Bourbon Glazed Ham: 5-Star Recipe For All
Bourbon Glazed Ham: Your Holiday Table’s Crown Jewel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 from 2,500 fans)
📸 1100+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated December 2025
A Symphony of Sweet & Savory: The Ultimate Holiday Ham
Why This Bourbon Glazed Ham Will Be Your New Tradition
There’s something truly magical about a show-stopping ham taking center stage at a holiday meal. And when that ham is coated in a glistening, irresistible Bourbon Glazed Ham, it transcends mere dinner – it becomes an experience. This isn’t just any ham recipe; it’s a labor of love designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss, leaving you more time to savor those precious moments with family and friends.
Imagine a perfectly roasted, tender ham, its surface caramelized to a deep, burnished mahogany. Each slice reveals succulent, juicy meat, enveloped by a sweet-savory glaze with a subtle, warming whisper of Bourbon Whiskey. It’s the kind of dish that makes jaws drop and taste buds sing, a true centerpiece that embodies the spirit of celebration. Forget dry, bland hams of the past. This recipe promises a holiday ham that’s moist, flavorful, and unforgettable, guaranteed to earn you rave reviews.
Your Guide to Holiday Ham Perfection
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours (depending on ham size)
Total Time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours
Servings: 10-14
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Course: Main Course
What You’ll Need for Your Bourbon Glazed Ham
Gather Your Ingredients for a Feast!
Creating this magnificent Bourbon Glazed Ham requires a few key players, each contributing to its spectacular flavor profile. Quality ingredients truly make a difference!
- 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked, bone-in ham (spiral-sliced or whole)
- 1 cup good quality bourbon (don’t use anything you wouldn’t drink!)
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
- Whole cloves (for studding, optional)
- Fresh orange zest (from 1 orange, optional, for brightness)
How to Make Bourbon Glazed Ham
Step-by-Step to a Perfect Holiday Ham
- Prep the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). If your ham isn’t spiral-sliced, use a sharp knife to score the surface in a diamond pattern, about ¼ inch deep. You can optionally stud each diamond with a whole clove for extra aroma and visual appeal. Place the ham, cut-side down if spiral, in a large roasting pan. Add about ½ cup of water or apple juice to the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist.
- Bake Initial: Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C) for a spiral-sliced ham, or 130°F (54°C) for a whole ham. This allows the ham to heat through before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the ham bakes, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. The alcohol in the Bourbon Whiskey will cook off, leaving behind its rich flavor.
- Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Remove the foil. Baste the ham generously with about one-third of the bourbon glaze. Return to the oven, uncovered.
- Baste and Caramelize: Continue baking, basting every 10-15 minutes with more glaze, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This final glazing period should take about 30-45 minutes, creating that beautiful caramelized crust. If the glaze starts to darken too quickly, loosely tent the ham with foil.
- Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the Bourbon Glazed Ham from the oven, transfer it to a large cutting board, and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a perfectly moist ham. Slice and serve with any remaining glaze on the side. Enjoy!
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
Elevate Your Bourbon Glazed Ham Experience!
This Bourbon Glazed Ham is fantastic on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more special or to change things up:
- Pineapple Power: Before glazing, arrange pineapple rings (canned or fresh) on the ham with maraschino cherries in the centers. The pineapple juice will meld beautifully with the glaze.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper in the glaze or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a noticeable, but not overwhelming, heat.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the roasting pan during baking, or finely chop some into the glaze for an earthy aromatic note.
- Mustard Variety: Experiment with different mustards in the glaze, like whole grain mustard for texture, or spicy brown mustard for a sharper bite.
- Serving Suggestions: This ham pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and a fresh cranberry sauce. Don’t forget some warm dinner rolls for delicious ham sandwiches the next day!
What Our Fans Are Saying!
Rave Reviews for this Bourbon Glazed Ham
Samantha R. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This ham was the star of our Christmas dinner! The glaze was absolutely incredible – perfectly sweet with that amazing bourbon depth. Even my notoriously picky father-in-law asked for seconds! Definitely making this a new family tradition.”
Mark T. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I’ve tried many ham recipes over the years, but this Bourbon Glazed Ham takes the cake (or should I say, the ham!). The instructions were clear, and the result was a beautifully moist ham with a perfectly caramelized crust. The subtle hint of bourbon was just divine. Highly recommend!”
Jessica L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Wow! This recipe is a game-changer. I was a bit nervous about cooking a whole ham, but it turned out flawlessly. The glaze is to die for, and the smell filling the house was incredible. My guests were all asking for the recipe. Thank you for sharing this masterpiece!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Glazed Ham
All Your Ham-Related Queries Answered!
- Q: What kind of ham should I buy?
- A: For this recipe, a fully cooked, bone-in ham (either spiral-sliced or whole) works best. Bone-in hams tend to have more flavor and stay moister. Spiral-sliced hams are convenient for serving, but a whole ham allows for a thicker, more even glaze application.
- Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
- A: Absolutely! You can prepare the bourbon glaze up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before basting, adding a splash of water or bourbon if it’s too thick.
- Q: Does the alcohol cook out of the glaze?
- A: Yes, simmering the glaze for 10-15 minutes on the stovetop and then baking it on the ham will cook off most, if not all, of the alcohol, leaving behind only the delicious flavor notes of the bourbon.
- Q: How do I store leftover ham?
- A: Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches, soups, quiches, or diced into scrambled eggs!
The Perfect Centerpiece Awaits!
Wrapping Up Your Culinary Adventure
There you have it – the definitive guide to creating a show-stopping Bourbon Glazed Ham that will be the talk of your next gathering. This recipe is more than just instructions; it’s an invitation to create memories, to fill your home with incredible aromas, and to share a truly spectacular meal with those you cherish. The rich, deep flavors of the bourbon, tempered by the sweetness and spice, make this ham utterly irresistible.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up that oven, and prepare to impress. Whether it’s for a grand holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, this ham, kissed with the warmth of Bourbon Whiskey, promises to be a culinary triumph. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your most requested recipe!
Recipe Note:
Always ensure your ham reaches the appropriate internal temperature for food safety. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here! Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Bourbon Glazed Ham
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 10-12
Calories: Approx. 400-500 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked, spiral-cut ham
- 1 cup bourbon (e.g., Kentucky bourbon)
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or orange juice)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Whole cloves (optional, for studding)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ham
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Insert whole cloves into the cuts if desired.
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Place the ham in a roasting pan lined with foil.
2. Make the Bourbon Glaze
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In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, bourbon, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, butter, cinnamon, and optional ground cloves.
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Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Bake the Ham
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Brush a generous layer of glaze over the ham.
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Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 hours, brushing with glaze every 30 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake another 30–45 minutes, brushing again, until caramelized and glossy.
4. Rest and Serve
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Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before carving.
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Serve with extra glaze if desired.
Chef’s Notes: This Bourbon Glazed Ham is perfect for holiday feasts or any special occasion. The bourbon adds a sophisticated depth of flavor to the sweet and tangy glaze. Adjust bourbon to taste, or for a non-alcoholic version, substitute with apple juice or chicken broth.
