There’s something timeless about serving a glazed ham at the center of a holiday table. It signals celebration, generosity, and a meal worth remembering. But if the idea of being in charge of the main event feels intimidating, I’m here to tell you – this one’s foolproof. With a simple method and a short ingredient list, you’ll get a perfectly moist, caramelized ham every time. And best of all? It scales beautifully, whether you’re cooking for six or sixteen.

This ham gets its subtle sweetness from real maple syrup and brightness from fresh orange juice – no extra fuss required. I like to pair it with roasted asparagus tossed in orange zest and some crispy potatoes, but it works with just about any spread you’ve got in mind.

😍 Why You’ll Love My Foolproof Baked Ham

This recipe is the kind of back-pocket main that makes you look like you’ve done the most – when really, the oven did most of the work. It’s beautifully simple, with just enough of a twist to feel special. The ham comes out juicy and tender, with crisp caramelized edges and a glaze that balances sweet and citrusy without overpowering the meat. It’s the kind of dish that lets you be fully present with your guests because there’s no stovetop juggling or last-minute pan sauce. Just a low, slow bake, a glossy glaze, and a showstopping centerpiece you’ll want to serve again and again.

This ham delivers every time, plus, it reheats like a dream and makes the best next-day sandwiches.

🗒️ Ingredients

Bone-in fully cooked smoked ham – The star of the show – bone-in adds flavor and helps retain moisture.

Maple syrup – Adds depth and a rich, natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Orange juice – Fresh and bright – this cuts the richness of the ham and brings balance to the glaze.

Salt – Just enough to enhance the sweetness and bring everything into focus.

👩‍🍳 How to Make My Foolproof Baked Ham

🔥 Preheat your oven to 325°F. Calculate your total cooking time based on 10–14 minutes per pound.

💧 Place your ham, fat side up, in a large roasting pan. Pour in 1½ cups of water (or enough to come up about ¼ inch on the ham). Cover tightly with foil and transfer to the oven.

🍁 While the ham roasts, whisk together the maple syrup, orange juice, and salt for the glaze.

🌡️ When your initial cooking time is up, remove the ham and raise the oven temperature to 450°F. Uncover the ham (save the foil!) and brush generously with the glaze. Return to the oven for 15 minutes.

⏲️ Repeat with another glaze coat and roast for another 15 minutes.

😮‍💨 Remove from the oven and tent loosely with the reserved foil. Let rest for 25–30 minutes before slicing.

🔪 Carve and serve with pan juices spooned over the top.

🥳 Enjoy!

🎩 Tips and Tricks

• Set a timer to reapply the glaze – every 15 minutes at the end makes a difference.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: your ham should hit 140°F internally.
• Save the ham bone for soup or stock – you’ll thank yourself later.

🌟 Variations

Want to switch it up a bit? Try one of these:

• Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet-heat combo.
• Swap the maple syrup for honey or brown sugar for a different flavor note.
• Finish with a light sprinkle of orange zest right before serving for extra brightness.

🤲 Substitutions

Maple syrup: Honey or brown sugar

Fresh orange juice: High-quality store-bought orange juice

Ham size: Use the same method for a smaller ham; just cut the glaze recipe in half and adjust cook time accordingly

📓 Best served with

• Roasted asparagus with orange zest
• Crispy potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes
• A simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Buttery dinner rolls or sourdough bread

👝 How to Store Leftovers

Let your ham cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s amazing sliced for sandwiches, folded into breakfast casseroles, or stirred into soup. The ham bone can be frozen for later use in broth or split pea soup.

🧠 Common Questions