Ham with a Honey Bourbon and Horseradish Glaze

A sweet and tangy glaze brings a delicious twist to your holiday ham, combining the warmth of bourbon with a kick of horseradish. It’s an easy way to impress your guests with bold, comforting flavors.

Pro Cooking Tips

Use a sharp knife to score the ham in a diamond pattern before glazing; this helps the flavors penetrate better.
Baste the ham with the glaze several times during cooking for a sticky, flavorful crust.
If your glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water or bourbon to loosen it up before brushing.

Ingredients 0/5

1 (12 ounce) bottle horseradish mustard, divided ¼ cup honey 1 tablespoon liquid hickory smoke flavoring 1 (6 pound) smoked ham, or more to taste 1 tablespoon whole cloves, or to taste

Why This Recipe Is So Flavorful

This dish combines the rich, smoky flavor of ham with a sweet and tangy glaze that has a slight kick from the horseradish. The honey and bourbon add depth and caramelization, making every bite full of delicious contrast. It’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal.

Step 1

Gently heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan, mix together the horseradish mustard, bourbon, brown sugar, honey, and a splash of liquid smoke. Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring often, until the glaze thickens—this usually takes about 30 minutes.

Step 2

While the glaze is cooking, spread the remaining horseradish mustard all over the ham, making sure it’s nicely coated. Place the ham in a roasting pan and spoon some of the glaze over the top.

Step 3

Pop the ham in the oven and bake it, basting it every now and then with the glaze to keep it moist and flavorful. It will take around 2 hours, or about 22 minutes per pound, until the inside reaches 160°F (72°C). Once it’s done, let it rest a bit before slicing and serving.

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By David Brown

David shares approachable recipes, helpful cooking tips, and simple meal ideas.

How To Serve This Dish

Serve slices alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to balance the sweet and spicy flavors. A fresh green salad or steamed green beans also complement the richness well. Leftover ham works great in sandwiches or salads for easy meals.

Storing Food Safely

Allow the ham to cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave to keep the meat moist and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of mustard instead of horseradish mustard?

Yes, you can use Dijon or spicy brown mustard, but horseradish mustard adds a unique kick that complements the glaze well.

How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?

The ham is done when its internal temperature reaches 160°F (72°C) using a meat thermometer.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator; just reheat gently before using.

What can I use if I don’t have liquid hickory smoke flavoring?

You can omit it or substitute with a small amount of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.

How do I prevent the ham from drying out during baking?

Baste the ham regularly with the glaze and cover loosely with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.

Can I use a fully cooked ham or does it need to be smoked?

You can use either, but smoked ham adds more flavor that pairs well with the glaze.

How long should I let the ham rest before slicing?

Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Is it possible to make this recipe without alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the bourbon or replace it with apple juice or water for a non-alcoholic option.