Bourbon Glazed Baked Ham Recipe for Holiday Gatherings

A bourbon glazed baked ham brings that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors everyone craves at holiday gatherings and special Sunday dinners.

The rich, caramelized coating adds depth and complexity while keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender throughout.

Whether you serve it as a centerpiece for festive celebrations or slice it for satisfying weeknight meals, it never fails to impress hungry faces around the table.

The glossy finish looks stunning on any platter, making it ideal when you want something both delicious and visually striking.

Families love how well it pairs with countless side dishes, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.

Leftovers taste just as amazing tucked into sandwiches or diced into breakfast scrambles.

Scroll down for the full recipe that makes any occasion feel extra special.

Why Bourbon Glazed Ham Belongs on the Table

• Crowd-Pleaser: This bourbon glaze transforms an ordinary ham into a showstopping centerpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds at your dinner table.
• Foolproof Flavor: Even if cooking isn’t your strong suit, the simple glaze technique ensures a delicious result that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
• Impressive Entertaining: Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions when you want to serve something that feels elegant but doesn’t require professional chef skills.
• Versatile Dish: The bourbon glaze works magic with ham, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that complement the meat’s richness.

What Goes Into Bourbon Glazed Baked Ham?

• Fully Cooked Ham (6 pounds): The star of the show that gets a delicious bourbon makeover with a sweet and tangy glaze.

• Whole Cloves (40 cloves): These fragrant spikes will be inserted into the ham to add a warm, traditional touch and amazing aroma.

• Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Creates a rich, caramelized sweetness that helps form a gorgeous glaze.
• Bourbon (1/4 cup): Adds depth and a subtle whiskey warmth to the ham’s flavor profile.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings a tangy brightness to balance the sweetness.
• Dijon Mustard (2 tablespoons): Provides a sharp, slightly spicy undertone to the glaze.
• Fresh Orange (1 medium): Zest and juice will infuse citrusy brightness into the entire dish.
• Fresh Thyme (2 tablespoons): Contributes an earthy, herbaceous note to complement the ham.
• Worcestershire Sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a complex, savory undertone to the glaze.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a subtle, aromatic warmth.

What Tools Are Needed for Bourbon Glazed Ham

• Large Roasting Pan: Your sturdy pan with high sides that holds the entire ham and catches all those delicious dripping glazes.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for scoring the ham’s surface and creating those classic diamond patterns.
• Pastry Brush: Helps spread the bourbon glaze evenly across the ham’s surface during baking.
• Saucepan (Medium-sized): Where your glaze comes together, letting sugar melt and flavors blend smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for getting the glaze ingredients precisely right.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing your beautifully glazed ham.
• Aluminum Foil: Useful for covering the ham if it starts browning too quickly during baking.
• Kitchen Tongs: Great for handling the ham and brushing on glaze without burning your hands.
• Zester or Grater: Helps you extract those bright orange zest flavors for the glaze.

How to Make Bourbon Glazed Ham

Smart Tips for Bourbon Glazed Ham

• Mix all glaze ingredients in a saucepan and watch them transform into a rich, sticky coating that’ll make your ham incredible.
• Create diamond patterns on your ham’s surface before adding cloves, helping the glaze seep deep into every delicious crevice.
• Brush your ham with glaze every 20 minutes to build incredible layers of flavor and create a gorgeous caramelized exterior.
• Let your ham rest for 15-20 minutes after baking, allowing juices to redistribute and making each slice perfectly moist and tender.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches the perfect internal temperature without drying out the meat.

Popular Bourbon Glazed Ham Variations

• Rum Twist: Swap bourbon with dark rum for a Caribbean-style glaze that adds a different depth of flavor to your ham.
• Whiskey Alternative: Replace bourbon with whiskey for a smoother, slightly sweeter taste that still brings warmth to the ham.
• Maple Bourbon Hack: Mix maple syrup with bourbon to create a richer, more complex glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the ham’s surface.
• Nonalcoholic Version: Use apple juice or white grape juice instead of bourbon, keeping the same amount to maintain the glaze’s consistency and sweetness.

Best Ways to Serve Bourbon Glazed Ham

• Slice with Style: Cut thick, generous slices against the grain to keep your ham tender and packed with bourbon glaze goodness.
• Perfect Side Companions: Roasted sweet potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes will beautifully complement the rich, bourbon-infused ham flavor.
• Temperature Tip: Let your ham rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to help the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice stays super moist.
• Leftover Magic: Transform extra ham into delicious sandwiches or chop into breakfast hash for a second delectable meal.

Best Storage Advice for Bourbon Glazed Ham

• Refrigerate leftover ham slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days, making sure your ham stays moist by drizzling a little extra glaze on top before sealing.
• Reheat slices gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, which keeps your ham tender and prevents that tough, rubbery texture.
• Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, letting you enjoy your delicious ham up to 2 months later with minimal flavor loss.
• Transform cold ham into sandwiches, salads, or breakfast hash, adding a fresh splash of bourbon glaze to revive the original rich flavors.

Bourbon Glazed Ham FAQs Explained

Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 to 10 1x

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Description

Bourbon Glazed Baked Ham brings your holiday table a classic Southern centerpiece that’s ridiculously easy to prepare. Brush the glaze generously for a sweet, boozy finish that’ll have your guests asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 pound ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 40 cloves

Supporting Ingredients:

• ¼ cup bourbon
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 medium orange
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Craft the bourbon glaze by combining 1 cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup bourbon, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, zest and juice from 1 medium orange, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves into a smooth mixture.
2. Preheat your oven to 325°F. Take the 6-pound fully cooked ham and carefully score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. Insert 40 whole cloves evenly across the surface, pushing them gently into the scored lines.
3. Transfer the ham to a large baking dish. Pour half of the prepared bourbon glaze over the entire surface, ensuring it covers the ham completely. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
4. Bake the ham for approximately 1.5 hours, removing the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Every 20 minutes, use a basting brush to reapply the remaining glaze, creating a rich, caramelized exterior.
5. Check the internal temperature reaches 140°F using a meat thermometer. Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
6. Carefully remove the cloves before carving. Slice the ham against the grain and serve warm with any remaining glaze drizzled on top.

Notes

• Score the ham in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate and create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
• For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with apple juice or additional apple cider vinegar to maintain depth of flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the perfect internal temperature without drying out.
• If watching sugar intake, swap brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative or honey for a lighter glaze.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Ham
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8 to 10
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg