This Bourbon Orange Glazed Ham is a sweet, tangy, and savory centerpiece perfect for holiday gatherings or special dinners. Featuring a sticky glaze made with bourbon, orange marmalade, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard, this ham offers a flavorful twist on a classic dish. The recipe is designed for ease, using a fully cooked bone-in ham, making it accessible even for novice cooks.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• ¾ cup orange marmalade
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup whole-grain Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup bourbon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 bone-in half ham (approximately 6–10 lbs)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and position the oven rack in the lower third. Line the bottom of a roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, bourbon, lemon juice, ground ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
3. Remove the ham from its packaging and pat dry if necessary. Place the ham flat side down on a roasting rack in the prepared pan.
4. Score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern. Brush the ham with ½ cup of the prepared glaze.
5. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 2 to 2½ hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 125–130°F (52–54°C).
6. Remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C). Discard the foil covering.
7. Brush the ham with 6 tablespoons of the glaze and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, brushing with 6 tablespoons of glaze every 6–7 minutes (approximately three times total). Monitor closely to prevent burning; the glaze should develop a rich, deep golden color.
8. Remove the ham from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

Optional Mustard Sauce:

Combine ½ cup whole-grain Dijon mustard with ¼ cup of the glaze. Serve alongside the sliced ham.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 24 servings):

• Calories: 159
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 18g

The Perfect Ham for Glazing

Selecting the right ham for this recipe is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture. Bone-in hams are typically preferred over boneless hams because the bone imparts extra flavor during the cooking process, and the texture tends to be more succulent and tender. A bone-in half ham is an excellent choice, and it should be fully cooked before glazing. These hams are usually sold in grocery stores, often labeled as “spiral-cut,” which makes it easier to carve and serve once the dish is finished.

How the Glaze Transforms the Dish

The glaze is where the magic happens. A combination of bourbon, orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup creates a rich, complex, and slightly sweet sauce that perfectly complements the saltiness of the ham. The bourbon in the glaze brings a smoky depth, while the orange marmalade adds a bright, citrusy tang. The Dijon mustard provides a subtle sharpness, cutting through the sweetness, and the maple syrup enhances the overall flavor with its natural sweetness.

One of the key elements of this glaze is its ability to caramelize during the cooking process. As the ham bakes in the oven, the glaze thickens and forms a sticky, shiny coating on the surface of the meat. This caramelization creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust that adds both flavor and texture to the dish.

The glaze also serves as a wonderful way to infuse the meat with flavor, as it seeps into the cuts and scores on the ham. As the ham roasts, the glaze forms a luscious coating that ensures each bite is full of delicious, well-balanced flavors. The result is a stunning dish that is visually impressive and offers a burst of flavor with every slice.

The Importance of Baking Temperature and Timing

When preparing Bourbon Orange Glazed Ham, it’s essential to pay attention to both the temperature and the timing of the cooking process. Baking the ham at a moderate temperature, such as 325°F (163°C), ensures that it heats through slowly and evenly, keeping the meat tender and juicy. If the ham is baked at too high a temperature, it risks drying out, leaving you with a tough and overcooked piece of meat.

The key to achieving the perfect glaze is to bake the ham covered with foil for most of the cooking time. This helps the ham retain moisture, ensuring it remains juicy and tender. After the ham has cooked for a while, the foil is removed, and the oven temperature is increased to 425°F (218°C). This higher temperature allows the glaze to bubble and caramelize, giving the ham a delicious, crisp exterior.

Creating a Perfectly Balanced Glaze

The beauty of the Bourbon Orange Glazed Ham lies in its glaze, which can be customized to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or orange marmalade used. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more savory flavor, you can add a touch more Dijon mustard or even a small amount of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of complexity.

One of the advantages of this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the glaze based on your flavor preferences, experimenting with different sweeteners or spices to create your perfect version. The bourbon in the glaze provides a deep richness, but if you’re not a fan of bourbon, you can replace it with apple cider or even a splash of orange juice to create a non-alcoholic version.

Serving Suggestions

Bourbon Orange Glazed Ham is a versatile dish that can be paired with many different sides. For a classic holiday meal, consider serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a fresh salad. The sweetness of the glaze pairs wonderfully with savory sides, and the acidity from the citrus complements the richness of the ham.

For a more casual dinner, you can serve the ham alongside macaroni and cheese, cornbread, and steamed vegetables. The dish also makes for excellent leftovers, as the glazed ham can be sliced and used in sandwiches, wraps, or even as a topping for salads.

If you’re hosting a holiday meal, consider preparing a variety of side dishes that highlight seasonal produce, such as roasted sweet potatoes, green beans almondine, or a cranberry sauce with fresh herbs. These sides bring a variety of textures and flavors that complement the richness of the ham and the sweetness of the glaze.

Why Bourbon Orange Glazed Ham Is Perfect for Special Occasions

This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The vibrant glaze creates a stunning golden-brown color on the ham, making it an ideal centerpiece for any special occasion. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or a birthday celebration, Bourbon Orange Glazed Ham is sure to impress your guests and make the meal feel extra special.

Conclusion

Bourbon Orange Glazed Ham is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The fusion of flavors from the smoky bourbon, zesty orange marmalade, and rich maple syrup creates a dynamic and mouthwatering glaze that perfectly complements the savory ham. This dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a perfect choice for any celebration or special gathering.