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Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 113 reviews

This Orange Bourbon Glazed Ham recipe features a succulent 6.5 lb cooked ham shoulder or leg, slow-baked with a rich, sweet, and tangy glaze made from orange juice, bourbon, maple syrup, and spices. The ham is scored to allow the flavorful glaze to penetrate deeply, then baked until caramelized and tender. Served with charred orange slices and rosemary twigs, this elegant dish is perfect for festive gatherings and holiday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Ham

  • 6.5 lbs cooked ham shoulder or leg (3 kilograms)

Orange Bourbon Glaze

  • 1 cup orange juice (225 ml) or juice of about 3 medium oranges
  • ⅓ cup maple syrup plus 1 tablespoon
  • ⅓ cup smooth orange marmalade
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon (Jim Beam or whiskey)
  • ½ teaspoon mixed spice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground clove
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 teaspoons heaped brown sugar (white sugar can be used)

For Garnish

  • 2–3 oranges, sliced
  • Olive oil, for pan-frying orange slices
  • Rosemary twigs

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 170°C (338°F). Remove the ham from the fridge 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature.
  2. Remove Rind from Ham: Using a sharp knife, carefully separate and peel off the chewy rind from the ham, leaving the fat intact. This allows the glaze to penetrate and the fat to caramelize during baking.
  3. Score the Ham: Cut diamond-shaped scores into the fat layer by making diagonal lines 1-2 cm apart. For a more intense glaze absorption, score all the way to the meat. For ham shoulder, also trim the rounded edge and score the meat for visual appeal.
  4. Make the Glaze: Combine orange juice, maple syrup, orange marmalade, bourbon, mixed spice, ground clove, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar in a shallow pan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens to a consistency that leaves a trace on a spoon but is not overly thick.
  5. Glaze the Ham: Brush the ham all over with the prepared glaze, including the bottom, top, and sides, using a pastry brush. Place the ham in a large baking dish on a lower oven shelf to avoid burning.
  6. Bake and Baste: Bake the ham for 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing it to brown and caramelize. Initially bake for 20-25 minutes to render fat and collect pan juices. Baste the ham every 15-20 minutes with these pan juices and additional glaze, rotating the ham for even cooking and covering exposed edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
  7. Rest the Ham: Once browned and cooked through, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter.
  8. Prepare Orange Slices: While the ham bakes, slice 2-3 oranges thinly. Heat olive oil in a frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat and pan-fry the orange slices for about 2 minutes per side until charred. Set aside.
  9. Serve: Pour glaze juices into a bowl or jug and mix well. Drizzle some glaze over the ham on the serving platter and serve the rest alongside. Garnish the ham with charred orange slices and rosemary twigs. Slice thinly when serving.

Notes

  • Removing the rind ensures better glaze penetration and prevents gummy texture.
  • Scoring the fat can be done up to the meat for enhanced flavor absorption but can be adjusted for aesthetic preference.
  • Monitor the glaze closely while simmering to avoid over-thickening, which can make it hard to spread.
  • Rotating the ham during baking promotes even caramelization.
  • Cover sections that brown too quickly with foil to prevent burning.
  • The leftover glaze makes a delicious sauce to serve alongside the ham.
  • Charred orange slices add a lovely smoky contrast and beautiful presentation.
  • Allow the ham to rest after baking to let juices redistribute for juicier slices.

Keywords: baked ham, orange bourbon glaze, holiday ham, glazed ham recipe, baked ham shoulder, parmesan ham, sweet glaze ham

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/orange-bourbon-glazed-ham-recipe/