Imagine walking into a warm kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of a Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham. The rich scent of maple syrup mingles with the smoky notes of the ham, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws friends and family together. As the golden glaze caramelizes to perfection, the glossy surface of the ham glimmers like a treasure waiting to be discovered.

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

Every holiday season, my family gathers for our big dinner, and this spectacular dish often takes center stage. I remember one Christmas, glancing over at my uncle’s delighted expression as he took his first bite—pure bliss! The combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors creates a delightful contrast, making it a memorable dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy dinner, there’s something about this dish that brings joy to every plate. Get ready to wow your loved ones with this fantastic recipe—it’s time for you to make your own Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just 1 hour and 45 minutes, you can have this impressive main dish ready to serve.
Irresistible Flavor: Every bite is a perfect blend of sweet maple, rich bourbon, and zesty mustard, making it utterly mouthwatering.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This glazed ham is not only delicious but also beautifully presented, perfect for impressing guests.
Flexible Serving: Great for any celebration, from Thanksgiving to Easter, or even a special family dinner on a weekend.
Diet-Friendly Options: Depending on your choice of ham, it can easily fit various dietary needs with minimal adjustments.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2½-3 kg / 5½-6½ lb smoked ham: A pre-cooked, boneless, or bone-in ham is ideal for this recipe, offering a rich, smoky flavor.
1 onion: Adds depth and aroma as you poach the ham.
1 carrot: Provides sweetness to the poaching liquid.
1 tsp black peppercorns: These add a subtle warmth to the flavor profile.
2-3 bay leaves: Enhance the savory notes while cooking.
125ml / 1/2 cup bourbon (or whisky): Brings warmth and complexity; feel free to swap with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.
125ml / 1/2 cup maple syrup: The star ingredient for glazing, imparting sweetness and a signature flavor.
4 tbsp brown sugar: Enhances the caramelization of the glaze, adding a slight crunch.
2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Introduces tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the glaze.
2 tsp apple cider vinegar: Offers a touch of acidity to brighten up the flavors.

How to Make Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Next, if using a gammon (or ham), place it in a large pot with half an onion, a chopped carrot, bay leaves, and black peppercorns. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the ham, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 1 hour and 15-20 minutes. This step ensures your ham is tender and full of flavor.

Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Stir the mixture gently with a whisk, and let it simmer for around 15 minutes until it thickens and becomes syrupy. This rich glaze is what makes your **Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham** so unforgettable!

Prepare the Ham: Once your ham has poached, carefully remove it from the pot and allow it to cool enough to handle. With kitchen scissors or a knife, cut away the netting or string. Then, peel off the skin, discarding it. Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern—this technique allows the glaze to seep into the meat, enhancing the flavor.

Glaze and Roast: Generously brush half of the glaze all over the scored ham, ensuring every crevice is covered. Place the ham on a wire rack inside a roasting pan lined with aluminum foil. The rack helps with even cooking and prevents sogginess. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes, then remove and brush with the remaining glaze. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized—this is the magic moment!

Rest and Slice: After roasting, take the beautiful ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your ham moist and succulent. Once rested, slice it into thick, mouthwatering pieces, ready to serve.

Storing & Reheating

Once your lovely Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham has cooled, store any leftovers at room temperature for a few hours, or transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you want to store it longer, wrap portions tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, preheat your oven to 325°F and reheat covered for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it stays juicy. Note that the glaze may lose some of its initial crispness, but a quick roast will refresh those beautiful flavors!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure your ham is at room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
Avoid overcooking the ham during poaching by checking for doneness towards the end of the cooking time.
If you want an extra crispy glaze, turn the oven to broil for the last few minutes—watch closely to prevent burning!
For a twist, try adding orange zest to the glaze for a citrusy kick.
This recipe easily scales up or down depending on your guest list, making it versatile for any gathering.

Your table could not ask for a more delightful centerpiece than this incredible Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham. The combination of flavors and stunning presentation is bound to impress your guests while filling your home with warm, comforting aromas. Don’t shy away from experimenting with the glaze; it’s fun to customize it to your taste!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham?

Absolutely! You can use pork shoulder or a pork loin for a different flavor profile. Bear in mind that cooking times will vary based on the size and cut, so adjust accordingly to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.

How do I know when my ham is done cooking?

The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F (60°C) for it to be warm and ready to eat. A meat thermometer will be your best friend here, ensuring that every slice is juicy and tender.

Is it possible to make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance. Just let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat it on the stove until it’s warm and syrupy.

Can I make this ham in advance?

Definitely! You can cook the ham a day or two before your event. Just store it covered in the fridge and reheat it in the oven before serving. This saves time and lets all the flavors meld beautifully!

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Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham

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

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Description

This Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham is a showstopper, featuring a delectable glaze made from maple syrup and bourbon that brings irresistible flavors to the table, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

2½–3 kg / 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

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place the ham in a pot with onion, carrot, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and enough water to cover and boil for 1 hour and 15-20 minutes.
In a saucepan, combine bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened.
Remove the ham, cool, and score the fat in a diamond pattern.
Brush half of the glaze over the ham and place on a rack in a roasting pan.
Roast for 15 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze and roast for 10 more minutes until caramelized.
Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Ensure your ham is at room temperature before roasting.
For an extra crispy glaze, broil the ham for the last few minutes cautiously.
You can add orange zest to the glaze for a citrus twist.