Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
The fragrance of roasted ham may be one of life’s simplest pleasures. When paired with a rich, sweet glaze crafted from maple syrup and a splash of bourbon, it becomes nothing short of a culinary celebration. Imagine the golden-brown crust glistening, the warm scent filling your kitchen as the meat slowly caramelizes, transforming into a melt-in-your-mouth delight. It’s the sort of dish that invites everyone to gather around the table with smiles and laughter.
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Growing up, I always looked forward to special occasions when my family would roast a ham, and that first slice was pure magic. The savory, sweet aroma was often more enticing than any other dish. This Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham has become a staple for my gatherings too, bringing a hint of nostalgia, warmth, and joy to every celebration—whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply a Sunday feast. I can’t wait for you to experience this joy in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep and 1 hour and 45 minutes of cook time, you’ll have an incredible centerpiece ready to impress.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet maple, smoky bourbon, and zesty mustard creates a symphony of flavors that is truly unforgettable.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy glaze and perfectly scored design make this ham a stunning dish for any occasion.
- Flexible Serving: Suitable for dinner parties, holiday feasts, or even delicious leftovers for sandwiches.
- Diet-Friendly Options: While traditional, the recipe is easy to adapt; choose gluten-free mustard if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Smoked ham (2½-3kg / 5½-6½ lb): This is the star of the show, providing a deeply savory base for the glaze. Any quality smoked ham works, including gammon for UK readers.
- Onion (1): Adds aromatic depth during cooking, enhancing overall flavor. You can substitute with shallots for a sweeter finish.
- Carrot (1): Works as a natural sweetener and gives additional flavor to the poaching liquid; easy to swap for celery if that’s what you have.
- Black peppercorns (1 tsp): For a subtle heat and earthy depth, use freshly cracked for the best flavor.
- Bay leaves (2-3): Essential for imparting a fragrant herbal note to the cooking liquid — you can omit them if unavailable.
- Bourbon (or whisky, 125ml / ½ cup): Brings warmth and depth to the glaze; you could also use a whiskey of your choice.
- Maple syrup (125ml / ½ cup): The key ingredient for sweetness; always opt for pure maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Brown sugar (4 tbsp): Deepens the sweetness and helps to create that beautiful caramelized finish.
- Dijon mustard (2 tbsp): Adds a perfect tang that balances the sweetness of the maple and sugar.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tsp): A splash helps cut through the richness and adds brightness—white vinegar is a suitable substitute.
How to Make Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
Prepare the Ham: If you’re in the US or Canada, you can skip this step. However, for those using gammon or fresh ham, place the halved onion, large carrot pieces, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a large pot. Add the ham and cover it with water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, simmering for about 1 hour and 15-20 minutes. This step helps infuse the ham with rich flavors while keeping it moist during roasting.
Make the Glaze: While the ham simmers, it’s time to whip up that delectable glaze. In a saucepan, combine the bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often for about 15 minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. The glaze is what makes this **Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham** extraordinary, so don’t rush this step!
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 200C/400F. Once the ham has cooled sufficiently, remove it from the poaching liquid. Carefully cut away the string or netting and peel off the skin. Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern, being cautious not to cut into the meat; this helps the glaze penetrate and enhance the flavors. Generously brush half of the warm glaze all over the ham, getting it into those scored areas.
Roast the Ham: Set the glazed ham on a wire rack inside a roasting pan lined with tin foil for easy cleanup. This allows hot air to circulate around the ham, ensuring an even caramelization. Roast for 15 minutes until it starts to get golden. Afterward, remove it from the oven and drizzle the remaining glaze over the ham. Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the glaze is beautifully caramelized. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
Rest and Slice: After roasting, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy. Trust me, the wait is worth it when that first slice reveals the glossy, glistening ham!
Storing & Reheating
Once cool, you can store leftover Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you plan to keep it longer, freeze the ham wrapped well in freezer-safe wrap or foil, ideally for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, until warmed through. The flavors might mellow a bit, but a brush of fresh glaze can bring that vibrant taste back to life.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the ham during the poaching phase; use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches around 145°F.
- Ensure all your ingredients, particularly the bourbon and mustard, are at room temperature before mixing for the best emulsification.
- Timing is key; when you glaze, keep a close eye on the oven to prevent burning, especially during the final caramelizing phase.
- To add a citrus twist, consider squeezing some fresh orange juice into the glaze or adding orange zest.
- If making this ahead of time, prepare the glaze and ham separately, then reheat when ready to serve for the freshest flavors.
Eating a beautifully roasted Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham brings a touch of festivity and warmth to any gathering. It combines delightful sweetness with savory richness that keeps everyone coming back for more. I encourage you to experiment with this recipe—try adding your twist and let it become a cherished memory in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy every tender, flavorful bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a fresh ham instead of smoked?
Absolutely! You can use fresh ham, but it will require different cooking methods. You’ll want to brine it before the glaze to ensure it’s flavorful and tender since fresh ham isn’t as inherently salty or smoky as smoked options.
What can I serve with Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham?
This delightful ham pairs wonderfully with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or a classic potato salad. For a special touch, consider serving with freshly baked rolls or even a fruity salad to balance the richness.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time! Let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just be sure to warm it up before applying it to the ham, as it thickens when cold.
What are the best ways to keep the ham moist when reheating?
When reheating, the key is to keep it covered with foil to trap moisture and prevent drying out. You can also add a splash of water or some of the leftover glaze to help maintain moisture.
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📖 Recipe Card
Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the irresistible Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham, a mouthwatering blend of savory and sweet flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for gatherings, creating a festive centerpiece with its glossy glaze and tender meat.
Ingredients
- Smoked ham (2½-3kg / 5½-6½ lb)
- Onion (1)
- Carrot (1)
- Black peppercorns (1 tsp)
- Bay leaves (2-3)
- Bourbon (or whisky, 125ml / ½ cup)
- Maple syrup (125ml / ½ cup)
- Brown sugar (4 tbsp)
- Dijon mustard (2 tbsp)
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tsp)
Instructions
- Prepare the ham by poaching with onion, carrot, bay leaves, and peppercorns for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Make the glaze by combining bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar; simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened.
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F and score the cooled ham in a diamond pattern; brush with half of the glaze.
- Roast the ham on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then drizzle with the remaining glaze and roast an additional 10 minutes until caramelized.
- Let the ham rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to ensure juicy, tender meat.
Notes
Substitute shallots for onion for a sweeter taste.
Use gluten-free mustard for dietary preferences.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
