Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! 😊 I hope you’re all doing fantastic and are ready to shake up your usual meal routine with something special. Today, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite recipes that brings an irresistible mix of sweet and savory to your dinner table: Honey Bourbon Ham. Trust me, this dish has the power to make any meal feel like an occasion, and it’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something a little extra juicy and flavor-packed.
Before we dive into the recipe, let me share why this Honey Bourbon Ham has a special place in my heart. Growing up in the suburbs, our family dinners were a big deal. Sundays were reserved for trying out new recipes, and my mom’s Honey Bourbon Ham was always a hit. The aromas swirling through the house would make neighbors peek over the fence, wondering what deliciousness was cooking up in our kitchen.
Now, it’s my turn to share the love (and the secret recipe) with you all, and hopefully, inspire you to make this beautiful dish a new staple in your own home. Let’s get cooking, shall we?
### Honey Bourbon Ham Recipe
#### Ingredients:
– 1 fully-cooked, bone-in ham (around 8-10 pounds)
– 1 cup honey
– 1/2 cup bourbon (choose your favorite)
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Freshly ground black pepper to taste
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat your oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it’s heating up, place your ham on a rack in a large roasting pan. Make sure the ham is fat-side up to ensure all those delicious juices flow through as it cooks.
2. **Prepare the glaze:** In a small saucepan, combine the honey, bourbon, Dijon mustard, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until the ingredients are well blended and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit so it thickens slightly.
3. **Score the ham:** Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4-inch deep. This will help the glaze seep in wonderfully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
4. **Apply the glaze:** Pour half of your honey bourbon glaze all over the ham, using a brush to work the glaze into the scores and crevices.
5. **Roast the ham:** Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Let it roast for about 1.5 hours. Then, remove the foil and baste the ham with the remaining glaze. Continue roasting, uncovered, for another 30-45 minutes or until the surface is nicely caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. **Let it rest:** Once out of the oven, let your ham rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This rest is crucial for letting all the juices redistribute throughout the ham, keeping it juicy and tender.
7. **Serve and enjoy:** Slice up your gorgeous Honey Bourbon Ham and serve it with your favorite sides. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a crunchy salad, or even a warm grain bowl for a healthy food recipe that’s both delicious and satisfying.
### Helpful Tips:
– **Leftover Love:** Leftover ham makes wonderful sandwiches, omelets, or even diced into a breakfast hash. Get creative!
– **Bourbon Swap:** If you’re not into bourbon, substitute with apple juice or cider for a non-alcoholic twist.
– **Storage:** Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Hopefully, this Honey Bourbon Ham recipe brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine. It’s all about making healthy food recipes that don’t skimp on flavor and make dinnertime a delightful experience. What’s your all-time favorite family recipe? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time, happy cooking and joyful eating! 🍽️💕