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Best Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham: Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe

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A simple yet impressive pre-cooked ham glazed with a sticky, caramelized mixture of brown sugar, bourbon, and spices. This recipe transforms leftovers or a store-bought ham into a savory-sweet centerpiece perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 to 10 lb pre-cooked bone-in spiral-cut ham
  • 1 cup water, broth, or apple cider (for roasting pan)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut-side down. Remove any netting or skin.
  3. Pour 1 cup of water, broth, or apple cider into the bottom of the pan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  4. Bake covered for 10-12 minutes per pound (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours for an 8 lb ham) until internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C).
  5. While ham bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Remove ham from oven and carefully remove foil. Drain excess liquid from the pan.
  7. Brush a generous layer of warm glaze over the ham.
  8. Return ham to oven uncovered and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove and brush on a second layer of glaze. Repeat with a third layer if desired, until glaze is bubbling and dark amber.
  9. Remove ham from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing between the spiral cuts. Serve with extra glaze on the side.

Notes

For alcohol-free version, substitute bourbon with apple cider and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. To prevent burning, apply glaze only during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven with broth to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon ham, glazed ham, easy ham recipe, holiday ham, pre-cooked ham, bourbon glaze, spiral cut ham

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/best-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-ham-easy-5-ingredient-recipe/