If there ever was a show-stopper of a roast, this is it.
Absolutely perfect for Easter, or any other special dinner you want to share with loved ones. It’s so easy to prepare and the results are truly memorable. Serve with French Gratin Potatoes, Maple Glazed Carrots, and Homemade Dinner Rolls. Incredible!
HOW TO MAKE HONEY BOURBON GLAZED HAM
The beauty of this roast, besides its incredible taste, is how simple is to prepare.
If your ham is frozen, be sure to allow it to thaw for several days, or even better, 1 week in the refrigerator.
The glaze can be made up to 2 days in advance.
WHAT IS BERKSHIRE HAM?
A Berkshire ham comes from a breed of pigs that originated in England. They are known for their marbling, which delivers deeply flavorful ham, and is extremely tender and juicy.
A Berkshire ham is not cheap, we’re not going to mislead you on that. But it is superior in taste and is ideal for special meals such as Easter.
You can order them for expedited delivery from D’Artagnan or Gourmet Food Store.
Scoring the ham is essential for allowing the glaze to melt down into the meat.
Simply take a large, sharp knife, and cut slits across the ham. Then turn the ham 45 degrees, and cut another set of slits, forming diamond shapes in a cross-hatch formation.
EXPERT TIP: You’ll want to score the side of the ham that has the layer of fat. This is called the fat cap and is loaded with flavor. As the ham roasts, the slits will begin to spread open, allowing you to baste the meat with more of the glaze. Don’t cut the slits more than ½-inch deep, otherwise, the slits will spread too much during the roasting process.
THE PERFECT GLAZE
Since this ham is bone-in and smoked, it arrives loaded with incredible flavor.
But you’re going to want to elevate the taste even more with a wonderful glaze. Trust us on this.
We find the combination of a good-quality bourbon mixed with molasses, spicy brown mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey put this ham over-the-top.
After preheating your oven to 350 F, it’s time to add the first round of glaze.
This glaze is not real thick, which is great. The honey in the glaze will create an incredible crust as it cooks into the top of the ham.
EXPERT TIP: We recommend adding another layer of the glaze to the roast every 20 minutes. You’ll want the internal temperature to reach 135 F. This usually takes a couple hours for a 18 lb, bone-in ham.
The smell in your house, while the ham is baking, is nothing short of incredible.
Once cooked, allow the ham to sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the juices to settle.
This is ham perfection.
HONEY BOURBON GLAZED HAM SERVES A CROWD
As mentioned, this ham is a bit pricey.
But when you consider how many meals you can make out it, it’s really a good deal after all!
And it’s so easy to prepare, it allows you to focus on those wonderful side dishes!
This honey bourbon-glazed ham is the perfect centerpiece for that special occasion meal.
As you slice into the roast, you’ll immediately see how juicy and tender the meat is.
Just look at that ham! This is a wonderful ham for an Easter feast. And be sure to make our Cheesy Ham and Potato Casserole with your leftover ham. It’s so good!
Ready to make the most amazing baked ham in the entire world? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a picture of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @howtofeedaloon and hashtag #howtofeedaloon!
Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham
Equipment
- Large roasting pan with rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup bourbon
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup molasses or maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup spicy brown mustard
- 1 15 lb ham smoked, bone-in, preferably Berkshire or Heritage
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Whisk bourbon, cider vinegar, honey, molasses, brown sugar, and mustard in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Score fat in a crosshatch pattern, not cutting more than approx. ½-inch deep.
- Set the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan and add enough water to fill to 1/4" inch, about 2 cups.
- Brush ham with glaze and roast, basting every 20 minutes with extra glaze. (Tent with foil if browning too quickly, until insta-read thermometer registers 135 F, about 2 hours).
- Transfer ham to cutting board and let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional brown mustard, if desire.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
POST UPDATE: This recipe was originally published in March 2016, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe, new tips, photography, and a fabulous new video in April, 2020!
Can cloves still be used?
Thanks
Hey Dave, you can totally still use cloves – just remember to remove them before serving. 🙂
Looking for some clarification. The recipe says Apple cider but the video says Apple cider vinegar. Not sure which is best to use for this.
Hi Ken! Thank you so much for bringing that to our attention! It should be 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar! We’ve updated the recipe to relect this. Thanks again and let us know if you make the ham and what you think! We think it’s amazingly delicious! Best, Kris & Wesley
Chris, This looks like another winner, will definitely try. You were right in the pronunciation of shire in Berkshire but wrong with the pronunciation of Berk. In England we pronounce it BARKSHEER.
Thanks, Elaine! Stay safe!!
Can this particular recipe be done in the slow cooker?
Hi Kris & Wesley!
I came across your website while looking for a recipe for chicken salad. I know the basic ingredients in it, but growing up my family basically only used salt & pepper to dishes, and I was looking for additional herbs & spices that would enhance and add more flavor. Was I ever excited when I read your recipe – it is AhhMazIng! It really is The Best, especially with your homemade mayo!
While here, I looked to see if you had a baked ham recipe. After reading it, I have two questions:
1) I have a spiral ham on hand from sales after the Easter holiday. Can I use it in place of the ham you suggest?
2) I don’t drink alcohol. I know alcohol cooks out, but since I don’t drink, I don’t have any bourbon. What can I use as a substitute?
I am so happy I found your website. I love your recipes. I love your quirkiness and charm. You’re both adorable! This will be my go-to for ideas for meals. From one Loon to another, thank you for all you do. Much love to you both.
Tammy 😉
XOXOXOX
Made this ham today for my guests. By far it was the best I’d ever done and I made many. The glaze was perfect inspite oh the fact that I was missing apple cider. Thank you this was a real winner. It’ll be gracing my table for many years to come.
That is just so wonderful to hear, Diana! We know the challenge of preparing a special occasion meal for guests…everything needs to be just right! So, we’re thrilled that this ham recipe worked well for you and your guests enjoyed it. We love it, too. And talk about delicious leftovers!! Thanks so much for letting us know and please stay in touch. Very best, Kris & Wesley.
I’ve never cooked a ham so my question about the bourbon glazed ham: is the ham already cooked? Thanks!
Hi! Yes! The ham is already fully cooked, so all you need to do is completely heat it through and let the honey bourbon glaze caramelize and cook perfectly. This usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the ham. So good! Let us know if you have any other questions, or if you decided to go with a baked ham this year. You’ll love it if you do!! Best, Kris & Wesley