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Perfect Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham: Easy Holiday Recipe

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This Perfect Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham is a showstopper holiday centerpiece with a deep, caramelized glaze that’s sweet, savory, and just a little bit sassy from the bourbon. It’s surprisingly easy to make and always gets asked for by name.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in, fully cooked spiral-cut ham
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup good quality bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Bulleit)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
  • Orange slices or whole cloves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ham: Take the ham out of the refrigerator about 1 hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham flat-side down on a rack in a large roasting pan. Score the fat cap in a diamond pattern if not already scored.
  2. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the bourbon and butter. Stir occasionally until butter is melted and mixture is simmering. Let bubble gently for 2-3 minutes. Add brown sugar, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, ground cloves, and black pepper. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and glaze is smooth and glossy. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
  3. First Glaze and Roast: Brush a generous layer of warm glaze all over the ham, getting into the spiral cuts. Reserve about half of the glaze for later. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil. Roast for 1 hour.
  4. Second Glaze: Remove foil. Brush another layer of glaze over the ham, working it into the cuts. Return ham to oven, uncovered, and continue roasting for 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with pan juices and remaining glaze, until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) in the thickest part away from the bone.
  5. Final Broil for Caramelization: Switch oven to broil. Brush ham one last time with any remaining glaze. Broil for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until glaze bubbles and darkens to a deep, sticky amber.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove ham from oven and let rest on a cutting board for 15-20 minutes, tented loosely with foil. Carve along spiral cuts and arrange on a platter. Spoon pan juices over slices before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the room temperature rest for the ham. Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning. Make extra glaze to serve as a dipping sauce. Save the ham bone for split pea or bean soup.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed ham, holiday ham, Easter ham, Christmas ham, spiral ham, bourbon glaze, easy ham recipe

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/perfect-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-ham-easy-holiday-recipe/