Recipe for the most delicious Bourbon Molasses Glazed Ham – sweet, crunchy, salty, and completely addictive with a subtle smoky flavor! 

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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Bourbon Sweet Glazed Ham

Bourbon molasses glazed ham is a festive and flavorful dish that combines the smoky sweetness of molasses with the rich, oaky notes of bourbon to create a deeply aromatic and enticing glaze. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the surface of the ham, creating a sticky, glossy coating that enhances the natural savoriness of the meat.

This dish is often studded with whole cloves before baking, infusing the ham with spicy undertones that complement the sweetness of the glaze. Ideal for special occasions, bourbon molasses glazed ham is a show-stopping centerpiece that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile and beloved choice for gatherings. You cant count the calories on this one but see nutritional facts at the bottom of the recipe card. This ham is my family’s favorite for Christmas Dinner!

How to Make Glazed Ham

First assemble the following ingredients:

• Bourbon or whiskey (2/3 cup) – Bourbon adds a rich, oaky depth with subtle vanilla and caramel notes, enhancing the complexity of the glaze’s flavor profile. You can add as much as a cup bourbon to add more kick.
• Clover honey (1 cup) – Clover honey introduces a light, floral sweetness that balances the robust flavors of the glaze, adding a smooth, mellow layer.
• Molasses (1/3 cup) – Molasses brings a dark, bittersweet intensity to the glaze, contributing to the rich color and depth of flavor with its smoky undertones.
• Orange marmalade (1/2 cup) – Orange marmalade offers a zesty, fruity brightness, cutting through the richness of the glaze with its citrusy tang and subtle bitterness.
• Whole bone-in smoked ham (11 lb) – A whole bone-in smoked ham provides a succulent, smoky base that absorbs and complements the sweet and aromatic glaze, enhancing the overall dish. The glaze will be enough to cover up to a 16-pound ham.
• Whole cloves (1/8 cup) – Whole cloves infuse the ham with their warm, aromatic spiciness, adding a hint of exotic flavor that punctuates the sweetness of the glaze.

Use this Method to Make the Ham:

Prep. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small saucepan, lightly boil bourbon, honey, molasses, and marmalade over low heat for 15 minutes- stir to prevent burning while bubbling. Set aside.

Prep Ham. Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat side up. With a sharp knife, cut a diamond pattern across the whole ham. There may be up to an inch fat to cut through. Stud whole cloves across the whole ham.

Bake. Spread half of the bourbon glaze over the ham and roast on the rack in the bottom third of the oven for 2 hrs 30 mins – 3 hours, uncovered, until ham reaches an internal temperature of 130 degrees. Place the remaining baste in a bowl and spread additional bourbon mixture on ham as it cooks. Tent ham with foil and let ham stand for 20 minutes before slicing.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Glazed Ham

Selecting the Right Ham

• Type: Choose a bone-in ham for more flavor and a natural guide for slicing. Spiral-cut hams are convenient but can dry out more easily, so they require careful glazing and basting.
• Size: Estimate about ½ to ¾ pounds per person for a bone-in ham to ensure there’s plenty to go around.

Scoring the Ham

• Lightly score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts. This increases the surface area for the glaze to adhere to and allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.

Room Temperature Start

• Allow the ham to sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before cooking. This step helps the ham cook more evenly.

Low and Slow Cooking

• Cook the ham at a low temperature (around 325°F) to keep it moist and tender. A slow cooking process helps prevent the exterior from drying out before the interior is heated through.

Basting and Glazing

• Apply the first layer of glaze about 30 minutes before the ham is done, then baste it every 10 minutes until finished cooking. This builds a rich, caramelized crust without burning the sugar in the glaze.

Adding Liquids

• Place a small amount of water, apple juice, or bourbon in the bottom of the roasting pan and cover the ham with foil for the majority of the cooking time. This creates a moist environment, reducing the risk of drying out.

Rest Before Serving

• Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays moist when sliced.

Customize Your Glaze

• Feel free to tweak the glaze ingredients to suit your taste. Adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves can introduce a warm, festive flavor.

Use Leftovers Creatively

• Plan for leftovers by thinking of creative ways to use them, such as in sandwiches, soups, or breakfast dishes. Ham is versatile and can add flavor to many recipes. Try making hot Italian sliders or ham and cheese sliders – yum!

Safety First

• If using a glaze with alcohol, be cautious of potential flare-ups when opening the oven or if applying the glaze near an open flame.

FAQs

What to Serve with Ham

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, with a hint of garlic to cut through the sweetness of the ham.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness and crispy edges offer a great textural and flavor contrast. Try these baked ranch Brussel sprouts.

Sweet Potato Casserole: With a hint of cinnamon and a marshmallow or pecan topping, this dish harmonizes beautifully with the molasses glaze.

Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed with slivered almonds, providing a crunchy, nutty complement.

Apple and Walnut Salad: Crisp apples and walnuts tossed in a light vinaigrette can add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the meal.

Cornbread Stuffing: A slightly sweet yet savory side that pairs wonderfully with the ham’s glaze. Try this sausage cornbread stuffing.

Butternut Squash Soup: A smooth, creamy soup that can serve as a warm and comforting start to the meal. Try this recipe.

Cranberry Sauce: Its tartness and slight sweetness can cut through the richness of the ham, refreshing the palate. I love this recipe.

Scalloped Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce offer a decadent and satisfying side.

Sautéed Greens: Collard greens, kale, or Swiss chard sautéed with garlic provide a peppery bite that complements the sweet glaze. Or try these Chinese style green beans.

Try these recipes next:

Marinated Mozzarella

Cheesy Beef Taco Skillet

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon and Asparagus Dinner

Slow Cooker Chicken Ramen

Sesame Ginger Seared Tuna

The Best Easy Roast Chicken

Bourbon Molasses Glazed Ham Recipe

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