Bourbon Honey Glazed Ham
The Bourbon Honey Glazed Ham is a rich and aromatic centerpiece perfect for any special gathering or holiday table. Infused with the bold warmth of Green Apple Bourbon or whiskey, this dish balances sweet and spiced flavors with the natural smokiness of a fully cooked bone-in ham. A decadent glaze made from clover honey, molasses, and orange marmalade slowly simmers with whole cloves, creating a sticky, flavorful coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Preparation begins by basting the ham generously with the bourbon glaze throughout the baking process, locking in moisture and infusing every slice with deep, complex flavor. After the initial roasting, the ham is scored in a classic diamond pattern and studded with whole cloves, which release their aromatic oils as the meat finishes roasting uncovered. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a visually stunning touch to the finished presentation.
Once fully roasted and allowed to rest, the ham reveals a glossy, golden-brown crust with sweet, tangy, and spiced notes in every bite. The bourbon adds a slight kick, while the marmalade and honey round it out with citrus and floral sweetness. Ideal for festive dinners, this Bourbon Honey Glazed Ham is both comforting and elegant—a dish that’s sure to impress guests and leave your kitchen filled with the scent of holiday warmth.
- 2/3 cup Green Apple Bourbon or Whiskey
- 1 cup clover honey
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 (5-pound) whole bone-in smoked ham, fully cooked, unsliced
- 1/8 cup whole cloves
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium saucepan, heat bourbon, honey, molasses, and marmalade over low heat for 15 minutes or until reduced by half, stirring occasionally. Once the glaze has started to heat up, add 10 whole cloves.
- TIP: When measuring honey and molasses, spray measuring cup with nonstick cooking spray to keep measurements accurate.
- Put ham in oven according to package directions
- Baste ham thoroughly every 20 to 30 min with glaze. Don’t skimp on this step.
- Once ham is done, remove from oven. With a sharp knife, cut a diamond pattern on the fatty part of the ham. Stud whole cloves in each diamond, at points where lines cross.
- Spread half of the bourbon glaze over the ham and roast for 30 minutes, uncovered. Baste occasionally with remaining glaze and continue to roast for another 15 minutes.
- Let ham stand for 20 minutes before slicing.
Bourbon Honey Glazed Ham
Materials
- ⅔ cup Green Apple Bourbon or whiskey
- 1 cup clover honey
- ⅓ cup molasses
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- nonstick cooking spray
- 1 5- pound whole bone-in smoked ham fully cooked unsliced
- ⅛ cup whole cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- n a medium saucepan, heat bourbon, honey, molasses, and marmalade over low heat for 15 minutes or until reduced by half, stirring occasionally. Once the glaze has started to heat up, add 10 whole cloves. TIP: When measuring honey and molasses, spray measuring cup with nonstick cooking spray to keep measurements accurate.
- Put ham in oven according to package directions
- Baste ham thoroughly every 20 to 30 min with glaze. Don’t skimp on this step.
- Once ham is done, remove from oven. With a sharp knife, cut a diamond pattern on the fatty part of the ham. Stud whole cloves in each diamond, at points where lines cross.
- Spread half of the bourbon glaze over the ham and roast for 30 minutes, uncovered. Baste occasionally with remaining glaze and continue to roast for another 15 minutes.
- Let ham stand for 20 minutes before slicing.