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Perfect Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe Easy Holiday Pineapple Glaze

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A sweet, smoky, and slightly boozy honey bourbon glazed ham with pineapple rings that create a festive and comforting holiday centerpiece. This recipe is approachable, quick, and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Bone-in fully cooked ham, about 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kg), spiral-cut preferred
  • ½ cup (120 ml) honey, preferably local wildflower honey
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon, smooth mid-range like Maker’s Mark
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 can pineapple rings (about 8 rings) or fresh pineapple slices
  • 20–25 whole cloves
  • ½ teaspoon (1.3 g) ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) freshly cracked ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Score the ham surface with shallow diamond shapes about 1/8 inch (3 mm) deep all over.
  3. Stud the ham with whole cloves at the center of each diamond or evenly spaced.
  4. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and tent loosely with foil.
  5. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper. Stir until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles gently, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Roast the ham uncovered for about 1 hour 30 minutes for an 8-pound ham, basting every 20 minutes with the honey bourbon glaze.
  7. About 30 minutes before the ham is done, arrange pineapple rings on top, securing with toothpicks if needed. Brush pineapple with glaze.
  8. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (avoid bone). It should reach 140°F (60°C).
  9. Remove the ham from the oven and tent with foil. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
  10. Slice thinly, spoon extra glaze over if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs or extra pineapple slices.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Baste the ham in thin layers frequently to build a sticky, caramelized crust. Let the ham rest before slicing to keep it juicy. If glaze thickens too much, warm gently with a splash of water. Cloves add aroma and festive look but can be skipped. For gluten-free, confirm mustard brand. Substitute bourbon with dark rum, apple brandy, or apple juice for non-alcoholic option.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey bourbon glazed ham, holiday ham recipe, pineapple glazed ham, Christmas ham, easy holiday ham, glazed ham with bourbon, festive ham recipe

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/perfect-honey-bourbon-glazed-ham-recipe-easy-holiday-pineapple-glaze/