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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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