Description

A festive holiday ham glazed with a rich blend of bourbon, maple syrup, and warm spices, creating a sweet, smoky, and irresistibly caramelized centerpiece for your celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole bone-in ham (about 8–10 lbs), fully cooked
1 cup pure maple syrup (grade A)
1/2 cup bourbon
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 orange, zested and juiced
Whole cloves (for studding, optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and place rack in the lower third of the oven.
Remove packaging from ham, rinse lightly if needed, and pat dry. Score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. Stud with whole cloves if desired.
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, butter, orange zest, orange juice, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Place ham cut side down on a roasting rack in a large pan. Brush generously with glaze, reserving half for later. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Remove foil, brush on more glaze, and continue baking uncovered for another 45–60 minutes, basting every 15 minutes.
Check internal temperature; it should reach 140°F (60°C).
Remove from oven and let rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Drizzle leftover glaze over slices before serving.

Notes

Use real maple syrup for best flavor. Avoid boiling the glaze too hard to prevent crystallization. Prep the glaze a day ahead if needed. For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with apple juice or cider.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 4 oz (113 g) p
Calories: 300
Sugar: 18
Sodium: 900
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 4
Carbohydrates: 20
Protein: 20

Keywords: bourbon ham, maple glaze, holiday ham, Christmas dinner, baked ham, festive recipe