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Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe

Ah, the enchanting aroma of a Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham wafting through the house evokes nostalgia like nothing else. Picture this: family gathered around the dining table, the warmth of laughter filling the air, and the promise of delicious flavors just waiting to be savored. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to celebrate togetherness, perfect for a cozy Holiday gathering or a comforting Sunday dinner. The moments we share over a beautifully glazed ham bring joy that lingers long after the plates are cleared. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Stress-Free: Perfect for any Holiday dinner or family gathering, this recipe requires minimal prep time and is easy to execute.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and bourbon creates a sweet and tangy glaze that will please even the pickiest eater!
Tender and Juicy: Using a pre-cooked spiral ham means you don’t have to worry about overcooking; just enjoy the tenderness and juiciness in every slice.
Customizable: Feel free to adapt the spices or add your favorite toppings for a personal touch that reflects your family’s tastes.
Beautiful Presentation: The shiny, caramelized glaze adds a festive flair to your Holiday table, making it a stunning centerpiece.

What You’ll Need

To whip up this delightful Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham, here’s what you’ll need:

1 pre-cooked spiral ham (8-10 pounds)
¼ cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick / 113 g)
1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200 g)
½ cup bourbon (substitute with apple juice or chicken broth if necessary)
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

How to Make Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham

Let’s embark on this delicious journey together! Follow these easy steps to create your masterpiece:

Preheat your oven to 325°F and position the rack in the lower third.
Place the spiral ham cut side up in a roasting pan, giving it a nice cozy nest for roasting.
Rub the Dijon mustard over the entire surface of the ham, allowing its tangy flavor to penetrate the meat.
In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, kosher salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Sprinkle this delightful mixture over the ham, pressing gently to help it adhere.
Roast the ham for 30 minutes, filling your kitchen with delicious anticipation.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar, bourbon (or apple juice), and maple syrup, cooking until the glaze thickens to a luscious consistency.
Baste the ham with the glaze, then cover loosely with foil. Continue roasting for about 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, remembering to baste every 30 minutes.
Pour the remaining glaze over the ham 10 minutes before removing it from the oven.
Once perfectly roasted, let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing it into tender, juicy pieces.

Variations & Creative Twists

This Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious variations you might enjoy:

Fruity Twist: Add a splash of orange juice and some grated zest to the glaze for a refreshing citrus kick.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the glaze for an aromatic depth that complements the sweetness.
Spice it Up: For an extra kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add some diced jalapeños to the glaze for heat.
Tropical Delight: Swap out the maple syrup for pineapple juice and add chopped pineapple chunks as a delightful topping for a tropical flair.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Here are some of my tried-and-true tips to ensure your Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham turns out perfectly every time:

Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before basting the ham.
Slicing Secrets: For easily beautiful slices, use a sharp knife and slice against the grain of the meat.
Storage Solutions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 3 to 5 days, making for easy weeknight dinners!
Frozen Goodness: You can freeze leftover ham slices for up to six months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

For this delicious Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham recipe, here’s a quick glance at the nutrition details:

Serving Size: 3 oz
Calories: Approximately 250
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Sugar: 12 g
Fat: 15 g
Protein: 18 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to swap the bourbon for apple juice or broth and customize the spices to suit your preferences.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

How long does it last?
Cooked ham can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days if stored properly.

A Cozy Closing Note

This Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham brings together sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will make your Holiday meals unforgettable. Just imagine your family’s faces lighting up as they savor each juicy bite! Don’t forget to save this delightful recipe to your Pinterest board, so you can easily recreate this cozy treat when the moment strikes. Happy cooking, my friends!