Looking to elevate your holiday feast or special occasion with a show-stopping centerpiece? Look no further than this irresistible Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze Ham! With its sweet and smoky glaze that caramelizes to perfection, this dish will have your guests raving long after the last slice is gone. Imagine the tantalizing aroma wafting through your home as this fully cooked ham bakes to juicy perfection, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s simply unforgettable. Ready to impress? Dive into our easy-to-follow recipe and make your next gathering a delicious success!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 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 honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Remove the ham from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures more even heating.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to accommodate the ham.
- Place the ham fat-side up in a large roasting pan. If the ham has a rind, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating 1-inch cuts about 1/4 inch deep to help the glaze penetrate.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until smooth and well combined.
- Brush approximately 1/3 of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding bone.
- Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and brush with additional glaze, reserving some for the final glazing.
- During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the ham to caramelize and develop a rich, golden-brown color.
- Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Before serving, brush the ham with the remaining glaze for extra flavor and shine.
- Slice and serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if desired.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: Before cooking, let your ham sit out for 30-45 minutes to reach room temperature. This step ensures even cooking and prevents the outside from drying out while the inside heats up.
- Score the Ham: If your ham has a rind, scoring it in a diamond pattern not only enhances its appearance but also allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, infusing more flavor into the meat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your ham is perfectly cooked, invest in a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for a moist and tender result.
- Glaze Generously: Don’t be shy with the glaze! Brush it on every 30 minutes to build layers of flavor. The final glazing before serving adds a beautiful shine and extra sweetness.
- Let it Rest: After baking, allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This crucial step helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy ham.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an elegant touch, garnish your sliced ham with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. It not only looks stunning but also adds a hint of freshness to each bite.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
