Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham

Glazed ham is the centerpiece of many holiday dinner tables. Its sticky, sweet glaze, paired with the smoky, salty richness of ham, makes it the showstopping star of the feast. This bourbon-honey-glazed ham is definitely our family's favorite! It's packed with flavors, easy to prepare, and looks impressive for any celebration.

If you have been looking for a honey-glazed ham recipe that balances savory, sweet, and a touch of Southern charm, this recipe is the one to try this year for your holiday. It pairs perfectly with our favorite sides like Jiffy Cornbread Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole and so many more!

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Why You'll Love This Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham!

This ham is a holiday classic with a flavorful twist. It has all the qualities you want for a centerpiece dish.

• Packed with flavors - The Dijon mustard and bourbon balance the sweetness of brown sugar and honey.
• Excellent texture - The spiral cut ham allows the glaze to seep into every slice.
• Easy to prepare - With just a few simple steps, the dish will taste and look like it's a gourmet dish.
• Crowd's favorite - This dish is a Southern-inspired recipe that has everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile - Perfect, not only for holidays but also for any Sunday family dinner.

This Southern honey bourbon glazed ham turns an ordinary meal into something special.

Equipment Needed

• Large roasting pan or braiser
• Small saucepan
• Aluminum foil (heavy-duty)
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer

Key Ingredients

Spiral cut ham - Pre-sliced and bone-in, so the glaze seeps into every layer. Ham is normally fully cooked when sold in the U.S. When choosing a ham keep in mind that a bone-in ham will be more flavorful. Spiral cut means the ham is already cut which makes it much easier for serving. Check below for tips on selecting the perfect ham!

Butter - Adds richness, and it helps the glaze coat evenly. It also keeps the ham extremely moist and tender.

Brown sugar - Sugar adds sweetness and caramelizes the outside of the ham.

Honey - The key to the sticky and shiny finish of this honey glazed ham recipe.

Bourbon - Adds warmth and depth, making this the best glazed ham.

Dijon Mustard - Adds a little tang to balance the sweetness.

Cloves - Adds a touch of spice to achieve the classic holiday flavor.

How to Choose the Right Ham

When it comes to making a holiday ham, the type you choose makes a difference in both flavor and presentation. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best one for your table:

• Bone-In vs. Boneless: A bone-in ham usually has richer flavor and makes for a beautiful presentation, while a boneless ham is easier to carve and serve.
• Spiral-Cut: Many holiday hams are pre-sliced in a spiral, which makes serving a breeze. Just be careful not to overbake, as spiral hams can dry out more quickly.
• Whole vs. Half: A whole ham feeds a crowd, but for smaller gatherings, a half ham (shank or butt portion) is often the perfect size.
• Precooked vs Fresh: Most hams are pre-cooked and smoked for flavor, but you’ll want to check the packaging. Fresh hams are less common and require more cooking.
• Size Matters: Plan on about ¾ pound per person for bone-in ham, or ½ pound per person for boneless.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Start by removing the ham from its packaging and placing it in a roasting pan or braiser. Let it sit for about an hour to reach room temperature. Discard the glaze packet that comes with the ham.

While waiting for the ham to reach room temperature, preheat the oven to 300°F.

Combine honey, brown sugar, butter, mustard, bourbon, and cloves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.

Brush about ½ cup of the glaze over the ham to ensure these flavors are evenly distributed throughout the spiral slices and absorbed. The remaining mixture will be used for glazing.

Cover the ham tightly using heavy-duty aluminum foil and bake for 10 to 11 minutes per pound (about 1 ½ hours for an 8.5-pound ham). The internal temperature should reach 140°F.

Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Brush the ham with the remaining glaze and bake without aluminum foil for 15 to 20 minutes until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.

Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. You can tent it with foil to keep it warm.

Serving Recommendations

This Southern honey bourbon glazed ham is a showstopping centerpiece for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter. Its sweet, smoky glaze pairs beautifully with a variety of classic side dishes, making it the perfect addition to any holiday spread. Here are some of my favorite sides to serve alongside it.

• Roasted vegetables like Brussel sprouts, roasted baby potatoes, or roasted Hasselback sweet potatoes.
• Creamy sides such as mashed potatoes, mashed butternut squash, or old-fashioned sweet potato casserole.
• Breads like cornbread casserole or buttermilk biscuits.
• Fresh salads such as Arugula apple and walnut salad or Waldorf salad .

Storage

If there are leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For more extended storage, freeze portions of ham tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. If you are planning to make casseroles or soup you can even cut the ham into cubes to make the your meal prep and storage easier. We recommend using the leftovers to make these tasty Ham And Cheese Sliders or Creamy Ham and Potato Soup.

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