As the aroma of Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham wafts through your kitchen, transporting you to festive family gatherings, you’ll find it hard to resist the urge to sneak a taste before the clock strikes dinnertime. The glistening glaze, a dazzling mix of deep amber maple syrup and smooth bourbon, coats the ham beautifully as it roasts, creating a crunchy caramelized layer that promises an explosion of flavor. With each slice, you reveal a succulent interior that simply melts in your mouth; it’s a party on your palate.

This dish doesn’t just fill your stomach; it fills your heart with nostalgia. I remember the first time I made a glazed ham—my grandmother’s recipe, passed down through generations. The kitchen was alive with laughter and the sounds of family catching up, just like it will be for you as you create delicious memories with this crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any gathering, be it a holiday feast or Sunday dinner, this Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham is sure to become a cherished staple in your home. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your loved ones!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can have this gorgeous ham ready in just a little over two hours, including prep time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and bourbon creates a sweet and smoky taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The shiny glaze and highlighted scoring make for an impressive centerpiece on your dinner table.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for festive occasions, holiday gatherings, or a simple Sunday family dinner. This ham adapts to any celebration!
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to use gluten-free bourbon and substitute maple syrup with agave for a vegan twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2½-3kg / 5½-6½ lb smoked ham: A fully cooked smoked ham ensures the deep flavors are infused throughout. Look for hams that are labeled “bone-in” for richer flavor.
1 onion: A halved onion adds aromatic depth to the poaching liquid, enhancing the overall taste of the ham.
1 carrot: The vibrant sweetness of the carrot complements the savory notes, making it an essential addition.
1 tsp black peppercorns: For an extra layer of warmth and spice, black peppercorns will infuse the ham with subtle heat.
2-3 bay leaves: These herbs add a distinct earthy flavor to the poaching liquid, elevating the ham’s taste.
125ml / 1/2 cup bourbon (or whisky): The depth of flavor from bourbon brings warmth and sweetness to the glaze. If you prefer, substitute with a sweet whisky.
125ml / 1/2 cup maple syrup: This syrup adds natural sweetness and creates that quintessential glazed finish. Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
4 tbsp brown sugar: The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully when roasted, resulting in a sticky coating that’s hard to resist.
2 tbsp Dijon mustard: The mustard cuts through the sweetness, providing a tangy balance that enhances the overall flavor profile.
2 tsp apple cider vinegar: A splash of vinegar brings acidity and brightness, complementing the richness of the ham.

How to Make Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham

Prepare the Poaching Liquid: If you are in the US or Canada, skip this first step. For those in the UK, start by filling a large pot with water, then add the halved onion, roughly chopped carrot, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Place the smoked ham into the pot and ensure it is fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes. You want the ham heated through, so the flavors meld well.

Make the Maple Bourbon Glaze: While the ham is simmering, it’s time to whip up that glorious glaze! In a saucepan, combine ½ cup of bourbon, ½ cup of maple syrup, 4 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches a simmer. Continue to simmer for 15 minutes, whisking it gently. The glaze should thicken into a syrupy consistency.

Preheat and Cool: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the ham from the poaching liquid and let it cool until it’s safe to handle. Carefully cut away any string or netting holding the ham together, then peel off the layer of skin, discarding it. Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern, making sure not to cut into the meat. This scoring will help the glaze penetrate and caramelize beautifully.

Glaze and Roast: Place the ham on a wire rack in a roasting pan lined with aluminum foil. Brushing half of the glaze over the ham, ensure it’s evenly distributed. Bake for 15 minutes, then pull the ham out and brush on the remaining glaze. Return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is caramelized and bubbling. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing; this step is crucial for juicy, tender slices.

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham can be stored at room temperature for a couple of hours, but after that, it’s best to refrigerate it in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it should stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it for longer, slice and freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the portions in a covered dish in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Keep in mind the texture may change slightly, but a quick glaze refresh will bring back that delicious shine!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When poaching, ensure that the ham is fully submerged in water for even cooking.
If you find the glaze too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out slightly.
Scoring should be done carefully to avoid cutting into the meat; this technique allows the glaze to seep in, creating that signature caramelization.
To enhance flavors, you might consider adding a pinch of ground ginger to your glaze for some extra warmth.
This ham can be made ahead of time and served cold, making it a fantastic option for holiday parties.

Baking a Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham will reward you with unforgettable flavors and tender meat, inviting your loved ones to come together in celebration. Embrace the spirit of the season and make this dish your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

You can certainly substitute the smoked ham with a different cut of pork, such as a pork shoulder or loin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the size and cut. You may also want to adjust the sweetness in the glaze to pair better with the different meat.

What’s the best way to carve the ham?

To carve the ham, use a sharp carving knife and slice against the grain for the juiciest cuts. Start by cutting in a downward motion, creating thick slices, then you can go thinner if you prefer. Use the scored sections you made earlier as guidelines for even portions.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently before applying it to the ham to ensure it spreads easily.

What should I serve with my ham?

This dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh, crisp salad. You could even serve it with some warm bread rolls to soak up that delicious glaze!

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Recipe Card

Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham features a mouthwatering mix of sweet maple syrup and rich bourbon, creating a flavor-packed dish perfect for any celebration or family gathering. Easy to prepare and a stunning centerpiece, this recipe will impress your guests and create delicious memories.

Ingredients

Scale

2½–3kg / 5½-6½ lb smoked ham
1 onion
1 carrot
1 tsp black peppercorns
2–3 bay leaves
125ml / 1/2 cup bourbon (or whisky)
125ml / 1/2 cup maple syrup
4 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

Prepare the poaching liquid by boiling water with onion, carrot, bay leaves and black peppercorns; add ham and simmer for 1 hour and 15-20 minutes.
In a saucepan, combine bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 15 minutes until thickened.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), cool ham after poaching, score fat in a diamond pattern.
Brush half of the glaze over the ham and roast for 15 minutes; then apply remaining glaze and roast for an additional 10 minutes until caramelized.

Notes

Use bone-in ham for richer flavor.
Feel free to substitute ingredients for dietary preferences, like gluten-free bourbon or agave syrup.
Slice and freeze leftovers for long-term storage.