Imagine a ham so irresistibly delicious that it becomes the star of your dinner table, with a glossy, caramelized exterior that glistens under the dining room lights and a flavor profile that dances between sweet bourbon warmth and rich, succulent meat. This Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham isn't just a dish—it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary celebration, guaranteed to have your family and friends begging for seconds (and the recipe)!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Remove the ham from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- 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 with a sharp knife, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates an attractive presentation.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until smooth and well combined.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham to check temperature.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and begin basting the ham with the prepared honey bourbon glaze every 10 minutes. This will create a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice the ham against the grain and serve warm, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let your ham sit out for an hour before cooking to ensure even heating and prevent dry edges.
- Score Like a Pro: Create those classic diamond-shaped scores in the fat layer to help the glaze penetrate and create a stunning presentation.
- Glaze Mastery: Baste frequently during the last 30 minutes of cooking to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that's both beautiful and delicious.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to hit that perfect 140°F internal temperature—no dry ham here!
- Rest and Redistribute: Let your ham rest 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
- Bourbon Bonus: Choose a quality bourbon that you'd enjoy drinking—the flavor will shine through in the glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 581kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 100mg
