carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, onions) – These hearty vegetables roast beautifully alongside the ham, soaking up the flavorful drippings and providing a delicious and nutritious side dish. Choose a variety for color and flavor.
Rosemary: (2-3 sprigs, fresh) – Adds a fragrant, earthy aroma to the roasted vegetables, complementing both the ham and the root vegetables beautifully. Fresh rosemary is preferred, but dried can be used in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon dried).
Salt: (To taste) – Essential seasoning to enhance the flavors of both the ham and vegetables.
Pepper: (To taste) – Seasoning for the vegetables, complementing the black pepper in the glaze.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Vegetables:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan. If your ham has a plastic disk on the underside of the bone, remove it. Score the ham in a diamond pattern about ¼ inch deep, being careful not to cut all the way through the meat. This helps the glaze penetrate and allows fat to render out.
Make the Maple Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Heat over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Simmering helps the flavors meld together and intensifies the glaze. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the glaze simmers, prepare your vegetables. Wash and peel (if desired) all the root vegetables. Cut them into roughly equal-sized chunks, about 1-2 inches in size. Uniform size ensures even cooking. For onions, you can quarter or thickly slice them. Place the chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Add the fresh rosemary sprigs to the vegetables and toss again.
Roast the Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer around the ham in the roasting pan. If you don’t have enough space around the ham, you can use a separate roasting pan for the vegetables. Roasting them alongside the ham allows them to absorb some of the flavorful ham drippings.
Glaze the Ham and Roast: Pour about half of the maple glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to get it into the score marks. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting later. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven.
Bake and Baste: Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound of ham, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone, to ensure accuracy. About every 30-45 minutes during baking, baste the ham with more of the reserved maple glaze. This basting process creates a beautiful, glossy glaze and keeps the ham moist. Rotate the vegetables occasionally to ensure even roasting.
Rest the Ham: Once the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. The internal temperature will continue to rise slightly during resting. The vegetables should continue to roast while the ham rests, becoming tender and slightly caramelized. If the vegetables are done before the ham, you can remove them from the oven and keep them warm.
Carve and Serve: After resting, transfer the ham to a cutting board and carve it. Arrange the roasted vegetables on a platter and place the carved ham slices alongside. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the roasting pan over the ham and vegetables for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximate, based on 8 servings, and can vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size)

Serving Size: 1 slice of ham (approx. 4 oz cooked), about 1 cup roasted vegetables
Calories: 550-650 kcal
Protein: 40-50g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

This recipe is relatively straightforward, with most of the time being hands-off while the ham roasts.

Prep Time: 30-40 minutes (This includes preparing the vegetables, making the glaze, and scoring the ham)
Cook Time: 2-3 hours (Depending on the size of your ham and oven temperature)
Rest Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 3-4 hours (From start to finish, including prep, cooking, and resting)

This makes it a great recipe for weekend dinners or holiday meals where you have a bit more time to dedicate to cooking, but the active cooking time is still manageable.

How to Serve

Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Veggies is a complete meal in itself, but here are some delicious ways to serve it and enhance your dining experience:

Classic Platter: Arrange the carved ham slices beautifully on a large platter, surrounded by the colorful roasted vegetables. Drizzle any extra glaze from the pan over the ham and veggies for a glossy finish. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for visual appeal.
Family Style: Serve the ham and roasted vegetables family-style in large serving dishes. This encourages sharing and creates a warm, communal dining atmosphere.
Side Dishes: While the roasted vegetables are substantial, you can complement the meal with other side dishes, such as:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The richness of mashed potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory-sweet ham and roasted veggies.
- Green Bean Casserole (from scratch or classic): Adds a comforting and familiar side dish, especially for holiday meals.
- Dinner Rolls or Biscuits: Perfect for soaking up the delicious glaze and ham juices.
- Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing green salad or a winter salad with cranberries and nuts can balance the richness of the ham and vegetables.
- Cranberry Sauce (homemade or canned): The tartness of cranberry sauce is a classic accompaniment to ham.
Occasions: This dish is perfect for:
- Holiday Dinners: Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion where you want a centerpiece main course.
- Sunday Suppers: A satisfying and flavorful meal for a relaxed Sunday dinner with family.
- Celebrations: Impress guests at birthdays, anniversaries, or other gatherings.
Wine Pairing: Consider serving with:
- Off-dry Riesling: The slight sweetness and acidity of Riesling complements the maple glaze and cuts through the richness of the ham.
- Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red with earthy notes that pairs well with ham and roasted vegetables.
- Rosé: A dry rosé with good acidity can be a versatile and refreshing pairing.

Additional Tips for Perfect Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Veggies

To ensure your Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Veggies turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a good quality, bone-in, fully cooked ham. Shank or butt portions both work well. Consider the size of your gathering when choosing the ham size to ensure you have enough but not too much leftover (unless you love ham leftovers!).
Don’t Overcook the Ham: Fully cooked hams are meant to be heated through and not necessarily “cooked.” Overcooking can dry out the ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and remove it from the oven promptly.
Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on your preferences and what’s in season. Other great options include Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, bell peppers, and even asparagus (added in the last 20-30 minutes of roasting as they cook faster).
Adjust the Glaze Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup slightly or add a bit more Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness.
Spice it Up: For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture.
Make-Ahead Glaze: The maple glaze can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before using.
Vegetable Prep Ahead: You can chop the vegetables a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This saves time on the day of cooking.
Utilize Ham Drippings: Don’t discard the pan drippings after roasting! They are packed with flavor. You can use them to drizzle over the ham and vegetables, or even use them as a base for a simple pan gravy. Skim off excess fat before using the drippings.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Veggies:

Q1: Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a boneless ham, but bone-in hams generally offer more flavor and moisture. If using boneless, adjust the cooking time slightly as they may cook a bit faster. Follow the internal temperature guidelines to ensure it’s heated through without drying out.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without Dijon mustard?
A: Dijon mustard adds a crucial tanginess to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup. If you don’t have Dijon, you can substitute with another type of mustard like brown mustard or even a touch of yellow mustard in a pinch, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Q3: What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar? Can I use another type of vinegar?
A: Apple cider vinegar adds a mild fruitiness. You can substitute with white wine vinegar or even balsamic vinegar. Balsamic will add a richer, slightly sweeter flavor. Lemon juice can also be used as a substitute for acidity.

Q4: How do I store leftover Maple Glazed Ham and Roasted Vegetables?
A: Store leftover ham and roasted vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3-4 days.

Q5: How do I reheat leftover ham and vegetables?
A: Reheat leftover ham and vegetables in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the texture might be slightly different. For best results, add a little moisture (like a splash of water or broth) when reheating to prevent drying out.

Q6: Can I freeze leftover ham?
A: Yes, cooked ham freezes well. Wrap it tightly in freezer wrap or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Roasted vegetables can also be frozen, but their texture may change slightly after thawing.

Q7: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prep the vegetables and make the glaze ahead of time. The ham is best cooked the day you plan to serve it for optimal flavor and moisture. However, you can roast the ham a day ahead and reheat it gently before serving, basting with extra glaze during reheating to keep it moist.

Q8: My glaze is too thin. How can I thicken it?
A: If your glaze is too thin after simmering, you can continue to simmer it over low heat for a few more minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken. Be careful not to burn it. You can also add a very small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to thicken it quickly, but simmer for a minute or two after adding to cook out the cornstarch taste.

Enjoy creating this delicious and impressive Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Vegetables! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite and a go-to for special occasions.