Imagine a ham so incredibly succulent and glossy that it becomes the centerpiece of your dining table, with a glaze so rich and complex it transforms an ordinary cut of meat into a culinary masterpiece. This Bourbon Molasses Glazed Ham isn't just a recipe—it's a flavor experience that combines the deep, warming notes of bourbon with the rich sweetness of molasses, creating a dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your cooking game and become the star chef of any gathering!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8 lbs)
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is ideal for heating the ham through and allowing the glaze to caramelize without burning.
- Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a large cutting board. If the ham has a thick layer of skin, carefully score the surface in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat and enhances the presentation.
- Place the scored ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. This will help keep it moist during cooking.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the bourbon, molasses, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and everything is well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Brush a generous amount of the bourbon molasses glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts. Reserve some of the glaze for basting during the cooking process.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour.
- After the first hour, remove the foil and baste the ham with the reserved glaze. Return it to the oven and continue baking for another hour, basting every 20 minutes. This will help develop a beautiful caramelized crust.
- Check the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer. The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). If it hasn’t reached this temperature after 2 hours, continue baking and checking every 10-15 minutes.
- Once the ham is fully cooked and caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is juicy and flavorful.
- Slice the ham against the grain and serve it warm with any remaining glaze drizzled on top. Enjoy your Bourbon Molasses Glazed Ham with your favorite sides!
Tips
- Choose the Right Ham: Always start with a high-quality, fully cooked bone-in ham for the best flavor and texture.
- Score with Precision: When scoring the ham's surface, use a sharp knife and make shallow cuts to help the glaze penetrate without cutting too deep.
- Glaze Management: Reserve some glaze for basting to build layers of flavor and create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches the perfect internal temperature of 140°F without overcooking.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let your ham rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
- Bourbon Substitution: If you prefer, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version that still provides depth of flavor.
- Make Ahead: This glaze can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making your holiday cooking even easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 691kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 200mg
