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Maple Glazed Ham with Sweet Potatoes
This comforting holiday classic features a smoked ham glazed with rich maple syrup, butter, and a hint of orange zest, paired beautifully with tender sweet potatoes. The cloves studded into the ham infuse it with warm, aromatic spice, while the glaze caramelizes during baking, creating a flavorful crust. Surrounding the ham with sweet potatoes makes this a complete one-pan centerpiece, perfect for festive gatherings or special family dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ smoked ham (butt end, tenderized, about 6–7 lbs)
  • 20 - 30 whole cloves
  • ¼ cup butter (or margarine, melted)
  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 1 orange (grated rind of)
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed )
  • 8 - 10 sweet potatoes (cooked until tender and peeled)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Score the Ham

  • With a sharp knife, cut the fat of the ham into a diamond pattern.
  • Press a whole clove into the center of each diamond.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

  • In a bowl, mix together melted butter, maple syrup, grated orange rind, ground cloves, and brown sugar until combined.

Step 3: Assemble for Baking

  • Place ham, cut side down, on a foil-lined baking pan.
  • Arrange peeled sweet potatoes around the ham.
  • Spoon some of the glaze mixture over the ham and sweet potatoes.

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake in a preheated moderate oven (350°F) for 1 hour.
  • Baste ham and sweet potatoes with the glaze every 15 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

  • Slice the ham and spoon some of the pan juices over each serving.

Tips

  • Add a splash of orange juice to the glaze for extra citrus brightness.
  • Substitute maple syrup with honey for a different sweetness profile.
  • Use fresh sweet potatoes cut into chunks instead of pre-cooked ones if preferred.
  • Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for warm holiday flavor.
  • For a deeper caramelization, broil the ham for the final 3–5 minutes.
  • Reduce glaze on the stovetop before baking for a thicker coating.
  • Add pineapple slices or orange rounds around the ham for added moisture and flavor.
  • Use leftover ham for sandwiches, omelets, or soups.
  • Replace whole cloves with ground cloves sprinkled lightly if needed.
  • Add pecans to the sweet potatoes for texture and richness.

Nutrition

Calories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 32gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1420mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 4gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 16000IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 2.4mg
Keyword baked ham, classic recipes, comfort food, festive, holiday dinner, maple glazed ham, sweet potatoes, vintage recipe
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