Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham

A Cozy Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham to Brighten Your Holiday Feast

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about the smell of a beautifully glazed ham wafting through the kitchen, don’t you think? I fondly remember the holidays spent at my grandmother’s house, where she would serve the most tender, golden-glazed ham, lovingly prepared with a sweet and spicy glaze that made our mouths water. This Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham is a tribute to those cherished moments, designed to bring the same joy and delicious comfort to your festive gatherings.

Perfect for a holiday meal or even a cozy Sunday dinner, this easy-to-make ham recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Each slice drips with a rich, buttery glaze that will make you want to savor every bite. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Irresistibly Sweet & Savory: The maple syrup and spices create a delightful balance of flavors that is both indulgent and comforting, making it ideal for any celebration.
• Effortless Elegance: With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a stunning centerpiece that looks and tastes like it took all day to prepare.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the juicy, tender ham combined with the rich glaze, making it a perfect addition to your family meals.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Any leftovers can be used in sandwiches, soups, or as a topping for casseroles, turning your cozy dinner into tasty meals throughout the week.
• Adaptable for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple gathering, this Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham fits perfectly into any menu.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham

• 1 pre-cooked spiral ham (8-10 pounds)
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick / 113 g)
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200 g)
• ½ cup bourbon (or apple juice or chicken broth)
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make it together! Here’s how to prepare this incredible Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and position the rack in the lower third.
2. Place the spiral ham cut side up in a roasting pan.
3. Rub the Dijon mustard over the entire surface of the ham, creating a base for your glaze.
4. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
5. Sprinkle this mixture over the ham, pressing gently to help it adhere and infuse the flavors.
6. Roast the ham for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, then stir in the brown sugar, bourbon (or apple juice), and maple syrup. Cook until the glaze thickens into a luscious syrup.
8. Baste the ham with the glaze, cover loosely with foil, and continue roasting for about 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, remembering to baste every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
9. Pour the remaining glaze over the ham 10 minutes before removing it from the oven for an extra layer of sweetness.
10. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Citrusy Twist: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the glaze for a bright, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the ham.
• Nutty Crunch: Top the ham with chopped walnuts or pecans before baking for an added layer of texture and nutty flavor.
• Herby Goodness: Mix in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the glaze for a fragrant twist that balances the sweetness.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a touch of hot sauce to the glaze for those who appreciate a bit of heat with their sweetness.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply warm it up before using!
• Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have bourbon, apple juice or chicken broth work great as substitutes for that sweet flavor without the alcohol.
• Storage Suggestions: Any leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently to enjoy it again.
• Slicing Secrets: For the perfect slices, use a sharp knife and cut against the grain of the meat—it’ll ensure each slice is tender and easy to chew.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

• Serving Size: 3 oz
• Calories: 230
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 16g
• Sodium: 800mg

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead?
  Yes! You can prepare the glaze and even pre-slice the ham a day before your gathering.

• Can I use different ingredients?
  Absolutely! Feel free to swap the bourbon for apple juice or chicken broth as noted earlier for a non-alcoholic option.

• How do I store leftovers?
  Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for sandwiches!

• How long does it last?
  Uncooked, the ham is good until the expiration date on the label. Cooked ham keeps well for about 5 days in the refrigerator.

A Cozy Closing Note

This Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham is not just a meal; it’s an embodiment of warmth, tradition, and love shared around the table with those who matter most. I hope this recipe brings you as much joy and comfort as it has brought into my home. Save this Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham to your holiday entertaining board so it’s ready when you need to impress your guests with this cozy treat!