Imagine a ham so succulent and glazed that your guests will be talking about it for weeks! This Bourbon Orange Honey Ham is not just a meal, it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast. With a perfect balance of sweet bourbon, tangy orange, and rich honey, this recipe promises to elevate your holiday table from ordinary to absolutely unforgettable.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (6-8 lbs)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from refrigeration and allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Place the fully cooked ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, creating shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep to help the glaze penetrate.
- In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, bourbon, honey, brown sugar, and ground cloves. Whisk the ingredients together and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces and becomes slightly thickened.
- Brush approximately 1/3 of the bourbon-orange 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 about 15 minutes per pound.
- Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and baste with additional glaze, rotating the pan to ensure even heating and glazing.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the ham's surface to caramelize and develop a rich, golden-brown color.
- Check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for optimal serving temperature.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter, and if desired, drizzle the remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor and shine.
- Slice the ham against the grain and serve warm with any remaining glaze on the side.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Always let your ham rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Score with Precision: When creating diamond cuts on the ham, keep cuts shallow (about 1/4 inch deep) to help the glaze penetrate without drying out the meat.
- Glaze Management: 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 ensures moisture and helps develop a beautiful, glossy exterior.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F (60°C) for perfect doneness.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the ham rest 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 567kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 44g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 875mg
