This holiday centerpiece features a fully cooked spiral-cut ham coated in a thick, maple-flavored glaze. The sauce consists of butter, sugar-free maple syrup, and brown-style sweetener, seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. The ham is baked until the exterior reaches a caramelized finish and is served as a protein-rich main course for festive gatherings.

About This Recipe

The preparation begins by placing the ham in a roasting pan and heating it in the oven at 325°F while covered with foil. In a separate saucepan, the glaze is created by combining sugar-free maple syrup, brown-style keto sweetener, butter, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. This mixture is simmered on the stovetop until the liquid reduces and the consistency thickens. During the final stage of baking, the foil is removed and the sauce is applied to the surface of the meat in several layers.

The ingredients include a pre-cooked ham, which serves as the primary component, and unsalted butter for the base of the glaze. Spices such as ground cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon are distributed throughout the maple syrup mixture to establish the aromatic profile. A small amount of apple cider vinegar is included in the sauce to balance the sweetness of the sugar-free maple components. The glaze remains on the heat for approximately five to seven minutes before it is brushed onto the ham.

The finished ham stays in the pan for a ten-minute resting period after the baking process is complete. The recipe is modified by adding orange zest for a citrus note or a pinch of ground chili for a different flavor profile. The ham is sliced along the natural bone structure and served alongside side dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts or cauliflower gratin. Leftovers are stored in the refrigerator and the remaining glaze is drizzled over the meat during the final assembly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy ham with a sweet and savory maple glaze
Completely sugar-free and low carb
Prep in minutes, bakes to perfection
Rich butter sauce caramelizes beautifully

What You’ll Need for This Keto Glazed Ham with Sugar-Free Maple Sauce

Ham
1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked spiral-cut ham
2 tbsp butter (melted, for basting)
Sugar-Free Maple Glaze
½ cup sugar-free maple syrup (e.g. ChocZero or Lakanto)
¼ cup brown-style keto sweetener
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil.
Warm the ham for 1 hour (about 10 minutes per pound).
Make the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine maple syrup, brown-style sweetener, butter, mustard, and spices. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Glaze the ham: Remove foil, brush the ham generously with the maple sauce, and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes. Brush again every 5 minutes until the outside is shiny and caramelized.
Rest and serve: Let the ham rest 10 minutes before slicing. Drizzle remaining glaze on top before serving.

FAQ

Can I use a boneless ham?
Yes, just reduce the bake time slightly since boneless cuts cook faster.
What’s the best sugar-free syrup to use?
Any thick, natural keto maple syrup works — ChocZero is great for a sticky finish.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Make the glaze a day ahead and reheat before serving. You can also bake the ham early and warm it briefly before the meal.
Will this work with turkey ham or pork loin?
Absolutely, just adjust cook time based on the weight.

Variations & Substitutions

Add a pinch of ground chili for a sweet-spicy twist.
Replace mustard with orange zest for a bright holiday flavor.
Swap maple syrup for sugar-free honey to make a “honey baked ham” version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower gratin, or a keto cranberry sauce. Leftovers make amazing ham and cheddar omelets the next morning.

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