Name: Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Smoked Ham (5½-6½ lb); Onion; Carrot; Black Peppercorns; Bay Leaves; Bourbon (½ cup); Maple Syrup (½ cup); Brown Sugar (4 tbsp); Dijon Mustard (2 tbsp); Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tsp)

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There’s something utterly delightful about the aroma of a Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham wafting through your home, especially during the festive season. Imagine a beautifully roasted ham, glossy and studded with a rich, syrupy glaze, that catches the light and beckons you closer. The sweet notes of maple, the warmth of bourbon, and a hint of mustard create an inviting symphony of flavors that ensures every bite is a memorable experience. As you cut into the ham, you can hear that satisfying cracking sound of the caramelized glaze, revealing the tender, juicy meat beneath.

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

Thinking back to my childhood, I can picture gatherings around the table, family members eagerly awaiting the first few slices of that perfectly glazed ham. It was the showstopper, the dish that had everyone clamoring for seconds (or thirds!). Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual Sunday dinner, a Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham makes any occasion feel special. The blend of flavors comes together in a way that feels like a warm hug, so let’s roll up our sleeves and get this delightful ham on your table soon!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prepping takes about 20 minutes, with the oven doing the heavy lifting.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of maple sweetness and bourbon warmth creates a glaze that’s simply unforgettable.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish looks stunning, making it perfect for celebrations or special dinners.
Flexible Serving: Great for holidays or casual gatherings; it’s always a hit at any meal!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for those who prefer alternatives, though ham is a classic choice here.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Smoked Ham (5½-6½ lb): A pre-cooked, smoked ham works best for this recipe. Look for one with a good amount of fat for flavor and moisture. If preferred, you can substitute with a fresh ham, but the cooking time will increase.
Onion: A halved onion adds depth and flavor during poaching. Yellow onions are ideal, but you can experiment with sweet onions for a milder taste.
Carrot: Adding a rough-cut carrot to the poaching liquid helps enhance the broth’s flavor. You can swap it for celery if you prefer a different aroma.
Black Peppercorns: These contribute warmth and a slight kick. Freshly cracked peppercorns can elevate the taste.
Bay Leaves: Essential for adding an aromatic note. If you’ve got dried thyme or rosemary, these can be good substitutes.
Bourbon (½ cup): The bourbon gives a distinctive flavor to the glaze. Experiment with your favorite brand, or use whiskey if necessary.
Maple Syrup (½ cup): Pure maple syrup offers a rich sweetness. Avoid pancake syrup, as it lacks the depth of real maple flavor.
Brown Sugar (4 tbsp): Enhances the caramelization. Dark brown sugar is recommended for a more intense flavor, but light brown will work fine too.
Dijon Mustard (2 tbsp): Provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the glaze, making the flavor profile more complex. Yellow mustard can substitute, but it’ll change the flavor slightly.
Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tsp): Adds brightness and cuts through the richness. If you’re out, white vinegar can stand in, but the flavor will vary slightly.

How to Make Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham

Poach the Ham: If you’re in the United States or Canada, go directly to the next step. For those in other regions, begin by placing the halved onion, roughly chopped carrot, bay leaves, and whole peppercorns into a large pot. Nestle the ham inside, then fill the pot with water until it completely submerges the meat. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for approximately 1 hour and 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your ham. This initial poaching infuses moisture and flavor. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches around 145°F.

Prepare the Glaze: While the ham is poaching, let’s whip up that beautiful maple bourbon glaze! Combine the bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer and continue stirring with a whisk for about 15 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency. As it simmers, you’ll notice the divine aroma filling your kitchen! Remember, the glaze will thicken even more once it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit loose.

Score and Glaze the Ham: Once the ham has poached, carefully remove it from the pot and let it cool until manageable. Use kitchen scissors to cut the string or netting holding it. Gently peel off the skin, discarding it. With a sharp knife, score the fat in a diamond pattern, taking care not to cut into the meat. This scoring helps the glaze penetrate and caramelize. Brush half of the prepared glaze generously over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring it seeps into those diamond cuts.

Roast the Ham: Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F. Place the glaze-covered ham on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan lined with tin foil. This setup allows hot air to circulate around the ham, giving it that perfect caramelized finish. Roast the ham for 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze. Continue roasting for another 10 minutes or until the glaze has caramelized beautifully and formed a shiny coating, signaling that it’s ready to savor. The edges should be bubbling and fragrant.

Rest and Slice: Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each slice remains juicy and flavorful. When you finally cut into it, you’ll find the meat is tender and the glaze beautifully caramelized, irresistible in every way. Enjoy it warm, with perhaps some roasted veggies or mashed potatoes on the side!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham, let it cool to room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container. Properly stored, it can remain at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Refrigerate any leftovers; they’ll last for about 4 days. If you want to keep the ham longer, slice it into portions and freeze them in freezer-safe bags. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. When reheating, use an oven set to 160°F (70°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through, allowing you to savor the flavors just like the first time. However, keep in mind the glaze may lose some of its initial crispiness upon reheating, so a quick brush of fresh glaze can refresh that outer layer beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure the ham is at room temperature before roasting to promote even cooking and caramelization.
Avoid boiling the ham too vigorously during poaching; a gentle simmer helps maintain moisture without toughening the meat.
If you score the fat beforehand, be careful not to cut too deep to prevent drying out during roasting.
Use leftovers creatively in sandwiches, salads, or even omelets to enjoy the delicious flavors beyond the main meal.
Consider adding a splash of citrus juice or zest to the glaze for a bright, refreshing twist on the flavor profile.
For easier slicing, let the ham rest a bit longer if you find it’s still too hot to handle.

This Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham is not just a meal; it’s a centerpiece that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Whether for a holiday feast or a weekend family dinner, this recipe is bound to earn a place in your heart and kitchen rotation. Experiment with your flavors and enjoy the process—it’s all about making moments that matter, and each bite of that beautifully glazed ham is filled with taste, tradition, and love.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of alcohol?

Absolutely! While bourbon adds a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with whiskey or even rum. Each variation will yield a slightly different taste but will still create a delicious glaze. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, consider using apple juice or a combination of apple cider and additional maple syrup.

What can I serve with Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham?

This ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides—think creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or honey-glazed carrots. For something refreshing, a light salad with citrus vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the ham. The options are countless, so feel free to get creative with seasonal vegetables!

How do I know when the ham is properly cooked?

To ensure the ham is ready, the internal temperature should reach around 145°F (63°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check the doneness accurately. Additionally, the outer glaze should be applied in such a way that it caramelizes nicely, indicating that the ham is finished roasting.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ham by poaching it in advance! Poach the ham a day before your event, then simply glaze and roast it on the day you plan to serve. This method allows the flavors to meld while simplifying your cooking process on the big day, giving you more time to enjoy with family and friends!