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Best Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Christmas Ham Recipe

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This foolproof brown sugar bourbon glazed ham features a sticky, caramelized crust and tender, juicy meat. It’s a holiday showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in spiral-cut ham (8–10 pounds, fully cooked)
  • 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup bourbon
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 30–40 whole cloves (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth (for the pan)

Instructions

  1. Remove ham from refrigerator 1 hour before baking. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Position rack in lower third of oven.
  2. Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts about ¼-inch deep in a diamond pattern across the entire surface, spacing cuts about 1 inch apart.
  3. If using whole cloves, press one into the center of each diamond intersection.
  4. Place ham cut-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup water or chicken broth into the bottom of the pan (not over the ham). Tightly cover the entire pan with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake for about 1 hour 30 minutes (10-12 minutes per pound).
  6. While ham bakes, make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, bourbon, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
  7. After initial bake, remove ham from oven and discard foil. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (204°C). Brush or spoon about half the glaze over the entire surface of the ham.
  8. Return ham to oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes.
  9. Remove ham again and apply another generous layer of remaining glaze. Return to oven for another 15-20 minutes, until glaze is bubbling, dark, and sticky.
  10. Remove ham from oven. Internal temperature should read at least 140°F (60°C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into thickest part away from bone.
  11. Let ham rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Notes

Let ham sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking for even cooking. Score ¼-inch deep to allow glaze to penetrate. Apply glaze in layers for a thick, caramelized crust. Watch glaze during final bake to prevent burning; tent with foil if too dark. Save pan drippings for gravy or soup.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/best-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-christmas-ham-recipe/