Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham is a show-stopping main dish that perfectly blends smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Slow-roasted and basted with a rich maple-bourbon glaze, this ham is the perfect centerpiece for a Thanksgiving feast. The glaze caramelizes into a beautiful, glossy coating, making every bite irresistibly flavorful.
1. What Is Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham?
This Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham is a classic holiday dish with a modern twist. The smoky, salty ham is coated in a glaze made from maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, and warm spices, creating a perfect balance of flavors. As the ham roasts, the glaze caramelizes, giving it a rich, glossy finish.
Why Is It So Popular?
- Sweet and Savory Balance: The maple syrup enhances the ham’s natural saltiness.
- Bourbon Infusion: Adds depth and a subtle smoky sweetness.
- Perfect for Holidays: Feeds a crowd and looks impressive on the table.
Perfect For:
- Thanksgiving dinner
- Christmas feasts
- Easter celebrations
2. Ingredients for Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
For the Ham:
- Bone-In Spiral Ham: 8-10 pounds, fully cooked
- Whole Cloves (Optional): 20-30, for extra spice and decoration
For the Maple Bourbon Glaze:
- Maple Syrup: 1 cup (pure, not pancake syrup)
- Bourbon: ½ cup
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
- Ground Cloves: ¼ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
3. Preparing the Ham
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and place a rack in the lower third.
2. Score the Ham:
- If your ham is not pre-sliced, use a sharp knife to score a diamond pattern across the surface. This helps the glaze soak in.
3. Add Cloves (Optional):
- Insert whole cloves into the ham at the intersections of the scoring for extra flavor.
4. Wrap in Foil:
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and loosely tent with foil to prevent drying out.
4. Making the Maple Bourbon Glaze
1. Simmer the Ingredients:
- In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and black pepper.
2. Reduce the Glaze:
- Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Roasting the Ham
1. Bake the Ham:
- Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1½ to 2 hours (about 10-12 minutes per pound).
2. Baste with Glaze:
- After the first 30 minutes, start basting the ham with the maple bourbon glaze every 15 minutes.
3. Caramelize the Glaze:
- For a deep golden finish, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 10-15 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Serving Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
1. Rest Before Slicing:
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving to keep it juicy.
2. Slice and Serve:
- Cut along the bone for large slices, or remove the bone and slice thinly.
3. Pair With:
- Mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, cornbread, or cranberry sauce.
7. Tips for the Best Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
- Use Pure Maple Syrup: Artificial syrup won’t give the same rich flavor.
- Choose a Good Bourbon: A mid-range bourbon with vanilla and caramel notes enhances the glaze.
- Don’t Skip the Basting: Frequent basting ensures a glossy, caramelized finish.
- Prevent Drying Out: Cover with foil for most of the cooking time, uncovering only toward the end.
8. Variations to Try
1. Spicy Maple Bourbon Glaze:
- Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
2. Orange-Infused Glaze:
- Add ¼ cup fresh orange juice and zest to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
3. Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham:
- Replace ½ cup maple syrup with honey for a deeper sweetness.
4. Smoky Maple Glaze:
- Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika to enhance the smoky notes.
9. FAQs
1. Can I make this ham ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the ham, cool completely, and store it in the fridge. Reheat at 325°F with extra glaze before serving.
2. What can I do with leftovers?
Use leftover ham in sandwiches, omelets, pasta, or soups.
3. Can I use a boneless ham?
Yes, but bone-in ham is more flavorful. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
4. How do I store leftover ham?
Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make this glaze without alcohol?
Yes! Substitute apple juice or apple cider for the bourbon.
6. How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Baste frequently and keep an eye on the ham when increasing the oven temperature.
7. What if my ham is too salty?
Soak the ham in cold water for 2-4 hours before cooking to reduce saltiness.
8. Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
9. Can I double the glaze for extra sauce?
Absolutely! Reserve some for drizzling over the sliced ham before serving.
10. How many people does a 10-pound ham serve?
A 10-pound ham serves about 10-12 people, depending on portion size.
This Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham will be the star of your Thanksgiving table! 🍁🥃🍖 Enjoy the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite. Happy cooking! 🦃✨