Introduction

Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Sweet Potatoes is the kind of dish that brings people together around the table. It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors, combining juicy, tender ham with a sticky, golden-brown maple glaze — paired beautifully with caramelized, roasted sweet potatoes that absorb all that delicious glaze and seasoning.

The aroma alone is irresistible — as the ham bakes, the glaze bubbles into a glossy coating that seeps into every slice, creating a beautiful contrast of textures: slightly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. The sweet potatoes, roasted until perfectly soft and caramelized, add warmth and depth to the plate, making this dish a comfort food masterpiece.

This recipe celebrates simple ingredients that, when prepared with care, transform into something truly extraordinary — the perfect balance of sweet maple syrup, smoky ham, and earthy roasted vegetables.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s classic, comforting, and effortlessly elegant. It feels festive but is easy enough for a cozy Sunday meal. The maple glaze is my favorite part — it gives the ham a glossy sheen and adds just the right touch of sweetness that complements the meat’s saltiness.

It’s also a complete flavor experience — smoky, sweet, savory, and aromatic all at once. The roasted sweet potatoes are the ideal side dish, soaking up the extra glaze and juices, making every bite comforting and hearty.

Plus, it’s one of those recipes that fills your home with the most inviting aroma — a scent that signals something special is cooking in the oven. It’s comforting, celebratory, and universally loved.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect centerpiece for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving.
• The maple glaze is irresistible — sweet, sticky, and slightly smoky.
• It’s a one-pan wonder — ham and sweet potatoes cook together for effortless cleanup.
• It yields amazing leftovers — great for sandwiches, salads, or breakfast scrambles.
• The combination of maple, ham, and roasted vegetables feels both rustic and gourmet.

Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~480 kcal per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American (Holiday / Comfort Food)

Ingredients

For the Ham and Glaze

• 1 (4 to 5 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham or spiral-cut ham
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional, for a spiced flavor)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes

• 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a large roasting pan with foil for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, butter, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth and glossy (about 3–5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Score the Ham

1. Place the ham on a rack in your roasting pan.
2. Use a sharp knife to score the surface in a diamond pattern (this helps the glaze penetrate the meat).
3. Brush about 1/3 of the glaze over the ham.

Step 4: Roast the Ham

1. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Remove foil, brush with more glaze, and continue baking uncovered for 30–40 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
3. The glaze should become sticky and caramelized, and the ham should be heated through.
4. Use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).

Step 5: Prepare and Roast the Sweet Potatoes

1. While the ham cooks, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Roast alongside the ham (or separately) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and caramelized.

Step 6: Glaze and Rest

• Once the ham is done, brush with the remaining glaze.
• Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Step 7: Serve

• Arrange slices of ham on a platter surrounded by the roasted sweet potatoes.
• Drizzle a little extra glaze on top before serving.

How to Serve

Serve Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Sweet Potatoes as the star of your meal.

• Garnish with fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for color.
• Serve with sides such as roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a light salad.
• For special occasions, pair it with mashed potatoes or cranberry relish.

A glass of crisp apple cider, Chardonnay, or sparkling water with lemon complements it beautifully.

Recipe Tips

• Use real maple syrup — not pancake syrup — for authentic flavor.
• Score the ham to help the glaze soak in and create a beautiful presentation.
• Don’t overcook the ham — it’s already cooked; you’re just glazing and warming it.
• Baste frequently to build layers of flavor and shine.
• For deeper color, broil the ham for 2–3 minutes at the end — but watch carefully!

Recipe Variations

Citrus Maple Glaze

Add 2 tbsp of orange juice or zest to the glaze for a bright, tangy flavor.

Spicy Maple Glaze

Add 1 tsp chili flakes or sriracha for a sweet-heat balance.

Pineapple Maple Ham

Add pineapple rings around the ham before baking — a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the maple glaze.

Honey-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Replace maple syrup with honey for a floral sweetness.

Herb Infusion

Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to the roasting pan for an aromatic note.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover ham and potatoes in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing:
  • Ham: Freeze slices (wrapped tightly in foil and freezer bags) for up to 2 months.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Freeze in a single layer; reheat in the oven for best texture.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes or in a skillet with a splash of water and butter.

Special Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan with rack
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer
• Baking sheet for sweet potatoes
• Saucepan (for glaze)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use boneless ham?
Yes! Boneless ham works perfectly — just reduce baking time by about 15–20 minutes.

Q2: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge. Warm before using.

Q3: What if I don’t have maple syrup?
Use honey or brown sugar mixed with 1 tbsp water — though the flavor will differ slightly.

Q4: Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes! Yams are slightly starchier but still roast beautifully.

Q5: How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Keep the temperature moderate (350°F) and baste frequently. Cover loosely with foil if it starts to darken too quickly.

Conclusion

Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Sweet Potatoes is the essence of comfort and celebration. It brings together the sweetness of maple, the saltiness of ham, and the earthy warmth of roasted vegetables in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just craving something special for dinner, this dish delivers a stunning presentation, incredible flavor, and heartwarming aroma that fills your home with joy.

Simple ingredients. Perfect balance. Unforgettable taste.
That’s what makes this Maple Glazed Ham with Roasted Sweet Potatoes a timeless classic you’ll come back to again and again.