Tired of the same old holiday ham? This Ham with Bourbon Glaze recipe will elevate your next meal from simple to spectacular. It's surprisingly easy to make, delivering incredibly rich and flavorful results that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner – a true testament to delicious and easy recipes. Get ready to experience a homemade ham like never before!
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, spiral-sliced or fully cooked
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove any existing glaze from the ham if it came pre-glazed. Score the ham's surface (if not already scored) in a diamond pattern—this helps the glaze penetrate better.
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Make the Bourbon Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Glaze the Ham: Place the ham in a baking dish or roasting pan. Pour half of the bourbon glaze over the ham, ensuring it coats the entire surface.
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Bake: Bake the ham for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). During the last 15 minutes of baking, baste the ham generously with the remaining glaze.
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Rest & Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Ham:
- For an even richer flavor, use a high-quality bourbon.
- Don't overcrowd the baking pan; ensure the ham has enough space around it for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked hams, and 145°F (63°C) for hams that are not fully cooked before baking.
- If your ham is particularly dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth to the bottom of the baking dish to prevent it from drying out during cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Ham: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Apple Cider Ham: Substitute apple cider for the bourbon for a sweeter and more subtly flavored glaze.
- Brown Sugar Glaze Only: For a simpler version, just use brown sugar, honey and Dijon mustard.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on ham size and glaze amount)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Ham with Bourbon Glaze recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It’s a delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, proving that healthy meals don't have to be complicated. Enjoy!