Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham
Holiday ham lacquered with honey, bourbon, and orange—sweet Southern-leaning USA Christmas centerpiece. Bake covered, then glaze hot until the ham hits 140°F and the crust is caramelized.
🛒Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch kosher salt
- Whole cloves for studding (optional)
🔧Kitchen Tools Needed
- Roasting pan
- Saucepan
- Pastry brush
- Instant-read thermometer
- Foil
📝Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 325°F. Score fat in a diamond pattern; stud with cloves if using. Set ham in a roasting pan with 1/2 cup water; tent with foil.
- 2
Bake 10–12 minutes per pound until internal temp is about 125°F.
- 3
Simmer honey, bourbon, brown sugar, mustard, orange zest and juice, allspice, and salt 3–5 minutes until syrupy.
- 4
Uncover; brush thickly with glaze. Bake at 400°F 20–30 minutes, basting twice, until glaze is deep amber and ham reaches 140°F.
- 5
Rest 15–20 minutes. Slice and serve. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours up to 4 days; reheat to 165°F.
🥗Nutrition Information
⚡Calories per serving: 280
🏷️Recipe Tags
❓Frequently Asked Questions
No alcohol?
Swap apple cider for bourbon; simmer glaze the same way.
Too salty ham?
Soak spiral ham in cold water 1 hour, pat dry, then bake as directed.
Bone-in vs boneless?
Both work; bone-in stays juicier—still target 140°F for fully cooked ham.
Food safety?
Heat fully cooked ham to 140°F; leftovers to 165°F; refrigerate within 2 hours.
