Mangalitsa pork is juicy, tender, and perfect for a special feast.
We can’t rave enough about this incredible ham. If you are looking for something extra special for your holiday feast, you will definitely want to consider this exquisite ham. The bourbon orange glaze is the perfect match for the succulent smoked ham. This is a ham lover’s dream come true.
How To Make Bourbon Orange Glazed Ham (Holiday Ham)
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The Tools and Ingredients You Will Need
It should go without saying that this roast is really as good as, well, the roast. If you’re preparing this for a special occasion, we highly recommend ordering either a smoked bone-in or boneless ham from Mangalitsa Estates.
SPECIAL OFFER: Use discount code LOON25 to get 25% off your entire purchase! Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:
The Tools You Will Need
Roasting pan – We place ours on a roasting rack within the pan, but that’s not 100% necessary. Our roasting pan
Foil – Important for tenting the ham and to prevent burning.
Brush – You’ll need this to apply the glaze.
The Ingredients You Will Need
Ham – Go with a 7-9 lb bone-in smoked ham or a 5 – 7 boneless.
Orange marmalade – Get a good-quality marmalade. It makes a big difference in the taste of the baked ham.
Maple Syrup – 100% pure is essential.
Mustard – Whole grain is our first choice. But, Dijon, spicy brown, or deli-style are all good options, too.
Bourbon – Or dark rum. If you don’t want to cook with alcohol, substitute apple cider.
Lemon juice – Fresh is best.
Seasonings – Salt and pepper.
EXPERT TIP: As you are applying the first round of glaze to the ham, you’ll want to use about 1/2 cup. Be sure to save enough glaze to brush ample more on a couple more times at the end of the roasting process.
Tips for the Perfect Bourbon Orange Glazed Ham
Choose the Right Ham – Opt for a high-quality, bone-in smoked ham, as the bone adds flavor and moisture during cooking. Look for a ham that has a good amount of marbling for a juicy final result. Mangalitsa hams are the best.
Score the Surface – Before glazing, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only allows the glaze to penetrate deeper but also creates beautiful caramelized edges that enhance flavor and presentation. Some hams are already scored.
Balance the Glaze – Combine bourbon, orange marmalade, mustard, and maple syrup for a well-rounded glaze. The sweetness of the marmalade and sugar balances the richness of the ham, while the bourbon adds depth and complexity.
Glaze at the Right Time – Apply the glaze before roasting (with foil tent) and then again during the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Baste the ham at least twice for a beautiful, sticky coating that caramelizes perfectly while keeping the meat moist. Keep an eye on it, don’t let it burn!
Why Serve Mangalista Ham
Mangalista pork has characteristics similar to those of Kobe beef. It’s highly marbled and when heated through, that marbleization becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Mangalitsa pigs with Mangalitsa Estates are fed an all-natural vegetarian diet with no antibiotics. These hogs are developed in loose housing and fed the Wheat or Barley diet for the last 60 days or so.
Their commitment to the humane treatment of the animals is a high priority. Mangalitsa Estates is a family-run farm that has been serving chefs, and now home cooks, for generations.
You will spend more money to get this level of quality. But for special times, such as Christmas, Easter, or even New Year’s Eve, it couldn’t be a better roast to serve.
What To Serve with the Ham
Although this ham will be the undisputed star of your holiday feast, don’t forget about side dishes that will also elevate your dinner to wonderful culinary heights. Here is a collection of some of our favorites:
- French au Gratin Potatoes (Dauphinoisse)
- Fondant (French Melting) Potatoes
- Puréed Cauliflower with Roasted Garlic
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Brussels Sprouts Gratin
- Classic Mac ‘n Cheese
- Braised Green Beans with Tomatoes
- Stewed Okra with Tomatoes
- Baked Leeks Gratin
- Southern Oyster Casserole
- Broccoli, Cheddar, and Rice Casserole
- Cloverleaf Dinner Rolls
These are all so good and every one of them would complement this glorious ham.
Folks, if you want to take your holiday feast to the next level, then this ham is your answer.
Mangalitsa pork is the best pork available. And remember, use Discount Code LOON25 to receive 25% off your order!
Happy Holidays, friends!
Ready to make the best Christmas ham in town? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Bourbon Orange Glazed Ham (Holiday Ham)
Equipment
- Large roasting pan. with roasting rack (optional)
- aluminum foil for tenting the ham during roasting
- Brush for applying the glaze
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup orange marmalade
- ¼ cup Bourbon or dark rum
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 3 tbsp coarse-ground mustard or Dijon
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper ground
- 1 7 to 9 lb half ham bone-in, smoked
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix the marmalade, Bourbon, maple syrup, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.⅔ cup orange marmalade, ¼ cup Bourbon, 3 tbsp pure maple syrup, 3 tbsp coarse-ground mustard, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, ½ tsp Kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- Brush the ham all over with about ½ cup of the glaze. Place the ham in the roasting pan (or on a rimmed baking sheet) and loosely cover the ham with foil. Place the pan on a grate in the lower third of your oven for 90 minutes.1 7 to 9 lb half ham
- Remove the ham from the oven and increase the temperature to 425°F. Gently peel the foil away from the roast. Meanwhile, brush on another ½ cup of the glaze over the ham. Return the ham to the oven for about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove the ham again, apply one more liberal layer of the glaze, and roast for another 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the roast, don't let the glaze burn!
- Remove the ham and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Place on a platter (or cutting board), slice, and serve at once.
