Imagine a holiday ham so irresistibly glazed and succulent that your guests will be talking about it for weeks. This Bourbon Glazed Baked Ham isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. With a perfect balance of sweet bourbon, honey, and warming spices, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and create memorable moments around the dinner table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove ham from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Place the ham fat-side up in a large roasting pan. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating 1/2-inch deep cuts. This helps the glaze penetrate and caramelize.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until a smooth, consistent glaze forms.
- Brush approximately 1/3 of the bourbon glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). For a 5-7 pound ham, calculate about 15-20 minutes per pound.
- Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and baste with additional glaze, reserving some for the final glazing.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the ham to caramelize and develop a deep, rich color.
- Remove ham from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Brush with remaining glaze just before serving for an extra layer of flavor and shine.
- Slice and serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Scoring Technique: When scoring the ham's fat layer, use a sharp knife and create diamond patterns about 1/2-inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and caramelize beautifully.
- Glaze Mastery: Reserve some glaze for the final brushing just before serving to maximize flavor intensity and create a stunning, glossy finish.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the ham to rest 15-20 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
- Bourbon Selection: Use a good quality bourbon that you'd enjoy drinking—the flavor will shine through in the glaze.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a beautiful aromatic touch and visual appeal to your finished ham.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 100mg
