Name: Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½-3kg / 5½-6½ lb smoked ham (gammon in UK); 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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As the sweet, warm scent of Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham fills your kitchen, it’s hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia wash over you. The rich aroma mingles with the hints of caramelized sugar and bourbon, creating a cozy atmosphere that just feels like home. Imagine gathering with family and friends around the dining table, everyone eager to dig into a beautifully roasted ham that shines with its golden glaze, reflecting all those delicious flavors. Cooking for loved ones during the holidays or a special occasion brings me back to childhood memories of festive dinners, laughter, and, of course, that irresistible first bite of ham.

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

Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual Sunday dinner, this Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham will make your meal unforgettable. The perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish promises comfort and satisfaction. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret trying this recipe, I promise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to serve in just over two hours, with only 20 minutes of hands-on time.
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet warmth from the maple syrup, combined with the smoky depth of bourbon, is something you won’t forget.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its glossy finish and caramelized edges, this ham will steal the spotlight on your table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday feasts, family gatherings, or even a delicious Sunday brunch.
Diet-Friendly Options: While this ham is not vegan, it’s gluten-free and can fit various dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2½-3kg / 5½-6½ lb smoked ham (gammon in UK): A quality smoked ham is essential for deep flavor. Choose one that’s bone-in for extra richness, or opt for a boneless version for easier slicing.
1 onion: Halved for poaching, it adds sweetness and depth to the ham during cooking.
1 carrot: Also cut into chunks, it enhances the flavor of the poaching liquid, imparting subtle sweetness.
1 tsp black peppercorns: These whole peppercorns infuse the poaching liquid with warm, spicy notes.
2-3 bay leaves: Used in the poaching process, bay leaves lend a herbal, aromatic quality to the ham.
125ml / 1/2 cup bourbon (or whisky): Adds a sophisticated sweetness and depth to the glaze. If preferred, you can substitute it with apple juice or maple-flavored syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
125ml / 1/2 cup maple syrup: This is the star of the glaze, bringing that essential sweetness. Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
4 tbsp brown sugar: This boosts the glaze’s sweetness and helps create that caramelized texture. Dark brown sugar offers a deeper richness.
2 tbsp Dijon mustard: This tangy element balances the sweetness of the glaze beautifully.
2 tsp apple cider vinegar: Added for a bit of acidity, which helps to cut through the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.

How to Make Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham

Prepare the Ham: If you’re in the US or Canada, you can skip the poaching step. Otherwise, start by placing your halved onion, carrot chunks, whole peppercorns, and bay leaves in a large pot. Gently rest the ham on top, then fill the pot with water until the ham is submerged. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and let it poach for about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes, depending on its size. When finished, the ham’s internal temperature should reach approximately 145°F.

Make the Glaze: While the ham is poaching, whip up your glaze in a saucepan. Combine bourbon or whiskey, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, then continue to whisk for about 15 minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools, so keep that in mind.

Score and Glaze: Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F. Once the ham is cooled enough to handle, carefully remove the string or netting. Take off the skin and discard it. Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern, which allows the glaze to seep into the ham. Brush half of your prepared glaze generously all over the surface.

Roast the Ham: Place the glazed ham on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan lined with foil. This setup allows air circulation and even caramelization. Roast for 15 minutes before pulling it out to add the remaining glaze. At this point, return it to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes or until the glaze is beautifully caramelized and bubbly. Remember to watch it closely toward the end to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Rest and Slice: Once your ham is perfectly styled with a golden hue, take it out and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This helps retain the juices when you slice into it. Serve thin slices and let everyone savor the flavor. You might find that every bite is a little slice of heaven.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your ham again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven at 325°F for about 15–20 minutes, until heated through. The flavors may mellow slightly upon reheating, so a quick drizzle of fresh maple syrup can make it feel like a freshly made dish!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking your ham; always monitor it closely to prevent it from becoming dry.
Let your ham come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
A sharp knife helps create clean scores in the ham, which allows for better glaze penetration.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer longer and add a touch more brown sugar to enhance the caramelizing effect.
You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge – just whisk to loosen it back up before using.

The Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham brings together the joy of cooking and sharing in a delicious way. This recipe is not just about eating; it’s about gathering around the table to create lasting memories, savoring bites filled with flavor. Don’t hesitate to play around with this dish, perhaps adding your own favorite spices or sides. Cooking is all about exploration, and I hope this inspires you to make something delightful for your loved ones.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham?

Absolutely! While smoked ham is traditional, you can also use fresh ham for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking times accordingly. A spiral-cut ham is another excellent option, as it’s convenient to serve, but be cautious with glazing times since they can dry out more easily.

How do I know when my ham is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The ham should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption. If you cook it to 160°F, it will be hot enough to serve, but keep an eye on it to prevent drying.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ham and glaze a day in advance! Simply poach your ham and let it cool, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, follow the roasting directions. The flavors will have time to meld, making it even tastier.

What sides pair well with this ham?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For something sweet, consider serving it alongside sweet potatoes or a fruit chutney. The balance of flavors will complement the ham perfectly!