Brown-Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham

This Brown-Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham is the ultimate show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday or fall dinner table. It’s sweet, smoky, and irresistibly glossy — perfectly balancing the rich saltiness of the ham with the warmth of brown sugar and bourbon. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a deeply flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully, making every bite tender and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Brown-Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham
🥃 Sweet & Smoky: The bourbon adds depth and a touch of warmth to the glaze.
🍯 Caramelized Perfection: Brown sugar and Dijon create that perfect sticky-sweet crust.
🎄 Holiday-Ready: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy dinner parties.
🔥 Easy & Impressive: Simple steps, restaurant-quality results every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ham

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 4–5 lbs; adjust for smaller portions if cooking for two)
• Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

For the Brown-Sugar Bourbon Glaze

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup bourbon
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for brightness)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

How to Make Brown-Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham

Step 1 – Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a crisscross pattern and, if desired, stud with cloves.

Step 2 – Make the Glaze:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, bourbon, honey, Dijon, butter, vinegar, and cinnamon. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring, until thickened and glossy.

Step 3 – Glaze & Roast:
Brush the ham generously with the glaze. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour, basting every 15–20 minutes.

Step 4 – Caramelize:
Remove foil, brush on more glaze, and bake uncovered for another 20–30 minutes, until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.

Step 5 – Rest & Serve:
Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle extra glaze from the pan over the top for a glossy finish.

Tips for Success

🥃 Use good-quality bourbon — it adds incredible flavor depth.
🍯 Don’t rush the glaze — simmer it slowly for a syrupy texture.
🔥 Keep basting — that’s the secret to a lacquered, golden finish.
🍊 Add orange zest or juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist.

What to Serve With It

This glazed ham pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
• Maple-glazed carrots or sweet potatoes
• Green beans with almonds
• Buttermilk biscuits or dinner rolls

FAQs

Can I make this without bourbon?
Absolutely! Substitute apple juice, cider, or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version that’s just as delicious.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes — make it up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge. Warm gently before brushing over the ham.

What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover ham is amazing in sandwiches, omelets, soups, or breakfast hash the next day.

Conclusion

This Brown-Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham is sweet, savory, and irresistibly sticky — the perfect centerpiece for your fall or holiday feast. Each slice is juicy, flavorful, and coated with a caramelized glaze that captures the essence of comfort and celebration. Whether you’re hosting a dinner for two or a festive gathering, this recipe guarantees warmth, aroma, and pure deliciousness in every bite. 🍯🥃✨