Keto Ham With Glaze

Is Ham Keto?

Yes, you can have ham on a keto diet, with some caveats. Sliced deli ham (even honey ham) is typically low in carbs (usually 1-2 grams carbohydrates per serving), so it would fit most keto macros. However, traditional glazed hams are typically made with sugar-laden ingredients like sugar, syrup, or even jams, which would make them not keto — that’s why you need a keto ham recipe like this one.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my keto baked ham recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

• Spiral Cut Ham – Look for bone-in spiral ham. Uncured is preferred as it’s lower in carbs. Cured hams have some sugar already added, so would be more of a dirty keto option, but are still only around 2g carbs per serving, so not terrible.
• Wholesome Yum Keto Maple Syrup – This has all the classic maple flavors, without the sugar and carbs, but you’d never know! This gives the glaze a sweet maple flavor. Or make your own sugar free maple syrup instead.
• Butter – This gives the keto ham glaze rich flavor, but butter-flavored coconut oil can work as a dairy-free substitute.
• Dijon Mustard – Dijon gives the glaze a nice bite and savory taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – This helps to give some acidic flavor to the glaze. Apple cider is the best, but you could also use a white balsamic vinegar or white vinegar.
• Spices – Garlic powder, cinnamon, and ground cloves.

VARIATION: Use Besti Brown Sweetener in the glaze.

If you want more brown sugar flavor, add a couple tablespoons of Besti Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener (in addition to the syrup). This brown sugar substitute tastes just like brown sugar, with zero net carbs. Unlike others, it has the same moisture as real brown sugar, dissolves completely in sauces and glazes (no gritty texture), and there’s no aftertaste.

How To Make Keto Ham

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

1. Bake ham. Pour water in the bottom of a roasting pan. Add ham, cover with foil, and bake.

Cook time will vary depending on whether you have a cured or uncured ham.

See time recommendations below!

2. Make sugar-free glaze. Combine keto maple syrup, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, cinnamon, and ground cloves in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat.
3. Glaze ham. Remove the ham from oven and pour the glaze over it.
4. Bake again. Return to the oven until golden brown. Use a sharp knife to carve.

5. Carve. Slice the ham using a sharp knife and serve!

Cooking Time For Ham

Ham cooking time will depend on if you have a fresh uncured or cured ham. Most of the hams found in grocery store are cured or pre-baked. The exact cook time will depend on the size of your ham and your oven as well, but here are some rough guidelines:

• Cook time for uncured ham: Bake for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or 15-20 minutes per pound. It should reach at least 160 degrees F.
• Cook time for cured ham: Bake for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or 10-12 minutes per pound. It should reach at least 140 degrees F (since it’s already cooked, it does not have to reach 160).

Leftover Ideas

• Pizza – Use sliced ham as a topping for a keto pizza.
• Ham Salad – If you’re looking for keto recipes using ham, this one takes just 10 minutes.
• Casseroles – Try putting leftover ham into a keto breakfast casserole, or for chicken cordon bleu casserole.
• Soups – Swap ground beef or chicken for ham in almost any keto soup recipe!
• Breakfast – Serve leftover ham alongside keto french toast, low carb pancakes, or eggs.

Tools I Use For This Recipe

• Roasting Pan – For roasting your ham.
• Saucepan – Easily heat up the glaze in this small saucepan.