Prepare to impress your guests and family with this incredibly moist and flavorful Honey Bourbon Ham. Baked to perfection in the oven, this show-stopping centerpiece is an absolute must-have for your Easter brunch, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas feast, or any special occasion that calls for a truly delicious and easy-to-make ham.

The secret to this ham’s irresistible appeal lies in its rich, sticky bourbon glaze. Crafted from a harmonious blend of sweet honey, robust bourbon, deep molasses, tangy orange juice, and a hint of sharp Dijon mustard, this glaze transforms an ordinary ham into an extraordinary culinary experience. Each ingredient plays a vital role, creating a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and savory, with a subtle smoky undertone from the bourbon.

Why This Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham Will Be Your New Favorite

The holiday season often feels like it flies by, bringing with it the joy of gathering with loved ones around a beautifully set table. This year, make your holiday meal unforgettable with a Honey Bourbon Baked Ham. It’s not just for the holidays; this recipe is so straightforward and utterly delicious, you’ll want to make it a regular feature at family dinners throughout the year.

I recently rediscovered my deep affection for oven-baked ham when preparing a meal for John’s Mom on “Slow Cooker Saturday.” While I’ve often turned to my trusty Crock Pot Ham recipe for its incredible convenience, there’s something truly special about an oven-roasted ham, especially when it comes to achieving that perfect caramelized, sticky glaze. Plus, my slow cooker was already busy with a delicious dessert (a story for another time!), so the oven was the perfect alternative to perfect this succulent ham.

One of the most appealing aspects of cooking a ham is how forgiving and remarkably easy it is. You simply whisk together a marvelous glaze, generously apply it to the ham, place it in the oven, and let time do its magic. A few hours later, you’re greeted with a stunning, aromatic Bourbon Baked Ham that fills your home with an intoxicating scent. The smoky, complex notes of bourbon truly elevate the flavor profile, adding a sophisticated depth without being overpowering. And no, Mom, I’m not sipping the bourbon while I cook! 😉

If you’re already a fan of cooking with bourbon and appreciate its unique flavor contribution, you might also enjoy our Crock Pot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa Bites recipe for another fantastic appetizer or side dish that brings that delightful smoky sweetness.

Crafting the Perfect Honey Bourbon Glaze

The glaze is truly the star of this recipe, imparting a sweet, tangy, and subtly smoky flavor that penetrates every slice of ham. Let’s delve into the components that make this glaze so exceptional and how each contributes to the overall masterpiece:

• Honey: The natural sweetness of honey is indispensable here. It not only provides a rich, sweet base but also helps create that coveted sticky, glossy texture. As the ham bakes, the honey caramelizes beautifully, forming a delicious, golden crust that seals in moisture and flavor.
• Bourbon: This ingredient adds a unique depth and warmth that sets this ham apart. While the alcohol cooks off during baking, it leaves behind a wonderful, nuanced flavor with hints of oak and vanilla that perfectly complement the savory ham. Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking, as its characteristics will subtly shine through in the final dish.
• Molasses: Contributing a deep, robust sweetness and a beautiful dark color, molasses adds a layer of complexity to the glaze. Its slight bitterness and rich, earthy notes balance the other sweet elements, creating a more sophisticated flavor profile than sugar alone could achieve.
• Orange Juice: Offering a bright, zesty acidity, orange juice cuts through the richness of the ham and the intense sweetness of the other glaze ingredients. It provides a refreshing counterpoint and also helps to thin the glaze slightly, making it easier to spread evenly over the ham.
• Dijon Mustard: This ingredient introduces a sharp, tangy kick that is crucial for balancing the sweetness of the honey and molasses. Dijon mustard also acts as an emulsifier, helping all the glaze ingredients come together smoothly and enhancing the overall savory notes of the ham, adding a subtle peppery finish.

Combining these five simple ingredients creates a glaze that is not just sweet, but multi-layered, incredibly enticing, and undeniably delicious. It’s what transforms a simple baked ham into a gourmet, celebratory experience.

Essential Ingredients for Your Honey Bourbon Ham

Gathering your ingredients is the first and easiest step towards culinary success. Here’s exactly what you’ll need for this delectable Honey Bourbon Glazed Baked Ham:

Ingredients:

• Bone-in Fully Cooked Spiral Sliced Ham: Approximately 7-9 pounds. A spiral-sliced ham is highly recommended because the pre-cut slices allow the glaze to seep into every cut, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture throughout the ham. Since most hams are fully cooked when purchased, your primary goal is to heat it through and develop that amazing glaze.
• Honey: 1 cup. Opt for a good quality honey, as its flavor will be prominent in the glaze.
• Bourbon: ½ cup. Any good quality bourbon that you enjoy will work wonderfully here. No need for top shelf, but avoid anything too harsh.
• Molasses: ½ cup. (Find Molasses on Amazon)
• Orange Juice: ¼ cup. Freshly squeezed orange juice will offer the best, brightest flavor, but a good quality store-bought 100% orange juice works perfectly too. (Find Orange Juice on Amazon)
• Dijon Mustard: 2 Tablespoons. This adds a necessary tangy counterpoint to the sweet glaze. (Find Dijon Mustard on Amazon)

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother, more efficient, and ultimately more enjoyable. For this recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen essentials:

• Roasting Pan: A sturdy, appropriately sized roasting pan that can comfortably hold your ham. Ensure it has higher sides to catch any delicious drippings.
• Roasting Rack: Essential for lifting the ham off the bottom of the pan. This allows for optimal air circulation, ensuring more even cooking, preventing the bottom of the ham from burning or getting soggy, and allowing excess fat to drip away.
• Pastry Brush: Crucial for evenly applying that glorious, sticky glaze to every inch of your ham. A silicone brush is easy to clean and holds up well to heat.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For whisking together the glaze ingredients. We are big fans of a glass batter bowl that features a handle; it provides excellent stability on the counter and makes mixing effortless. (Explore Large Mixing Bowls on Amazon)
• Small Saucepan: For gently heating and combining the glaze ingredients on the stovetop.
• Meat Thermometer: Absolutely vital for ensuring your ham reaches the safe and perfectly heated internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This prevents overcooking and ensures a moist result.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Bourbon Glazed Ham

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping Honey Bourbon Ham that will be the highlight of your meal. The process is straightforward, ensuring a delicious result every time:

Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe

This recipe will guide you through making a delightful Bourbon Glazed Ham that’s perfect for any festive occasion, from Easter to Christmas, or simply a special family dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Servings: 16

Calories: 598 kcal per serving

Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients:

• 7-9 pound Bone-in fully cooked spiral sliced ham
• 1 cup Honey (Amazon Link)
• ½ cup Bourbon
• ½ cup Molasses (Amazon Link)
• ¼ cup Orange Juice (Amazon Link)
• 2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard (Amazon Link)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ham: Begin by placing your fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham in a roasting pan, ideally positioned on a roasting rack. Using a sharp knife, carefully score the top surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Make these cuts approximately ½ inch deep. This scoring isn’t just for aesthetics; it helps the glaze penetrate deeply into the ham, ensuring maximum flavor infusion.
2. Initial Baking Phase: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the prepared ham in the oven and bake for 2 hours. This initial baking period is crucial for gently warming the ham through before the glaze is applied, ensuring even heating.
3. Prepare the Glaze: While the ham is in its initial baking phase, combine the honey, bourbon, molasses, orange juice, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium-low heat, stirring continuously with a whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens to a brushable consistency.
4. Glaze and Finish Baking: After the initial 2 hours of baking, carefully remove the ham from the oven. Using your pastry brush, generously apply the prepared glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to work it into all the scored diamond cuts and between the spiral slices. Return the glazed ham to the oven and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C) when measured with a reliable meat thermometer. For an extra rich and sticky crust, brush the ham occasionally with additional glaze during this final baking period.
5. Rest and Serve: Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven. This next step is crucial for moisture: let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender, flavorful, and juicy ham when you slice into it. Carve and serve warm!

Kitchen Tools:

• Roasting Pan
• Roasting Rack
• Pastry Brush
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Small Saucepan
• Meat Thermometer

Nutrition Facts

Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 598

Calories from Fat 297

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% Daily Value*

• Fat 33g 51%
  • Saturated Fat 12g 75%
• Cholesterol 123mg 41%
• Sodium 2382mg 104%
• Potassium 743mg 21%
• Carbohydrates 26g 9%
  • Fiber 1g 4%
  • Sugar 26g 29%
• Protein 43g 86%

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• Vitamin A 8IU 0%
• Vitamin C 2mg 2%
• Calcium 38mg 4%
• Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Tips for the Best Honey Bourbon Ham

To ensure your Honey Bourbon Ham turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully glazed every time, consider these expert tips:

• Choosing Your Ham Wisely: A bone-in, fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham is generally the best choice for this recipe. The bone adds more flavor to the meat and keeps it moist, while the pre-cut slices allow the delicious glaze to seep deep into every part of the ham, ensuring a flavorful bite every time. If using a boneless ham, you may need to slightly reduce cooking times and ensure thorough basting.
• Avoid Overcooking: Remember that most hams sold today are already fully cooked. Your primary goal is simply to heat it through to a safe internal temperature and create that irresistible glaze. Overcooking is the quickest way to end up with dry, tough ham. Always use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches exactly 140°F (60°C) – no more, no less.
• Basting is Key to Glaze Perfection: The more you baste your ham, the more layers of sticky, caramelized glaze you will build. Don’t be shy with that pastry brush during the final baking phase! Frequent basting ensures an even coating and a more profound flavor.
• Crucial Resting Time: Once your ham reaches the desired temperature, resist the urge to carve it immediately. Removing it from the oven and allowing it to rest, loosely tented with foil, for at least 10-15 minutes is vital. This process allows the meat fibers to relax and the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a significantly more tender and juicy ham when you finally carve it.
• Preventing Dryness: For the initial baking period (before applying the glaze), you can loosely tent the ham with aluminum foil. This helps to prevent the exterior from drying out prematurely, especially if your ham doesn’t come with its own glaze packet or cover. Remove the foil when it’s time to apply the glaze and achieve that beautiful caramelization.
• Adjusting Glaze Thickness: If your glaze seems too thick to brush easily, you can add a tiny splash of orange juice or water to thin it out slightly. If it’s too thin, simmer it gently for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken it.

What to Serve with Your Honey Bourbon Ham

This savory and sweet ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic side dishes, making it the perfect centerpiece for any celebratory meal. Here are some suggestions to complete your feast:

• Comforting Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, sweet and savory roasted sweet potatoes, or a decadent cheesy scalloped potatoes.
• Fresh & Hearty Vegetables: Classic green bean casserole, vibrant roasted asparagus, sweet and tender glazed carrots, or our creamy Crock Pot Creamed Corn.
• Warm Breads: Soft dinner rolls, a hearty cornbread, or a crusty artisan loaf perfect for soaking up any extra glaze.
• Other Complementary Holiday Favorites:
  • Crock Pot Turkey (for those grand feasts needing a second main!)
  • Crock Pot Stuffing
  • Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Creative Ideas for Leftover Ham

A beautiful ham often means delicious leftovers, and with this Honey Bourbon Ham, you won’t want a single flavorful piece to go to waste! Ham is incredibly versatile, and you can easily transform it into countless new and exciting meals:

• Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: A classic and comforting dish, perfect for using up ham remnants.
• Quick Ham Sandwiches or Wraps: Ideal for easy lunches, especially with a dollop of extra Dijon mustard, Swiss cheese, or crisp lettuce.
• Breakfast Boost: Dice leftover ham and add it to scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas for a savory morning treat.
• Elegant Ham and Cheese Quiche: A wonderful option for brunch or a light dinner.
• Savory Stir-fries: Incorporate diced ham into your favorite vegetable stir-fry for an extra protein boost and delicious flavor.
• Creamy Casseroles: Ham is excellent in potato gratins, pasta bakes, or even mac and cheese casseroles.
• Traditional Split Pea Soup: If you used a bone-in ham, don’t discard the bone! It’s the secret to an incredibly flavorful split pea soup.

For even more inspiration and exciting ways to use up every last bit of your delicious ham, be sure to check out all of our Leftover Ham Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Glazed Ham

Can I make this ham without bourbon?

Yes, absolutely! If you prefer to omit the bourbon, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth, apple juice, or even more orange juice. While the bourbon adds a unique depth and warmth, the ham will still be delicious with these alternatives, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

How do I store leftover ham?

Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze sliced or diced ham for up to 1-2 months. When ready to use, thaw frozen ham in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the glaze up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it’s time to glaze the ham, reheat the mixture gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s smooth and warm enough to brush easily.

What kind of ham should I buy for this recipe?

For the best results with this recipe, look for a bone-in, fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham. These are typically the easiest to prepare as they are pre-sliced, allowing the glaze to penetrate deep into the meat. If your ham comes with a glaze packet, you can discard it or save it for another use, as we’ll be making our own superior bourbon glaze.

Do I need to score a spiral-sliced ham?

Spiral-sliced hams are already pre-cut, which helps a lot with glaze absorption. However, if the surface scoring isn’t deep enough, or for aesthetic reasons, you can still carefully score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze adhere better and create a more appealing presentation. For a non-spiral ham, scoring the fat cap is highly recommended to prevent it from seizing and to allow the glaze to penetrate.

Discover More Delicious Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed mastering this Honey Bourbon Ham recipe, be sure to explore more culinary delights on our site! We have a vast and varied collection to satisfy every craving and occasion:

• Copycat Recipes: Recreate your restaurant favorites right in your own kitchen with our popular copycat recipes.
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