My Maple Cinnamon Glazed Ham will be the star of any holiday table, work potluck, or casual gathering. This fun recipe combines the sweet flavors of maple syrup with warm cinnamon and a hint of spicy habanero peppers. The end result is a delicately spiced ham, unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. You already know that smoked spiral-cut hams are packed with flavor, but this unique combination takes a Christmas staple to soaring heights.
The ham is infused with earthy smoke, but the real masterpiece is my homemade maple cinnamon glaze, combining zesty Heath Riles Maple Habanero BBQ Glaze, silky butter, and snappy Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire. When smoked on the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36, the glaze caramelizes, enhancing the ham’s sweetness. If you love hams with a good bark, you’ll love this one, which develops a thick crust without additional seasonings or binder. This recipe is ideal for those who want to serve something out of the box without bending backward. Be sure to check out my recommended serving suggestions for festive feast inspiration!
Maple Cinnamon Glazed Ham | Heath Riles BBQ
My Maple Cinnamon Glazed Ham is a tasty way to incorporate sweet holiday baking flavors into a slice of savory meat. Heath Riles Maple Habanero BBQ Glaze brings a natural sweetness with a spicy undertone and a splash of good ol’ Jack Daniels gives a cozy warmth that will make you think of Grandma’s cookies. The glaze also provides a glossy finish, giving you a table centerpiece that will be on everyone’s social media feed.
This is just one of the delicious ways to cook a ham. If you’re craving a tangy ham with cranberry notes, try my Cranberry Glazed Ham, which adds a holiday hue to your table. My Pineapple and Cherry Glazed Ham will delight fruit lovers, and my Whiskey Raspberry Glazed Ham will be a hit with those who love a good glass of liquor. And, of course, you can’t go wrong with a traditional brown sugar-glazed ham. There truly is a ham for everyone! See all of my ham recipes here and some innovative ways to use leftovers.
The Ingredients
Want to make my Maple Cinnamon Glazed Ham? You’re in luck; it uses just four simple ingredients! Here’s what you need to add to your shopping cart.
- Spiral-cut smoked ham. You can always eat your ham straight from the package, but any holiday host knows a little prep work goes a long way. These hams come “factory smoked,” but they taste amazing when double-smoked in your backyard. I love spiral-cut hams because they’re easy to serve, and their many crevices allow maximum flavor. When smoked, the ham is infused from the inside out with charcoal flavor.
- Maple Cinnamon Glaze. There are a lot of ham glazes on the market, but nothing beats one made with love. But don’t think you have to spend all day over the stove! I created a maple cinnamon glaze by combining Heath Riles Maple Habanero BBQ Glaze with a pat of butter and a shot (or two!) of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire Whiskey. The best part? It took just a couple of minutes to whip up!
The Smoker Setup
Here’s the main equipment I used for this recipe. More of my grilling favorites are in the Equipment and Tools section.
- Pellet grill/smoker. I smoked my Maple Cinnamon Glazed Ham on the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36. I love cooking on this pit, as it features a roomy interior that fits plenty of meat. It also includes a smoke box, which you don’t see every day. You can fill the smoke box with pellets, wood, or charcoal to customize the flavor of your smoke. I use this hack often to add a hint of hickory, pecan, or cherry to meat. This is a priceless feature for home chefs who love to experiment.
I’ve also enjoyed playing with the “Fan Only” mode, which lets you cold smoke ribs, roasts, and more. This handsome grill is also quite durable and a must-have for any backyard chef or circuit competitor. Add it to your Christmas list!
- Charcoal. I stoked the grill with Royal Oak Charcoal Hardwood Pellets. I am loyal to these pellets and use them whether cooking for a crowd or familiar faces. The pellets burn hot, giving pies, hot dogs, chicken wings, and burgers unforgettable flavor. The company is known for its high standards, using only the best ingredients. Grab a bag from your local home and garden store to see for yourself!
The Process for Making Maple Cinnamon Glazed Ham
- Fire up the pit. I stoked the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36 with Royal Oak Charcoal Hardwood Pellets and fired it up to 275℉.
- Start smoking. I removed my spiral-cut ham from its packaging, then laid it facedown on the grill. To keep things simple, I didn’t use any binder or seasoning. I shut the grill’s lid and let the ham cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Make the glaze. To make the maple cinnamon glaze, I combined Heath Riles Maple Habanero BBQ Glaze, butter, and whiskey in a small cast iron pan. I let the glaze warm on the Camp Chef Woodwind Pro while the ham finished smoking.
- Baste the ham. At the hour and 15-minute mark, I liberally basted my ham with the homemade maple cinnamon glaze. I brushed the glaze on to ensure every bite was coated. I continued to baste the Maple Cinnamon Glazed Ham three more times every 10-15 minutes until it reached 140℉ internally. My ham had a total cook time of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The Results
My Maple Cinnamon Glazed Ham had a unique flavor profile that reminded me of old-school Christmas spice. The glaze caramelized to a golden crisp on the grill, which gave each bite a pop of sweetness. You can guarantee this is the recipe I’ll use for my Christmas ham!
Serving Suggestions for Maple Cinnamon Glazed Ham
Impress those who matter most with one of my highly rated side dishes and desserts. Don’t forget to add the rolls, side salad, and deviled eggs!
- Smoked Funeral Potatoes. Funeral Potatoes are a classic holiday offering, and this recipe has a BBQ twist that makes it special. The dish features well-seasoned, creamy potatoes topped by a crunchy, buttery topping. If you want a dish that’s full of holiday nostalgia, this is it.
- Smoked Apple Dump Cake. Your Maple Cinnamon Glazed Ham will come to life when paired with this simple dump cake. With only a few ingredients, you’ll have dessert on the table quickly. Top with a scoop of cool ice cream and a dash of cinnamon for best results.
- Heath’s Macaroni Salad. Every holiday gathering needs a cold salad. This is my take on an old standby. I included hard-boiled eggs and a few of my signature seasonings to make it stand out from the pack. Own this recipe by including your favorite vegetables and cheese.
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Maple Cinnamon Glazed Ham in the fridge for up to five days or freeze it for up to five months. If reheating from frozen, you may want to make another batch of glaze to keep the ham juicy and tender.
You can use leftover ham in mashed potatoes, burritos, omelets, quiche, pizza, or, of course, to make a sandwich.
Equipment and Tools
Camp Chef Woodwind Pro 36, Royal Oak Charcoal Hardwood Pellets, ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE, Heath Riles BBQ Heat Resistant Gloves, disposable cutting board, ThermoWorks Hi-Temp Silicone Brush.
