Elevate your holiday table with this irresistible **Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham** – a foolproof recipe designed for maximum flavor and juiciness using a readily available precooked ham. This exquisite dish features a sticky-sweet, aromatic glaze crafted from the perfect balance of rich bourbon, decadent brown sugar, golden honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and vibrant orange marmalade. It’s a true centerpiece that promises to delight your guests and leave them craving more, while being surprisingly simple to prepare.
Why This Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe is Your Go-To Holiday Favorite
There’s nothing quite like the sight and aroma of a beautifully glazed ham gracing the holiday table. It’s a dish synonymous with festive gatherings, family traditions, and delicious feasting. However, many home cooks often face a common challenge: keeping the ham moist and flavorful, especially since most hams purchased from the store are already precooked. The fear of a dry, overcooked ham can deter even seasoned chefs from attempting this classic.
This recipe for **Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham** is specifically engineered to overcome that hurdle. It takes the guesswork out of cooking precooked ham, ensuring it emerges from your oven perfectly succulent every time. We’ll show you how to impart incredible flavor and achieve that coveted tender texture without drying it out. The secret lies in our carefully balanced glaze and precise reheating method, transforming a simple precooked ham into a culinary masterpiece. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience – a juicy, flavorful centerpiece that will become a cherished tradition for your Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion dinner.
While turkey often takes center stage at Thanksgiving, for our family, Christmas and Easter call for the comforting richness of a perfectly roasted and glazed ham. The combination of sweet, savory, and a hint of tang from our signature glaze makes this recipe truly stand out. You might be surprised at just how easy it is to create this show-stopping dish, elevating your holiday spread with minimal effort and maximum impact.
EXPLORE MORE HOLIDAY RECIPES: Don’t miss our delightful Hot Cross Buns, a perfect pairing for your festive meals!
Essential Ingredients for Your Glazed Ham Perfection
Crafting this incredible Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham requires a few key components that work in harmony to create its signature flavor and texture. Below is a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Flavor Customizations
Let’s dive deeper into the ingredients, discussing their role in this recipe and offering helpful substitution tips to ensure your glazed ham is nothing short of spectacular.
- HAM: For this recipe, a **precooked, bone-in ham** is essential. These are widely available in most grocery stores, especially during holiday seasons. A bone-in ham generally offers more flavor and a richer texture compared to boneless varieties, and the bone helps distribute heat evenly. Before you even think about putting it in the oven, it’s crucial to allow your ham to come to room temperature. This step, often overlooked, is vital for even heating. A large, cold hunk of meat will struggle to heat through consistently, leading to dry edges and a still-cool center. Remove the ham from the refrigerator about 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to start cooking. This simple step ensures a more uniform temperature throughout the ham, resulting in a perfectly warmed and juicy roast.
- GLAZE – The Star of the Show: Our vibrant glaze is what truly sets this ham apart.
- Bourbon: The bourbon adds a wonderful depth of flavor, with notes of vanilla and caramel that perfectly complement the savory ham. Don’t worry about the alcohol content; it will mostly cook off during the reduction process, leaving behind only the rich flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic alternative, **orange juice** is an excellent substitute. It will provide the necessary liquid and a bright, citrusy tang. When substituting orange juice, be extra vigilant during the reduction process, as fruit sugars can scorch more easily than alcohol. Keep the heat medium and stir frequently.
- Brown Sugar: This provides the foundational sweetness and creates that irresistible sticky caramelization on the ham’s exterior. Light or dark brown sugar will work; dark brown sugar offers a deeper molasses flavor.
- Honey: Adds another layer of natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful sheen and stickiness. Any type of honey works well here.
- Orange Marmalade: This is a crucial ingredient for both flavor and texture. It brings a delightful citrusy brightness and a subtle bitterness from the orange peel, cutting through the richness of the ham. Its pectin content also helps the glaze thicken beautifully, adhering to the ham like a luscious candy coating.
- Dijon Mustard: Don’t skip the Dijon! It acts as an emulsifier, binding the glaze ingredients together, and its sharp, tangy notes provide a counterpoint to the sweetness, preventing the glaze from being overly cloying. It adds a sophisticated layer of flavor that is characteristic of many classic ham glazes.
- Whole Cloves: These aromatic spices are not just for decoration. When inserted into the ham, they infuse it with a warm, sweet, and pungent flavor that is quintessential for holiday hams.
Mastering the Art of Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to guide you through the process of making this incredibly delicious ham. For a printable version of the complete recipe, including all measurements and instructions, please scroll down to the dedicated recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare the Ham: Remove your fully cooked, bone-in ham from the refrigerator approximately 30-40 minutes before you plan to start cooking. This crucial step allows the ham to reach a more even room temperature, ensuring it reheats uniformly and remains wonderfully juicy throughout the cooking process.
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature is ideal for gently reheating the ham without drying it out, while also allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
- Craft the Bourbon-Orange Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the bourbon (or orange juice), packed brown sugar, honey, orange marmalade, and Dijon mustard. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by about half. As it reduces, the glaze will visibly thicken and should be able to coat the back of a spoon. This rich, syrupy consistency is perfect for adhering to the ham and building layers of flavor.
- Score and Clove the Ham: Carefully use a sharp knife to score a large diamond pattern across the surface of the ham, being careful not to cut too deeply into the meat itself – aim for about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. This scoring not only looks impressive but also allows the glaze to penetrate and the fat to render. Once scored, push a whole clove into the center of each diamond intersection, leaving the head of the clove exposed. This infuses the ham with a classic, fragrant spice as it bakes.
- Prepare for Roasting: Place the prepared ham, fat side up (or skin side up, if applicable), into a large roasting pan or any other generously sized oven-safe pan. Ensure there’s enough space around the ham for even air circulation.
- Apply the First Layer of Glaze: Generously pour the warm, thickened bourbon-orange glaze all over the entire surface of the ham. Make sure it coats every crevice, allowing it to drip down and collect in the bottom of the pan – this flavorful liquid will be used for basting.
- Bake and Baste for Juiciness: Place the roasting pan with the glazed ham into your preheated oven. After the first 10 minutes of baking, carefully open the oven and, using a large spoon, generously baste the ham by spooning the rich juices and glaze from the bottom of the pan back over the ham. This process keeps the ham moist and builds layers of flavor. Repeat this basting process three more times, every 10 minutes, for a total of 40 minutes of baking and four bastes. This ensures an evenly distributed, caramelized, and incredibly juicy exterior.
- Rest Before Serving: Once the final basting is complete and the ham has baked for 40 minutes, remove it from the oven. Spoon any remaining pan juices and glaze over the ham one last time for an extra burst of flavor. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. Resting is a critical step that allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly tender and moist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glazed Ham
It’s a common misconception that ham needs extended cooking. Most hams available in grocery stores, particularly around the holidays, are fully cooked or “precooked.” This means they have already undergone a curing and smoking process, making them safe to eat right out of the package. The goal of cooking a precooked ham is simply to reheat it to a safe internal temperature (typically 140°F/60°C) and to allow our delicious glaze to caramelize and flavor the exterior. Overcooking a precooked ham is the primary cause of dry, tough meat, so following the recommended reheating time is key to maintaining its juiciness.
Bringing a large piece of meat like a ham to room temperature before cooking is a crucial step for achieving even reheating. If you place a cold ham directly into a hot oven, the outer layers will heat much faster than the dense, cold center. This uneven heating can lead to the exterior drying out and becoming tough by the time the center is adequately warmed. By allowing the ham to sit out for 30-60 minutes, you reduce the temperature differential, enabling the oven’s heat to penetrate the ham more uniformly, resulting in a more consistently juicy and tender finished product.
Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid alcohol or simply don’t have bourbon on hand, orange juice makes an excellent non-alcoholic substitute for the bourbon in this glaze recipe. It will contribute a lovely citrusy brightness that complements the orange marmalade beautifully. When using orange juice, just be mindful that it contains more natural sugars, so you’ll need to pay close attention to prevent it from scorching or burning during the reduction process. Keep the heat on medium and stir frequently to ensure a smooth, thick glaze.
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious ham leftovers. Once cooled, slice the remaining ham into manageable portions or cubes and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This glazed ham will remain fresh and delicious for up to 7 days. For longer storage, ham freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen ham can be stored for 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Of course! Glazed ham leftovers are a culinary treasure trove. Ham’s versatility makes it perfect for transforming into a variety of delicious new meals. We have an array of fantastic recipes specifically designed for using up leftover ham, ensuring nothing goes to waste. You can find a comprehensive list of these creative and easy recipes at the end of this blog post. From hearty soups to comforting casseroles, your leftover ham will be the star of many upcoming meals!
Serving Your Exquisite Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham
Once your show-stopping Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham has rested and is perfectly carved, it’s time to assemble a memorable meal. This ham is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of classic holiday side dishes. Imagine serving generous slices alongside creamy, homemade crockpot mac and cheese, velvety mashed potatoes, or a vibrant assortment of roasted seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham.
While this recipe is undoubtedly a holiday staple, perfect for Easter, Christmas, or even a smaller Thanksgiving celebration, don’t limit its potential to just these special occasions. This tender, flavor-packed ham makes an excellent main course for an elegant dinner party, a sophisticated Sunday supper, or even a comforting weeknight meal that yields fantastic leftovers. For beverage pairings, consider a robust red wine like a Pinot Noir or Merlot, which can stand up to the ham’s rich flavors, or a crisp hard cider for a more casual, yet equally delightful, pairing. The sticky, sweet, and savory notes of the glaze complement both sweet and savory accompaniments, making it a truly flexible centerpiece for any gathering.
Creative & Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes
One of the greatest joys of preparing a large ham is the promise of delicious leftovers. Our Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham provides a fantastic base for countless culinary creations. Don’t let a single savory morsel go to waste! Transform your remaining ham into these delightful dishes:
- Hearty Ham and Bean Soup: A comforting and filling soup, perfect for chilly days, showcasing the savory flavors of leftover ham.
- Breakfast Casserole with Ham & Cheese: Start your day right with a savory breakfast bake, brimming with tender ham and gooey cheese.
- Creamy Cheesy Chicken & Ham Chowder: A rich and indulgent chowder that combines chicken and ham for a deeply satisfying meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese Casserole with Ham and Peas: A family-favorite comfort food elevated with chunks of savory ham and sweet peas.
- Classic Split Pea Soup: A timeless recipe where leftover ham bone and meat add incredible depth to a wholesome pea soup.
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Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
American
24
servings
45 minutes
639
Amanda Davis
Ingredients
-
12 pounds fully cooked bone-in ham not sliced -
1 cup bourbon -
1 cup packed brown sugar -
½ cup honey -
½ cup orange marmalade -
1 Tablespoon dijon mustard -
Whole cloves
Things You’ll Need
-
Large roasting pan -
Measuring cups and spoons
Before You Begin
- If you prefer, you may substitute orange juice for the bourbon. Just be careful not to let it scorch when reducing it.
Instructions
-
Bring ham to room temperature by removing it from the refrigerator about 30-40 minutes before cooking.12 pounds fully cooked bone-in ham
-
Preheat oven to 350° F.
-
Add bourbon, brown sugar, honey, marmalade and mustard to a medium pan and cook over medium heat until liquid reduces by half. It will get thicker and coat the back of a spoon.1 cup bourbon,
1 cup packed brown sugar,
1/2 cup honey,
1/2 cup orange marmalade,
1 Tablespoon dijon mustard -
With a sharp knife, cut a large diamond pattern over the ham. Push a clove into each corner of the diamonds, leaving the head of the clove sticking out.Whole cloves
-
Place ham, skin side up, in a large roasting pan or other large oven safe pan.
-
Pour thickened bourbon glaze all over the ham.
-
Place ham in the oven. After 10 minutes, spoon juices from the bottom of the pan back over ham. Repeat this 3 more times, for a total of 40 minutes and 4 bastes.
-
Remove from oven and spoon the juices over the ham again. Tent with foil and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- This glazed ham may be refrigerated for up to 7 days, or you can freeze it for 1 to 2 months.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
portion (about 8 ounces)
|
Calories:
639
cal
|
Carbohydrates:
17
g
|
Protein:
49
g
|
Fat:
38
g
|
Saturated Fat:
14
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
4
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
18
g
|
Cholesterol:
141
mg
|
Sodium:
2704
mg
|
Potassium:
667
mg
|
Fiber:
0.1
g
|
Sugar:
17
g
|
Vitamin A:
3
IU
|
Vitamin C:
0.2
mg
|
Calcium:
26
mg
|
Iron:
2
mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.