Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Smoked Spiral Ham with Maple Bourbon Glaze! Imagine tender, juicy ham infused with rich bourbon and sweet maple flavors, creating a show-stopping centerpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. This isn't just another ham recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines classic American cooking techniques with gourmet sophistication, guaranteed to elevate your next family gathering or holiday feast.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 spiral-cut ham (6-8 pounds)
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Remove the ham from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Preheat your smoker or oven to 225°F (107°C). If using a smoker, prepare hickory or apple wood chips for additional flavor.
- Place the spiral-cut ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down, with the fat cap facing upward. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying.
- In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Whisk ingredients together and simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Smoke or bake the ham for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to check temperature.
- During the last hour of cooking, begin basting the ham every 15 minutes with the prepared maple bourbon glaze, allowing each layer to caramelize.
- Once ham reaches desired temperature, remove from heat and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with remaining glaze, and serve warm.
Tips
- • Always let your ham come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution. • Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking – 140°F is your sweet spot for perfectly cooked ham. • For maximum flavor, choose high-quality bourbon and pure maple syrup. • If you don't have a smoker, you can achieve similar results in a conventional oven with wood chips or liquid smoke. • Baste frequently during the last hour of cooking to create a gorgeous, caramelized glaze. • Let the ham rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist. • Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and is perfect for sandwiches, salads, and breakfast dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 100mg