Prepare to transform your ordinary ham into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds! This Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham isn't just another holiday dish—it's a culinary experience that combines the warmth of bourbon, the brightness of orange, and the rich, succulent texture of perfectly cooked ham. Whether you're hosting a festive family gathering or looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe promises to elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary with its irresistible blend of sweet, tangy, and boozy flavors.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Remove the ham from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham fat-side up in a large roasting pan with a rack to allow heat circulation.
- If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating 1/2-inch deep cuts. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates an attractive presentation.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves until the sugar is completely dissolved and ingredients are well combined.
- Brush approximately 1/3 of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and baste with additional glaze, rotating the pan to ensure even heating.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Once done, remove ham from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Serve warm, drizzling any remaining glaze over the sliced ham for extra flavor.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your ham sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Scoring Technique: Create diamond-shaped cuts in the fat layer to help the glaze penetrate deeply and create a stunning presentation.
- Glaze Application: Don't dump all the glaze at once! Apply in layers during cooking for a more complex, caramelized flavor profile.
- Basting is Key: Regular basting every 30 minutes keeps the ham moist and builds layers of flavor.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the ham to rest 15-20 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender.
- Optional Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of orange zest to your glaze or garnishing with fresh orange slices before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 260kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
