Bourbon Baked Ham

Bourbon Baked Ham is a classic and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings. This recipe, shared by Jean Adams from Waycross, Georgia, offers a simple yet delicious way to prepare a ham that will become a family favorite. The combination of honey, bourbon, molasses, orange juice, and Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy glaze that adds a beautiful caramelized finish to the ham.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 bone-in fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (7 to 9 pounds)
• 1 cup honey
• ½ cup bourbon
• ½ cup molasses
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

PREPARATIONS:

1. Place the ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham, making diamond shapes about ½ inch deep.
2. Bake the ham at 325°F for 2 hours.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, bourbon, molasses, orange juice, and Dijon mustard. Cook and stir the mixture until it is smooth.
4. Brush the ham with some of the glaze and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the ham reads 140°F. Brush the ham occasionally with the remaining glaze.

YIELD: 15 servings

PREP TIME: 15 minutes

COOK TIME: 2.5 hours

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Make sure to choose a fully cooked spiral-sliced ham for this recipe.
• Scoring the surface of the ham allows the glaze to penetrate and adds an attractive presentation.
• Basting the ham with the glaze throughout the baking process helps to seal in the meat’s juices and enhances the flavor.

TIPS:

• For a richer flavor, marinate the ham with the glaze overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• If the ham starts to brown too quickly during baking, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Reserve some of the glaze to serve alongside the sliced ham for an extra burst of flavor.

Bourbon Baked Ham is a timeless and delicious dish that brings warmth and flavor to any gathering. Jean Adams from Waycross, Georgia, shares a simple yet unbeatable recipe that will become a go-to for your special occasions. The combination of honey, bourbon, molasses, orange juice, and Dijon mustard creates a mouthwatering glaze that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess to the ham.

Preparing the ham is straightforward. Start by placing the fully cooked spiral-sliced ham on a rack in a roasting pan and scoring its surface. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat and creates an appealing presentation. The ham is then baked at 325°F for 2 hours.

While the ham bakes, prepare the glaze by combining honey, bourbon, molasses, orange juice, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan. Cook the mixture until it becomes smooth and glossy. Once the initial baking time is complete, brush the ham with the glaze and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, brushing the ham occasionally with the remaining glaze. This process helps to seal in the ham’s juices and creates a caramelized finish.

Bourbon Baked Ham is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an excellent centerpiece for your special occasions. The glaze adds a beautiful shine and enhances the flavors of the ham. The combination of sweet honey, rich bourbon, and tangy Dijon mustard creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will impress your guests.

To elevate the experience, consider marinating the ham with the glaze overnight for a deeper infusion of flavors. Additionally, you can reserve some of the glaze to serve alongside the sliced ham, providing an extra burst of flavor.

Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a special family meal, Bourbon Baked Ham is a recipe that will delight your taste buds and create lasting memories. The irresistible combination of flavors and the tender, juicy ham will make this dish a favorite for years to come.