Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham: A Holiday Centerpiece Worth Savoring
When it comes to a holiday feast, few dishes can compete with the majestic allure of a glazed ham. But not just any ham—this maple-bourbon glazed ham promises to be the star of your meal, creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. What makes this ham particularly special is its simple yet decadent glaze, which transforms the dish into something truly memorable. With just five ingredients, you can create a glaze that adds depth and richness to the ham, elevating it to a level that’s worthy of your festive gathering.
A Glaze That Does It All: Sweet, Sticky, and Full of Flavor
The beauty of this recipe lies in the maple-bourbon glaze, which is made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Gone are the days of relying on pre-packaged glazes; instead, this recipe uses pure maple syrup, dark brown sugar, bourbon, fresh ginger, and ground cinnamon to create a thick, caramelized coating that forms a beautiful crust on the ham. As the glaze bakes into the meat, it melds with the natural juices of the ham, creating layers of flavor that are both sweet and savory, with just a hint of spice.
This glaze is the perfect companion to a bone-in spiral-cut ham, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor and juiciness. The result is a ham that’s both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any holiday meal.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this standout dish, you’ll need the following key ingredients:
- Bone-In Spiral-Cut Ham: This cut is ideal for its easy slicing and ability to absorb the flavors of the glaze.
- Pure Maple Syrup: The star of the glaze, maple syrup brings a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky notes of the ham.
- Dark Brown Sugar: This adds a rich, molasses-like depth to the glaze, enhancing the sweetness and helping it caramelize during baking.
- Bourbon: A splash of bourbon lends a subtle smokiness and complexity to the glaze, adding a warm kick that complements the sweetness.
- Fresh Ginger and Ground Cinnamon: These two spices provide a fragrant warmth that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup and brown sugar.
How to Make Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham: Step-by-Step
This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, but the results are extraordinary. Here’s how you can make the perfect maple-bourbon glazed ham:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This will ensure that the ham bakes evenly and that the glaze can slowly work its magic.
- Prepare the Ham for Baking: Place your fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham in a large roasting pan. Add a bit of water (about 1/2 inch) to the bottom of the pan to help keep the ham moist during the initial bake. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for about 2 hours. Every 30 minutes, use the juices that accumulate in the pan to baste the ham, ensuring it stays juicy and flavorful.
- Make the Glaze: While the ham is baking, prepare the maple-bourbon glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, dark brown sugar, bourbon, fresh ginger, and ground cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cook for 6-8 minutes, or until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside, covering it to keep it warm.
- Glaze the Ham: After 2 hours of baking, remove the ham from the oven and discard the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the top of the ham with about 1/3 cup of the glaze. Set the remaining glaze aside for later.
- Finish Baking and Glazing: Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, brushing the ham with more glaze every 10 minutes. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and form a beautiful, sticky coating on the ham. The ham is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 145°F.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the ham is perfectly glazed and cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it alongside your favorite side dishes and homemade bread, and watch as your guests marvel at the delicious combination of flavors.
A Holiday Meal to Remember
A maple-bourbon glazed ham doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it creates a dining experience. With its crispy, sweet crust and juicy interior, this ham becomes the focal point of any meal, whether it’s a holiday feast, a family gathering, or a special celebration. The glaze adds an extra layer of flavor that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, with its rich, golden hue and glossy finish.
But a meal like this isn’t just about the ham—it’s about the memories you create around the table. The ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a hearty green salad. And, of course, some homemade bread to soak up the flavorful juices is a must.
Leftovers: More Than Just Sandwiches
Every good Southern host knows that holiday meals should be enjoyed for days to come. Fortunately, a big ham like this provides plenty of leftovers for sandwiches, casseroles, or even a savory ham and egg breakfast. Don’t let those leftovers go to waste—use them creatively to extend the joy of your holiday feast.
Conclusion: A Glazed Ham Worth Celebrating
This maple-bourbon glazed ham is not just a dish; it’s a tradition in the making. Easy to prepare yet incredibly impressive, it’s the kind of dish that will have your guests talking long after the meal is over. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy, it’s the ideal centerpiece for any holiday feast, creating unforgettable moments and satisfying appetites in equal measure.
