Sticky Bourbon Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve an extra-glossy finish, you can brush a little of the pan drippings over the ham during the final ten minutes of baking. This concentrates the flavors and adds a final sheen that makes the presentation truly professional.

If the glaze in the pan becomes too thin, you can simmer it in a small saucepan on the stove to reduce it to a thicker consistency before brushing it on.

If you find the edges of the ham are darkening too quickly during the baking process, you can loosely tent the top of the pan with aluminum foil.

This prevents the sugar from burning while still allowing the heat to circulate and warm the center of the ham. Remove the foil for the final 15 minutes of cooking to ensure the glaze sets properly and develops that signature sticky texture.

Variations

• Spiced Bourbon Glaze: Add a pinch of ground cloves and cinnamon to the brown sugar and bourbon mixture for a warmer, more aromatic flavor profile that is perfect for holiday seasons.
• Honey Mustard Bourbon Ham: Whisk in two tablespoons of Dijon mustard and two tablespoons of honey into the glaze to add a tangy kick that cuts through the sweetness of the sugar.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat slices in a pan with a splash of water or broth over low heat until warmed through.

Store any leftover ham in an airtight container to maintain moisture. It is best to remove the meat from the bone before storing to save space and allow for quicker cooling. Ensure the leftovers are placed in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and food safety standards for the best possible quality.

This ham can be partially prepared by mixing the glaze ingredients ahead of time, but it is best to apply the glaze and bake the ham fresh for the most tender results. If you must cook it in advance, slightly undercook it by about 10 degrees, then reheat it covered with a splash of liquid to prevent it from drying out during the second warming process.

Serving ideas

This ham serves beautifully alongside classic sides like roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

The sweetness of the bourbon glaze pairs exceptionally well with savory elements, so consider serving it with roasted Brussels sprouts or a sharp mustard sauce to provide a contrast that cleanses the palate between bites of the rich, sweet meat.

When serving, present the ham on a large platter with some of the reduced pan glaze drizzled over the top for extra visual appeal. Provide guests with tongs to pull the slices apart, which encourages interaction and allows everyone to choose their preferred size of serving.

The ham is equally delicious when served at room temperature, making it a versatile choice for large gatherings or buffet-style meals.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Sticky Bourbon Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Prep 10 minCook 2 hRest 15 minTotal 2 h 25 minServes 12

Ingredients

• 10 lb spiral-cut ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup bourbon

Instructions

1. Place the spiral-cut ham into a large aluminum roasting pan. Ensure the ham is centered so the glaze can easily be applied to all sides, including between the pre-cut slices.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and bourbon until smooth. Generously brush the mixture over the entire surface of the ham, allowing some to drip between the slices. Bake at 325°F (165°C) until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once finished, remove from the oven and let the meat rest at least 3 minutes before serving.
3. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice remains moist and tender when pulled apart with tongs.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

0 g

Sugar

16 g

Sodium

1100 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.