Brown Sugar and Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe
The perfect combo of sweet, smokey, and just a touch of spices - this Brown Sugar and Bourbon Glazed Ham is great for first time holiday cooks or seasoned pros!
How to Make the Best Brown Sugar and Bourbon Glazed Ham
This Brown Sugar and Bourbon Glazed Ham is a showstopper that combines the richness of bourbon with the sweetness of brown sugar and warm spices like ginger and cinnamon. It’s the kind of recipe that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to execute, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, Easter dinners, or any special occasion.
The magic of this ham comes from the glaze—a boozy, fragrant reduction that creates a glossy coating and caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re feeding a crowd of ten or looking for an impressive main dish that doesn’t require constant attention, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
What Makes This Ham Special
The combination of toasted spices, fresh orange juice, and bourbon creates a complex, sophisticated flavor profile that’s neither too sweet nor too heavy. The low-and-slow baking method keeps the ham tender and juicy, while the final high-heat blast with the glaze creates a beautiful, sticky coating. This is one of those recipes that will have your guests asking for the secret!
Brown Sugar and Bourbon Glazed Ham
The perfect combo of sweet, smokey, and just a touch of spices - this Brown Sugar and Bourbon Glazed Ham is great for first time holiday cooks or seasoned pros!
Ingredients
Glaze
Ham
Instructions
Prepare the Glaze
- Combine the spices in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Toast until fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the orange juice and bourbon to the pan. Bring to just a boil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer until reduced by just about ½.
- Remove from the heat and strain the liquid in a medium size bowl. Add the brown sugar and whisk until combined. Set aside.
Bake the Ham
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Remove the ham from its packaging. Place flat side down in a baking dish and fill the dish with ½ inch of water. Cover the ham and baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Place the foil covered pan on the second to lowest rack in your oven and bake for 15 minutes per pound.
- When there are 10 minutes left to baking increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Remove the ham from the oven. Discard the foil and drain almost all the liquid from the bottom of the pan. Pour or brush the glaze over the ham and return to the oven for the final 10 minutes of baking. Serve immediately.