Imagine a ham so irresistibly succulent and glazed with a bourbon-infused magic that your dinner guests will be talking about it for years to come. This isn't just another ham recipe—this is a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. With a perfect balance of sweet brown sugar, rich bourbon, and tangy Dijon mustard, this baked ham promises to be the star of your holiday table, delivering a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is ideal for gently heating the ham and allowing the glaze to caramelize without burning.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the ham. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score it in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and add flavor.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved and the ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth glaze.
- Once the glaze is ready, remove it from the heat and set aside. If desired, you can reserve a small amount of the glaze for serving later.
- Place the ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Pour half of the bourbon glaze over the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated. Use a brush or a spoon to help spread the glaze into the scored areas.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. This will help keep it moist during the initial cooking phase.
- Transfer the ham to the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. This allows the ham to heat through and absorb the flavors of the glaze.
- After 1 hour, remove the ham from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Brush the remaining bourbon glaze over the ham, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Return the uncovered ham to the oven and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes. This step allows the glaze to caramelize and develop a beautiful, sticky coating. Baste the ham with the drippings from the pan every 15 minutes for extra flavor.
- To check if the ham is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). If it hasn't reached this temperature, continue baking and checking every 10 minutes.
- Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful ham.
- Slice the ham and serve it warm, drizzled with any reserved bourbon glaze if desired. Enjoy your delicious baked ham with bourbon glaze!
Tips
- • Always score the ham's fat layer in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate and enhance flavor absorption. • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness—140°F is your target temperature. • Reserve some glaze on the side for extra drizzling at the table. • Baste the ham every 15 minutes during the final uncovered baking stage for maximum caramelization. • Let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain moisture. • Choose a high-quality bourbon for the most robust flavor profile. • If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
