Print

Perfect Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Spiral Ham: Best Holiday Recipe

brown sugar bourbon glazed spiral ham - featured image
Print Recipe

A show-stopping holiday ham with a glossy, caramelized brown sugar bourbon glaze that’s sweet, smoky, and perfectly balanced. Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8-10 pound) spiral-cut bone-in ham, fully cooked
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Whole cloves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the ham out of the fridge 1 hour before baking to bring to room temperature.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
  3. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, bourbon, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until butter melts and sugar dissolves, about 3-4 minutes. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Score the ham in a diamond pattern if not already scored, about 1/2 inch deep.
  5. Place ham flat-side down on a rack in a large roasting pan. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  6. Bake covered for 1 hour 30 minutes (10-14 minutes per pound).
  7. Remove foil and brush on first layer of glaze, getting into the spiral cuts. Reserve about 1/3 of the glaze.
  8. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (204°C). Return ham to oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes.
  9. Baste again with glaze and return to oven for another 10-15 minutes until glaze is bubbling and deep amber.
  10. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer in the thickest part (avoid bone). Target 140°F (60°C). Continue baking if needed, checking every 5 minutes.
  11. Remove from oven and brush on final layer of glaze. Let rest 15-20 minutes.
  12. Carve and serve warm, drizzling with pan juices if desired.

Notes

Let ham rest before carving. Make extra glaze for serving. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. If glaze starts to burn, tent edges with foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed ham, spiral ham, holiday ham, Easter ham, Christmas ham, glazed ham recipe

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/perfect-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-spiral-ham-best-holiday-recipe/