Name: Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-491529H13M30S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Smoked Ham (2½-3 kg / 5½-6½ lb); Onion; Carrot; Black Peppercorns (1 tsp); Bay Leaves (2-3); Bourbon (125ml / ½ cup); Maple Syrup (125ml / ½ cup); Brown Sugar (4 tbsp); Dijon Mustard (2 tbsp); Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tsp)

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The holidays are a time for warmth, joy, and unforgettable flavors. Imagine walking into your kitchen, the air filled with the sweet and smoky aroma of a Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham roasting in the oven. The sight of that succulent, caramelized treat, drizzled with a glossy syrup and glistening in the light, brings an immediate sense of comfort. I can’t help but recall the ecstatic cheers of my family during Thanksgiving, when this glorious ham took center stage at the table, all eyes wide with anticipation.

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

Maybe it’s fond memories of family dinners, or perhaps the thrill of preparing a feast for friends; this dish is a vibrant centerpiece that brings us together. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or even a weekend treat, this Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham promises to charm your guests and tantalize their taste buds. Let’s get cooking and create new memories together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep time and a total cook time of under two hours, you can serve up an impressive dish without spending all day in the kitchen.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich bourbon, sweet maple, and a hint of mustard creates a complex flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory—each bite dances on your palate!
Eye-Catching Appeal: The beautiful golden-brown glaze and decorative diamond pattern of the ham make it a stunning centerpiece at any table.
Flexible Serving: This ham is perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or weekday dinners. It even makes for delightful leftovers!
Diet-Friendly Options: While this recipe is predominantly meat-based, it has no gluten or dairy, making it friendly for various dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Smoked Ham (2½-3 kg / 5½-6½ lb): Opt for a boneless smoked ham for an easier carving experience. The smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the glaze. If you prefer, you can substitute with a fresh ham and add extra spices.
Onion: A halved onion adds depth and sweetness to the poaching liquid, enhancing overall flavor. A yellow onion works best, but you could use a sweet onion for a milder taste.
Carrot: Chopped into large pieces, it adds subtle sweetness and nutrients to the broth. Feel free to swap with parsnips for a unique twist.
Black Peppercorns (1 tsp): Whole peppercorns provide a mellow heat; fresh cracked pepper can enhance the flavor further.
Bay Leaves (2-3): These leaves are essential for an earthy aroma. If you don’t have fresh, dried ones will suffice—just use a bit less.
Bourbon (125ml / ½ cup): Use your preferred bourbon or whiskey for the glaze. The alcohol cooks off, leaving only flavor, but you can replace it with apple cider or fruit juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Maple Syrup (125ml / ½ cup): Pure maple syrup creates that signature sweetness! Avoid pancake syrup for the best results—go for Grade A or Grade B for rich flavor.
Brown Sugar (4 tbsp): This provides extra caramelization and depth. You can substitute with coconut sugar if desired.
Dijon Mustard (2 tbsp): The mustard adds a delightful tang to balance the sweetness. For a milder flavor, yellow mustard is a great alternative.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tsp): This brings a welcome acidity to cut through the richness of the ham. You might use white wine vinegar in a pinch.

How to Make Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham

Prepare the Ham: If you’re using ham from the U.S. or Canada, go ahead and skip this step. For others, place the halved onion, chopped carrot, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a large pot. Add water to cover the ham, bringing it to a boil before reducing the heat. Let it simmer gently for about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes, or until tender. This process ensures your ham is flavorful and moist.

Make the Glaze: While the ham simmers, start on that irresistible maple bourbon glaze. Combine the bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer and let it bubble gently for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally with a whisk until the mixture thickens into a syrupy consistency—it will become even thicker when it cools, so don’t worry if it seems too runny.

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Once your ham has cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly until manageable. Carefully cut away any netting or string and peel off the skin. Now, score the fat in a diamond pattern—this doesn’t just look fancy; it allows the glaze to seep in and caramelize beautifully. Generously brush half the glaze all over the ham, making sure it gets into the score marks.

Roast the Ham: Set the ham on a wire rack inside a roasting pan lined with foil (this makes cleanup a breeze!). Cooking on the rack allows for even caramelization all around. Pop the ham into the oven for 15 minutes. After that, generously apply the remaining glaze over the top and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the glaze becomes beautifully caramelized. The tantalizing aroma will have everyone peeking into the oven!

Rest and Slice: Once it’s caramelized to perfection, take the ham out of the oven and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring juicy, tender slices. When ready, slice it up and serve, allowing each bite to melt in your mouth.

Storing & Reheating

To store, let your ham rest to cool before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for about two hours. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to a week if properly stored. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the ham for up to three months. For reheating, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and warm it gently in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. Note that the texture may change slightly once thawed, but refreshing with a splash of glaze can bring back some flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the ham; it can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
For even better flavor, consider letting the ham marinate in the glaze overnight before roasting.
If you’re short on time, skip the poaching step altogether; just brush with glaze and roast right away.
Always score just the fat; cutting too deeply may lead to drying out the meat.
Experiment with spices like cloves or nutmeg in the glaze for a unique twist.
This ham makes great sandwiches! Consider saving some for delicious leftovers.

The tantalizing blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors in this Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham will surely make it a hit at your next gathering or family dinner. It’s the perfect dish to share with loved ones, inviting everyone to come together and create lasting memories. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own personal touches—after all, that’s how new traditions are born. Enjoy the excitement of your feast!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of alcohol?

Absolutely! If bourbon isn’t your style, other spirits like rum or whiskey can also create depth in the glaze. For a non-alcoholic option, consider using apple cider or a mix of fruit juices for that sweet, tangy touch.

How can I achieve a more caramelized glaze?

If you prefer a darker, more caramelized finish, just keep roasting the ham a little longer while keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn. Adding a bit of extra brown sugar to the glaze can also help it caramelize faster.

Can I make this ham a day ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the ham the day before your event. It’ll actually taste even better as the flavors develop overnight. Just reheat gently, as mentioned, to keep it juicy and flavorful.

What sides pair well with Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a bright salad. The sweetness of the ham complements earthy sides perfectly. Consider serving with cheesy scalloped potatoes or honey-glazed carrots for a festive feast!