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Best Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham for Friendsgiving

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A showstopper ham with a sticky, caramelized brown sugar bourbon glaze that’s perfect for Friendsgiving. It’s forgiving, feeds a crowd, and leaves everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in spiral-cut ham
  • Whole cloves (optional, about 20-30)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup apple cider or chicken broth (for the pan)

Instructions

  1. Take the ham out of the fridge about 1 hour before cooking. Remove packaging, rinse under cool water, and pat dry. If not pre-scored, cut a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep across the surface. Stud each diamond with a whole clove if using. Place ham cut-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour apple cider or chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, bourbon, honey, Dijon mustard, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Whisk constantly until butter melts and sugar dissolves (3-4 minutes). Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let bubble for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  3. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Cover ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour, or until internal temperature reaches about 120°F (49°C). Every 20 minutes, brush a little pan juices over the ham.
  4. Remove foil. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (204°C). Brush a generous layer of glaze all over the ham, getting into the spiral cuts. Reserve about 1/3 of the glaze. Return ham to oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Brush on another layer of glaze. Repeat every 10-15 minutes until ham reaches 140°F (60°C) and glaze is sticky and caramelized. If glaze gets too dark, tent with foil.
  5. Remove ham from oven and transfer to a carving board. Brush on any remaining glaze. Let rest for at least 15 minutes. Remove whole cloves if used. Carve along spiral cuts and arrange on a platter. Spoon pan juices over slices if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the ham; it’s already fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to reach 140°F. Layer the glaze in multiple thin applications for a thick, caramelized crust. Watch the sugar to prevent burning; tent with foil if needed. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving. Pan juices can be used for gravy.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham, brown sugar, bourbon, glaze, Friendsgiving, holiday, spiral-cut ham, caramelized

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/best-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-ham-for-friendsgiving/