Name: Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe – Your Go-To Ham for Any Celebration!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Ingredients: 6 - 8 lb. bone-in, fully cooked half ham; ¼ cup honey; 2 tbsp. butter; ⅓ cup brown sugar; ½ cup bourbon; Whole cloves for studding (optional); 1 can pineapple slices in juice (reserve juice for glaze, optional)

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Today, we’re diving into a true show-stopper—Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham. Imagine a golden, caramelized crust dripping with honey and bourbon, perfectly balanced with the tangy sweetness of pineapple which is optional. This isn’t just any ham—it’s the kind that’s going to make your whole house smell like a celebration, and one slice is all it takes to hook everyone at the table. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family gathering, this ham is the centerpiece you’ve been looking for. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through the ins and outs of making the ultimate glazed ham with expert tips, serving suggestions, storage, and a few pro-level twists!

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If you’re searching for that one dish to make an impression, this Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham is it. Not only does it look incredible on the table, but the flavor is also out of this world. You’ve got the sweetness from the honey and brown sugar, a little kick from the bourbon, and a little pineapple bringing that tropical twist that just sings in harmony with the smoky, savory ham. Plus, it’s easier than you think to make, with just a few simple steps that bring out a ton of flavor.

This dish is also a great time-saver for gatherings because it doesn’t require a ton of hands-on cooking. Once you get it in the oven and start basting, you’re basically just letting the oven do its thing. And let’s be real: nothing says holiday like a juicy, bourbon-glazed ham that has that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy notes. So let’s get into it and make this Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham the best ham you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients

To make this ham, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring that sweet, smoky glaze together:

6 – 8 lb. bone-in, fully cooked half ham
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp. butter
⅓ cup brown sugar
½ cup bourbon
Whole cloves for studding (optional)
1 can pineapple slices in juice (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Honey Bourbon Pineapple-Glazed Ham

Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a perfectly glazed ham that’s going to impress your family and friends.

1. Prep the Ham and Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Add 1 cup of water or pineapple juice to the base of a roasting pan. Place a rack on top of the pan.
Unwrap the ham and place it cut-side down on the rack. Using a sharp knife, score the ham’s fat in a diamond pattern about ¾ inch deep. For added aroma, you can stud cloves into the intersections of the cuts.

2. Add the Pineapple Slices (Optional)

Arrange the pineapple slices on top of the ham, securing each one with a toothpick. Save the remaining pineapple juice to use in the glaze.

3. Cover and Bake

Loosely cover the ham with foil, allowing some steam to escape. Bake the ham for 20 minutes to start warming it through.

4. Make the Honey Bourbon Glaze

While the ham begins baking, combine the honey, brown sugar, bourbon, butter, and ¼ cup of pineapple juice in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until it comes to a boil, then let it bubble for about 2 minutes before removing from heat.

5. Apply the First Glaze Layer

After the initial 20 minutes, uncover the ham and brush on a layer of glaze. Re-cover the ham with foil and continue baking, basting with glaze every 20-30 minutes.

6. Broil for Caramelization

When the ham reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, remove the foil, apply a final layer of glaze, and set the oven to high broil. Let the ham caramelize for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

7. Rest and Serve

Once the ham’s internal temperature hits 135-140°F, remove it from the oven and tent with foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Cloves for Extra Flavor: Studding cloves into the fat layer adds a warm, spicy aroma that complements the sweetness of the glaze. Use them sparingly for a subtle effect.
Use Fresh Pineapple Juice: If you can get your hands on fresh pineapple juice, it will add even more natural sweetness to the glaze.
Basting Makes a Difference: Basting every 20-30 minutes keeps the ham moist and builds up that thick, sticky glaze on the surface.
Watch the Broil: Broiling adds that final layer of caramelization, but it’s easy to overdo. Keep a close eye on it during those last 3-5 minutes.
Save the Juices: After cooking, save the pan juices to drizzle over slices or for adding extra flavor to leftovers.

Variations to Try

Maple-Bourbon Glaze: Substitute honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
Spicy Bourbon Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a bit of heat.
Orange-Bourbon Glaze: Use fresh orange juice instead of pineapple juice for a citrusy twist.
Pineapple-Mango Glaze: Add a bit of mango juice along with the pineapple for a tropical vibe.
Cinnamon-Spiced Glaze: Add a stick of cinnamon to the glaze mixture for a hint of warm spice.
Molasses Glaze: Add a tablespoon of molasses for a richer, slightly smoky flavor.
Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze: Mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a sweet-tangy balance.
Apple Juice Substitute: Swap pineapple juice with apple juice for a mild, fruity flavor.
Cranberry-Bourbon Glaze: Add a few cranberries to the glaze for a tart burst.
Pineapple Ginger Glaze: Add freshly grated ginger to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Smoky Chipotle Glaze: Mix in a little chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy finish.
Apricot Bourbon Glaze: Use apricot preserves instead of brown sugar for a fruity sweetness.
Honey Dijon Glaze: Add Dijon mustard for a tangy-sweet balance.
Garlic-Herb Glaze: Add fresh rosemary and thyme to the glaze for an herby infusion.
Vanilla-Bourbon Glaze: Add a splash of vanilla extract for a subtle, warm sweetness.

What to Serve with Honey Bourbon Pineapple-Glazed Ham

Pair your glazed ham with any of these delicious sides to create a well-rounded meal:

Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Asparagus
Classic Mac and Cheese
Sweet Potato Casserole
Green Bean Almondine
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Potato Gratin
Caesar Salad
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Cornbread Muffins
Cranberry Sauce
Baked Beans
Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Pineapple Coleslaw

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

How Much Honey Bourbon Pineapple-Glazed Ham to Make for Gatherings?

A good rule of thumb is to plan for ½ pound of bone-in ham per person if it’s the main dish. For a family gathering of 10, a 6-pound ham should be plenty, but if you’re feeding a big crowd or have a lot of sides, you could go slightly smaller or make an extra ham if you want leftovers.

How Far in Advance Can I Make Honey Bourbon Pineapple-Glazed Ham?

This ham can be made 1-2 days in advance. Prepare and glaze the ham up to the baking stage, then refrigerate it until you’re ready to finish baking. When it’s time to serve, reheat in a 325°F oven, basting with any remaining glaze. Just remember to add about 15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.