Orange Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham is a perfect ham recipe this holiday season!
When it comes to creating a show-stopping centerpiece for special occasions, few dishes rival the elegance and flavor of a whole ham.
This Orange Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham is a mouthwatering ham recipe that combines the sweetness of maple syrup, the tang of orange marmalade, and the richness of bourbon to create a glaze that will leave your guests raving.
Here, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, from preparing the spiral ham to achieving the perfect internal temperature.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Ham:
- 1 whole spiral cut ham
- Yellow mustard (binder)
- Your favorite pork rub (I used Pork Perfect from Fire and Smoke Society)
- Cherry wood chips (for smoking)
For the Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 4 oz bourbon
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Prepping the Spiral Ham: Begin by unpacking your spiral cut ham and patting it dry with paper towels. Spiral hams are an excellent choice because their pre-sliced design allows the glaze to seep into the meat for maximum flavor.
Apply the Binder and Rub: Coat the top of the ham and sides of the ham with a thin layer of yellow mustard. This acts as a binder to help the pork rub adhere to the meat.
Generously season the ham with your chosen pork rub to add depth of flavor. I used Pork Perfect form Fire & Smoke Society. This rub has a little kick to it and helps offset the sweetness of the glaze.
Insert the Meat Thermometer: Use a reliable meat thermometer, such as the MEATER Pro, to monitor the internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham, ensuring it does not touch the bone.
Choose Your Cooking Method: While this recipe is designed for a smoker, you can also prepare it in a conventional oven. Both methods produce delicious results, so choose based on your available equipment and time.
Step 2: Smoke the Ham
Set the Oven Temperature or Smoker: Preheat your smoker or oven to 275°F. If you’re smoking, cherry wood is an excellent choice for its sweet, mild flavor.
Place the Ham in the Roasting Pan: Position the ham in a roasting pan, flat side down. This ensures the ham retains its juices during cooking.
Smoke the Ham at 275°F for two hours. This allows the smoke to infuse into the meat, adding another layer of flavor.
Keep It Juicy: Add a bit of water or orange juice to the roasting pan. This helps keep the ham moist during the smoking process.
Step 3: Make the Orange Maple Bourbon Glaze
Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the orange marmalade, maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, butter, and cinnamon.
Cook the Glaze: Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir frequently until the glaze thickens and becomes sticky. This will help it adhere beautifully to the ham.
Adjust to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit more maple syrup or dark brown sugar. For a tangier kick, increase the amount of Dijon mustard or lemon juice.
Step 4: Glaze the Ham
Glaze Application: After the ham has smoked for two hours, begin applying the glaze every 15 minutes for the final hour of cooking. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the top of the ham and the sides of the ham with the sticky glaze.
Monitor the Internal Temperature: Continue cooking the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This ensures the ham is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy.
Cover with Aluminum Foil: If the glaze starts to caramelize too quickly, loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
Enhance the Flavor: For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of orange zest over the ham during the final glazing step. This adds a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Final Glaze: Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the smoker or oven and pour the remaining glaze over the top of the ham. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Carve the Ham: Using a sharp knife, carve the ham along its spiral cuts. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy this delicious recipe!
Leftover Ham Ideas: Leftover ham can be used in a variety of dishes, from ham sandwiches to hearty soups. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Try using leftover ham in breakfast casseroles, quiches, or even as a topping for homemade pizza. The possibilities are endless!
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use Whole Cloves: Insert whole cloves into the top of the ham for added aroma and flavor. They pair beautifully with the glaze ingredients.
- Adjusting Oven Temperature: If you’re using an oven instead of a smoker, the cooking process will remain the same. Just ensure the oven temperature stays consistent at 275°F.
- Low Heat for the Glaze: When reheating the glaze or making extra, use low heat to prevent burning.
- Pastry Brush for Even Coating: A pastry brush ensures even distribution of the glaze across the ham’s surface, helping it develop a glossy, caramelized finish.
- Presentation Matters: For an eye-catching presentation, garnish the ham with orange slices and fresh herbs before serving.
Why You Should Make this recipe
This Orange Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The spiral cut ham allows for the glaze to infuse into every slice, while the combination of orange marmalade, maple syrup, and bourbon creates a balance of sweetness and tang.
Whether it’s for Easter, Christmas, or any special occasion, this ham recipe is the ultimate choice.
With its succulent texture, rich flavors, and beautiful presentation, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your family gatherings.
Be sure to try it out for your next celebration, and don’t forget to save some leftover ham for sandwiches the next day!
To elevate your meal further, consider pairing the ham with complementary side dishes like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a refreshing citrus salad.
The harmonious blend of flavors will create an unforgettable dining experience that everyone will cherish.
More Delicious Holiday Recipes
Smoked Prime Rib: This smoked prime rib recipe is a luxurious main course perfect for special occasions. Slow-smoked over hickory or oak wood, the meat achieves a tender, juicy center and a flavorful crust. A garlic and herb rub enhances every bite. Pair it with horseradish sauce for an unforgettable holiday feast.
Smoked Mac & Cheese: Smoked mac & cheese combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the subtle depth of wood-smoked flavor. Made with a blend of cheeses and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect as a side or a star on its own at your holiday table.
Cherry Bourbon Glazed Ham: This cherry bourbon glazed ham is a stunning holiday centerpiece. A sweet and tangy glaze made with bourbon, cherries, and honey coats the ham, creating a caramelized finish. With its perfect balance of flavors, this dish is sure to delight your guests.
Brisket Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Elevate classic mashed potatoes with tender brisket and rich, savory gravy. This hearty side dish features creamy potatoes topped with shredded brisket and a flavorful sauce, making it an irresistible addition to your holiday spread.
Ham Sliders: Ham sliders are a delightful appetizer or main course option. Made with tender slices of ham, melted cheese, and buttery rolls, they’re baked to perfection. Perfect for parties or as a way to enjoy leftover ham, these sliders are always a crowd-pleaser.
Leftover Prime Rib Sliders: Turn leftover prime rib into a gourmet treat with these sliders. Thinly sliced prime rib is layered with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a tangy horseradish sauce on soft rolls. Ideal for enjoying the day after your holiday feast.
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Orange Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
Orange Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham is the perfect thing to serve for the holidays! Smoky ham topped with a sticky and sweet orange glaze.
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8–10 lb Spiral ham
- Yellow mustard
- BBQ rub
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup Orange marmalade
- ½ cup Maple syrup
- 4 oz Bourbon
- ¼ cup Djon mustard
- Juice from 1 Lemon
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Use yellow mustard as a binder then season with your favorite pork rub. I’m using Pork Perfect from Fire and Smoke Society
- Insert the MEATER Pro to watch the internal temperature.
- Smoke the ham at 275° F for 2 hours using cherry wood for sweet smoke flavor
- Create glaze in a sauce pan by combining all of the Ingredients then cooking it down on medium heat for 10 minutes until sticky.
- Glaze the ham every 15 minutes the last hour to help the sauce tack up.
- Remove the ham once it reaches an internal temp of 145° F.
- Pour excess glaze on top, then carve the ham and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
