Bourbon Orange Honey Ham

Bourbon Orange Honey Ham

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. 1 fully cooked ham (6-8 lbs)
  2. 1 cup orange juice
  3. 1/2 cup bourbon
  4. 1/2 cup honey
  5. 1/4 cup brown sugar
  6. 1 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Brush approximately 1/3 of the bourbon-orange glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring even coverage.
  5. 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.
  6. Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and baste with additional glaze, rotating the pan to ensure even heating and glazing.
  7. 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.
  8. Check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for optimal serving temperature.
  9. 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.
  10. Transfer the ham to a serving platter, and if desired, drizzle the remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor and shine.
  11. Slice the ham against the grain and serve warm with any remaining glaze on the side.

Tips

  1. Room Temperature Matters: Always let your ham rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.
  2. 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.
  3. Glaze Management: Don't dump all the glaze at once. Apply in layers during cooking for a more complex, caramelized flavor profile.
  4. Basting is Key: Regular basting every 30 minutes ensures moisture and helps develop a beautiful, glossy exterior.
  5. Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F (60°C) for perfect doneness.
  6. 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

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