Mouthwatering Maple Mustard Glazed Dutch Oven Ham: The Juiciest Holiday Centerpiece

Discover the ultimate secret to creating the most succulent, flavor-packed ham you’ve ever tasted, all thanks to the unparalleled magic of Dutch oven cooking. This exceptional recipe features an unforgettable spicy mustard and maple syrup glaze that caramelizes beautifully, forming a sweet and tangy crust while meticulously locking in every drop of moisture. Whether you’re planning a grand holiday feast or a special family gathering, prepare to impress your guests and elevate your culinary reputation with this effortlessly delicious centerpiece.

While a beautifully baked ham is an iconic star of festive holiday tables, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas, this incredible Dutch oven recipe proves that ham is a delightful and versatile choice all year round. Imagine a bountiful Thanksgiving spread featuring not only a smoked turkey but also this magnificent, juicy ham, offering a delightful array of flavors for every guest. However, don’t relegate this culinary gem solely to special occasions; its incredible flavor and ability to produce fantastic leftovers make it an ideal meal for any weeknight or weekend gathering. From hearty sandwiches to comforting soups, the possibilities for enjoying this ham extend far beyond the initial meal.

Why This Dutch Oven Ham Recipe Stands Out as a Family Favorite

What makes this particular ham recipe so unbelievably delicious and a consistent crowd-pleaser? It’s a harmonious combination of smart cooking techniques, an inspired flavor profile, and undeniable convenience:

• An Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The true star of this recipe is undeniably the maple syrup and spicy mustard glaze. This masterful blend is perfectly balanced with bright orange zest and aromatic fresh rosemary, creating a sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy coating that caramelizes into a glossy, irresistible crust during baking. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!
• Moisture Retention Masterclass: Cooking ham in a heavy Dutch oven is a complete game-changer. The robust construction and tight-fitting lid create a sealed, steamy environment, effectively trapping moisture and allowing the ham to slow-roast in its own savory juices. This ingenious method guarantees an incredibly juicy, tender ham every single time, banishing the dry, overcooked texture often associated with traditionally baked hams.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Impact: Despite its impressive outcome, this recipe requires surprisingly little hands-on effort. With just a handful of simple ingredients, the active preparation for this culinary masterpiece takes a mere 5 minutes. Most of the work is graciously handled by your oven and the Dutch oven itself, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax.
• Effortless Holiday Feasting: This Dutch Oven Ham is a perfect and stress-free addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner menu. It’s elegant and impressive enough for a grand festive spread, yet its straightforward preparation helps to significantly reduce the usual holiday cooking stress, letting you enjoy the celebration more.
• Versatile for Outdoor Adventures: Thinking of an adventurous culinary experience? This ham can even be prepared outdoors! For your next camping trip or backyard BBQ, liberally wrap the ham in heavy-duty aluminum foil and cook it slowly over charcoal briquettes for a smoky, rustic twist on this classic dish. It’s a delicious way to enjoy gourmet flavors in the great outdoors.
• A Goldmine of Delicious Leftovers: Beyond the initial indulgent meal, the leftover ham, particularly the ham bone, is an absolute treasure trove for future culinary creations. It forms the rich, flavorful base for the best Slow Cooker Cajun 15 Bean Soup, hearty lunchtime sandwiches, savory breakfast hashes, or even quick and easy ham and cheese omelets. You’ll find countless ways to enjoy every last bit!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfectly Glazed Dutch Oven Ham

Crafting this magnificent Dutch oven ham requires only a few carefully selected ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in developing that signature sweet, savory, and tangy flavor, while also contributing to an irresistibly juicy and tender texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to gather:

• Bone-In Spiral Cut Ham (10 Pounds): A substantial 10-pound ham is ideal for feeding a crowd generously and ensuring you have plenty of delicious leftovers. Spiral-cut hams are incredibly convenient as they come pre-sliced, which allows the exquisite glaze to penetrate easily between the layers of meat, infusing every bite with flavor. Opting for bone-in adds an extra layer of savory depth to the overall taste.
• Pure Maple Syrup (¾ Cup): This is paramount for achieving that rich, authentic sweetness and contributing to the beautiful, golden-brown caramelization of the glaze. Ensure you use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar (½ Cup): This provides a deeper, more complex molasses-like sweetness that beautifully complements the maple syrup. It also plays a vital role in creating that desirable sticky, glossy texture for the glaze.
• Spicy Brown Mustard (3 Tablespoons): Don’t skip this! Spicy brown mustard delivers a fantastic tangy kick and a subtle, warming spice. This piquant element perfectly balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and brown sugar, creating a multifaceted flavor profile.
• Orange Zest (from 1 large orange): Fresh orange zest brightens the entire flavor profile with its vibrant, citrusy aroma and refreshing taste. It adds a wonderful lift to the rich glaze.
• Fresh Rosemary, chopped (1 Tablespoon): Earthy and aromatic, fresh rosemary contributes a sophisticated, piney depth that pairs wonderfully with the robust flavor of ham. Chopping it finely helps to release its essential oils and infuse the glaze.
• Black Pepper (1 Tablespoon): A simple yet essential seasoning, freshly ground black pepper enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them, adding a subtle warmth and sharpness.

For precise quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card conveniently located at the end of this post.

Step-by-Step Dutch Oven Ham Instructions: Your Guide to Perfection

Creating this mouthwatering Dutch oven ham is surprisingly straightforward, promising a perfectly cooked, juicy ham with an incredible, glistening glaze. Follow these simple, easy-to-understand steps to achieve culinary success:

Chef’s Note: For the ham expertly photographed and featured in this recipe, I utilized a 10-pound bone-in ham. It fit perfectly snugly into my 7.5 Quart Dutch Oven and cooked to perfection in approximately 2 and a half hours, achieving the ideal internal temperature and an exquisite glaze.

Recipe Variations and Substitute Ideas for Your Glazed Ham

While the original maple mustard glaze is truly exceptional and a proven crowd-pleaser, don’t hesitate to experiment with these creative variations to tailor the recipe to your personal taste preferences or simply to use what you already have on hand. Customizing your ham can be a fun way to explore new flavor dimensions!

• Mustard Choices: Instead of spicy brown mustard, you can easily substitute with whole grain mustard for a delightful textural element and a milder, earthier flavor. Alternatively, classic Dijon mustard will offer a sharper, more sophisticated tang to the glaze.
• Sweetener Swaps: While pure maple syrup lends an unparalleled richness, you can certainly use honey as a substitute for a different kind of natural sweetness and a slightly floral note. If you prefer a deeper, more robust molasses flavor in your glaze, opt for dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
• Herb Enhancements: Fresh thyme is a wonderfully aromatic addition that pairs beautifully with ham, either alongside or in place of rosemary. For a hint of warmth and festive spice, consider incorporating a small pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon directly into the glaze mixture.
• Aromatic Additions: For a subtle oniony freshness and a touch of color, finely chopped green onions can be mixed into the glaze. If you enjoy a vibrant, zesty warmth, a touch of freshly grated ginger or a small amount of ground ginger can add an exciting complexity to the overall flavor.
• For a Spicy Kick: If you and your guests appreciate a bit of heat, a tiny dash of cayenne pepper or a small pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the glaze will add a pleasant, lingering warmth that perfectly complements the sweetness.

Essential Equipment for a Perfect Dutch Oven Ham

Having the right tools at your disposal can truly make all the difference in the kitchen, ensuring both ease of preparation and the best possible outcome for your culinary endeavors. For this Dutch Oven Ham recipe, a few key pieces of equipment are essential to guarantee your success and achieve that perfectly juicy result. Please note that the following include affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, which helps to support this blog and continue sharing delicious recipes:

• Large Dutch Oven (7.5 Quart or Larger): This is, without a doubt, the indispensable star of this recipe. A high-quality, heavy, enameled cast iron Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid is absolutely crucial. Its robust construction ensures superior heat distribution, preventing hot spots and promoting even cooking. More importantly, the tight-fitting lid creates a sealed environment that locks in precious moisture, which is the secret to an incredibly juicy ham. I personally used a Lodge 7.5 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid for this recipe, and it performed beautifully, easily accommodating a 10-pound ham.
• Whisk: A simple yet essential tool for thoroughly combining all the ingredients of your glaze, ensuring a smooth and lump-free mixture that will coat your ham evenly.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Perfect for preparing your flavorful glaze. Its size makes it easy to whisk and ensures all ingredients are incorporated effectively.
• Pastry Brush: Absolutely essential for evenly applying the sticky, delicious glaze to every surface and crevice of your ham. A good quality pastry brush ensures complete coverage and a beautiful, glistening finish.
• Internal Meat Thermometer: This tool is absolutely vital for ensuring your ham reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) without the risk of overcooking. It’s the best way to guarantee a perfectly juicy and tender ham, removing all guesswork from the cooking process.

More Delicious Dutch Oven Recipes You’ll Love from The Cagle Diaries

If you’ve just discovered the immense joy and incredible versatility of Dutch oven cooking with this delectable ham recipe, then you’re truly in for a treat! The humble yet powerful Dutch oven is a kitchen workhorse that excels at creating a wide array of comforting, hearty, and intensely flavorful meals, perfect for any season. If you’re looking to expand your Dutch oven repertoire, here are some more of my absolute favorite recipes that I am confident you’ll truly enjoy adding to your cooking rotation:

How to Store Leftover Dutch Oven Ham for Maximum Freshness

One of the absolute best parts about cooking a large, flavorful ham is anticipating the incredible leftovers! Proper storage is key to ensuring you can enjoy your delicious ham for days, or even months, to come. Here’s how to keep it fresh and safe:

• Refrigeration for Short-Term Enjoyment: Once your Dutch oven ham has completely cooled to room temperature (this is crucial for food safety), carve the ham into slices or chunks. Transfer these portions into an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes it incredibly convenient for quick lunchtime sandwiches, adding to vibrant salads, tossing into savory breakfast omelets, or mixing into simple pasta dishes.
• Freezing for Long-Term Storage: For longer storage, ham freezes exceptionally well without significant loss of quality or flavor. To freeze, divide the cooked ham into meal-sized portions that are suitable for your family. Place these portions into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent dreaded freezer burn. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the ham overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Utilizing the Precious Ham Bone: Never, ever discard that valuable ham bone! It’s packed with incredible savory flavor and serves as the perfect foundation for a rich, deeply aromatic soup or homemade broth. After you’ve carved all the meat off, freeze the bone in a freezer bag for future use in your favorite bean soup, split pea soup, or a hearty lentil stew. It’s a wonderful way to extend the flavor and value of your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dutch Oven Ham

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Maple Mustard Glazed Dutch Oven Ham Recipe Card

Dutch Oven Ham

This Maple Mustard Glazed Dutch Oven Ham is guaranteed to be the juiciest, most flavor-packed ham you’ve ever tried. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering or special family meal, thanks to its irresistible glaze and the incredible moisture-retaining power of Dutch oven cooking.

Equipment

• Lodge 7.5 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Lid
• Whisk
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Pastry Brush
• Internal Meat Thermometer

Ingredients

• 10 Pounds Bone-In Spiral Cut Ham
• ¾ Cup Pure Maple Syrup
• ½ Cup Light Brown Sugar
• 3 Tablespoons Spicy Brown Mustard
• Zest from 1 large Orange
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, spicy brown mustard, light brown sugar, orange zest, chopped fresh rosemary, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture forms a smooth glaze.
3. Carefully place the bone-in spiral cut ham into your Dutch oven with the cut side facing down. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the entire surface of the ham with the prepared glaze, ensuring all surfaces and crevices are thoroughly covered.
4. Place the lid securely on the Dutch oven and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes per pound of ham. For a 10-pound ham, this typically means about 2 hours and 30 minutes of cooking time, or until an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (avoiding the bone) reads 145°F (63°C).
5. For an extra juicy and exceptionally flavorful ham, I recommend a basting step: halfway through the cooking time, carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Briefly lift the lid and baste the ham generously with the accumulated juices and glaze from the bottom of the pot. Return the Dutch oven to the oven to finish baking.
6. Once the ham has reached the target internal temperature, remove it from the oven. Keep the lid on the Dutch oven and allow the ham to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring an even juicier and more tender ham.

Notes from the Kitchen

When preparing the specific ham for the photography of this recipe, I encountered a unique situation: there was no net holding the spiral-cut ham together, which is quite unusual as most hams come pre-trussed. I had to quickly secure it myself with kitchen string, somewhat messily, as I’m not an expert at trussing. This step is important to prevent the ham from sliding around and losing its shape within the pot during the long cooking process.

The beautiful rosemary sprigs and vibrant orange slices you see pictured are primarily for aesthetic garnish. They were added to enhance the visual appeal of the cooked ham after the baking period was complete and the ham was ready for serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Serving: 1g |
Calories: 160kcal |
Carbohydrates: 35g |
Protein: 4g |
Fat: 1g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 11mg |
Sodium: 235mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 31g