Bourbon Glazed Ham – Sweet & Savory Holiday Showstopper

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Introduction

In my decades spent orchestrating meals in kitchens from Paris to New York, I’ve learned that the true heart of a celebratory feast lies in its centerpiece. It must be more than just food; it must be an event, a memory in the making. And nothing commands a table quite like the burnished, glistening majesty of a perfectly prepared Bourbon Glazed Ham. This isn’t your everyday ham. We’re elevating a classic with a glaze that sings with the deep, oaky notes of fine bourbon, the subtle sweetness of brown sugar, and a whisper of spice that balances the rich, savory pork. It’s a culinary masterpiece that is deceptively simple to create, promising a showstopping result that will have your guests talking for years to come. Let me show you why this recipe will become your new holiday tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• An Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The glaze is a perfect trifecta of sweet, savory, and smoky, creating a complex crust that complements the salty ham beautifully.
• A Stunning Holiday Centerpiece: With its deep amber, caramelized glaze, this ham is a visual masterpiece that looks as incredible as it tastes.
• Effortlessly Elegant: This recipe relies on a high-quality, pre-cooked ham, which means most of the work is already done for you. The real magic is in our quick-to-make glaze.
• Wonderful for Leftovers: The deliciousness continues for days with amazing sandwiches, soups, or breakfast scrambles. This is the gift that keeps on giving.

Preparation Time and Servings

This showstopper comes together in a surprisingly quick fashion, leaving you more time with your guests.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
⏰ Total Time: 2 hours
💡 Difficulty: Easy
👥 Servings: 12-16 people

Ingredients List

• 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked, bone-in, spiral-cut ham
• 1 cup (200g) packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) good-quality bourbon
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey or pure maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bourbon Glazed Ham

1. Preheat and Prepare the Ham: Position a rack in the lower third of your oven and preheat to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham, cut-side down, in a large roasting pan. Pour about 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan to create steam and keep the ham moist. Cover the pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
2. Initial Baking: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding the bone) reads 110°F (43°C).
3. Create the Bourbon Glaze: While the ham is baking, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, honey or syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, and pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Glaze the Ham: Carefully remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Remove the foil. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the entire surface of the ham with about one-third of the bourbon glaze.
5. Final Bake and Caramelize: Return the ham to the oven, uncovered. Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 10 minutes, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is deeply caramelized and bubbly. This frequent basting is the secret to a perfect Bourbon Glazed Ham crust.
6. Rest Before Serving: Transfer the ham to a carving board. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist result. Serve your magnificent Bourbon Glazed Ham with any remaining glaze on the side.

Expert Tips for Success

• Choose Your Bourbon Wisely: You don’t need to use your most expensive bottle, but choose a decent, smooth bourbon with notes of vanilla and oak. Its flavor will concentrate in the glaze, so quality matters.
• Don’t Skip the Water Bath: Adding water to the bottom of the roasting pan creates a gentle, steamy environment that prevents the ham—especially a spiral-cut one—from drying out during the initial heating phase.
• Watch the Glaze Carefully: The high sugar content means the glaze can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly in the final, high-heat stage. Keep a close eye on it and tent with foil if it’s browning too fast.
• Use a Thermometer: The only way to guarantee a perfectly heated, juicy ham is with an instant-read meat thermometer. Cooking times are an estimate; temperature is a fact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure your masterpiece is flawless by avoiding these simple pitfalls:

• Overcooking the Ham: Remember, the ham is already cooked. You are simply reheating it. Heating it beyond 140°F (60°C) will result in dry, tough meat.
• Applying the Glaze Too Early: If you apply a sugar-based glaze at the beginning of the cooking process, it will burn long before the ham is heated through. Wait until the final 30 minutes.
• Skipping the Basting Step: A single coat of glaze is good, but building up multiple layers through frequent basting creates the sticky, deeply flavorful, and lacquered crust that makes this Bourbon Glazed Ham so special.
• Carving Immediately: Slicing into the ham right out of the oven will cause all its delicious juices to run out onto the cutting board. A 15-minute rest is non-negotiable for a succulent result.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Enjoy the fruits of your labor for days to come with these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Once completely cooled, store leftover ham tightly wrapped in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s fantastic for sandwiches!
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual slices or small portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Make-ahead option: The bourbon glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it on the stovetop before using.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this Bourbon Glazed Ham without alcohol?

Absolutely. While the bourbon provides a distinct, complex flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of apple cider, pineapple juice, or even chicken broth. The result will be different but still delicious.

What is the best type of ham to use?

A fully cooked, bone-in, spiral-cut ham is ideal for this recipe. The spiral cut allows the glaze to penetrate deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is flavorful. If you use a non-sliced ham, be sure to score the fat cap in a diamond pattern to achieve a similar effect.

Conclusion

There you have it—the definitive recipe for a truly spectacular holiday meal. This Bourbon Glazed Ham is more than just a dish; it’s a statement of elegance and flavor that is remarkably easy to achieve. The rich, caramelized crust and tender, savory meat will be the star of your table. I urge you to bring this culinary experience to your own celebration. Don’t forget to share this sweet and savory maple-kissed recipe with your friends!

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