Irresistible Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe to Savor

Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham is not just a dish; it’s an experience that tickles your taste buds and warms your heart. Imagine succulent ham coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, wafting aromas of maple syrup and bourbon filling your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy hug from Grandma.

This delightful dish has become our family’s centerpiece, particularly during holidays and celebrations. Every time I pull it out of the oven, the crowd goes wild—like I just revealed the winning lottery ticket. The anticipation builds as everyone gathers around, eager for that first mouthwatering bite.

I remember one Thanksgiving when my cousin tried to sneak a slice before dinner. He ended up with a sticky hand and an even stickier situation—ham grease on his favorite shirt!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bone-In Ham: Opt for a bone-in ham for extra flavor; it makes for rich drippings too.

• Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup to elevate sweetness; avoid imitation syrup if you want authentic flavor.

• Bourbon: Choose a quality bourbon; it brings depth and warmth to the glaze.

• Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds a caramelized touch to the glaze.

• Dijon Mustard: A little tanginess helps balance out the sweetness; it’s essential!

• Pineapple Juice: Adds a hint of tropical flair; choose 100% juice without added sugars.

• Whole Cloves: These are optional but give an aromatic spice kick; stick them in the ham to infuse flavor.

• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper lifts the other flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham

Preheat the Oven : Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature allows your ham to heat through while keeping its juices intact.

Create the Glaze : In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers gently.

Prepare Your Ham : Place your bone-in ham on a roasting pan. Score the surface in diamond shapes about half an inch deep; this helps the glaze seep into every delicious crevice.

Add Whole Cloves : If using whole cloves, insert them into each diamond cut on the ham’s surface. This adds lovely spice notes that blend wonderfully with sweetness.

Glaze It Up : Brush half of the prepared glaze evenly over the scored areas of the ham. Remember that each brushstroke is like giving your ham a warm hug.

Bake Away : Roast in preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until heated through. Baste with remaining glaze every 30 minutes for optimal caramelization and flavor infusion.

Now you’re ready to indulge in that sweet symphony of flavors! The combination of smoky sweetness from bourbon and rich maple syrup will have you dreaming about this ham long after dinner’s over.

And there you have it—the perfect Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham that will make you the star of any gathering! So grab those forks and prepare for some serious yum!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham, start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While the oven heats, score the ham in a diamond pattern for better glaze penetration. As it cooks, whip up that sweet maple-bourbon glaze to brush on every 30 minutes. The final step is to let the ham rest before carving—this allows those delicious juices to redistribute.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to personalize your Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham! You can swap out the bourbon for apple cider or use honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Throw in some crushed pineapple or orange zest for citrusy brightness. Don’t be shy—experiment and find your flavor combination that makes you do a happy dance.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Properly stored, it will last up to five days in the fridge or can be frozen for up to three months. For reheating, place slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth or water and heat at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through—this keeps it moist and flavorful!

Sharing my first attempt at this dish reminds me of how my friends devoured every morsel! Their laughter filled my kitchen as I tried not to steal bites while plating—it’s moments like these that make cooking worthwhile!

FAQ

What type of ham is best for making Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham?

For the best flavor and texture, choose a bone-in ham that’s fully cooked—either spiral-cut or whole. Bone-in hams tend to stay moister during cooking due to their fat content. Spiral-cut options are also great since they save time during serving.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the maple-bourbon glaze up to two days before cooking the ham. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. This helps deepen the flavors, making your dish even more delicious.

How long should I bake my ham?

Bake your ham at 325°F (163°C) for about 15-18 minutes per pound if it’s precooked. If you’re starting with a raw ham, consult specific guidelines since cooking times vary based on size and type.

What sides pair well with Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham?

The sweetness of Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham pairs excellently with savory sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic mashed potatoes. Consider adding cranberry sauce or a fresh salad for contrasting flavors that elevate your meal.

Conclusion for Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham

In summary, mastering Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham involves perfect timing, ingredient choices, and personal touches that make this dish shine at any table setting. Whether it’s a holiday feast or an ordinary Wednesday dinner, this recipe promises mouthwatering flavors that everyone will love!

Print

Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham is the ultimate centerpiece for any gathering, combining the rich flavors of succulent ham with a sweet and tangy glaze. This dish transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience that will have your guests coming back for seconds. With its stunning presentation and mouthwatering aroma, this ham is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or family dinners.

• Author: Cathy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 10 people 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (8 lb) bone-in ham
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup pineapple juice (100% juice)
• Whole cloves (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers.
3. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Insert whole cloves if desired.
4. Brush half of the glaze over the ham and place it in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting with remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
6. Let the ham rest before slicing.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 oz (85g)
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 910mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: You can substitute bourbon with apple cider for a non-alcoholic version. For added flavor, incorporate crushed pineapple or zest from citrus fruits into the glaze.