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Festive Christmas Ham Glaze

This glaze transforms a simple roasted ham into a glossy, caramelized centerpiece with a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. It involves simmering a mixture of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, bourbon, and lemon juice, then generously brushing it onto the ham during baking. The final result is a tender, flavorful ham with a shiny, crackling crust that fills the house with warm holiday aromas.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Festive
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole smoked or baked ham preferably pre-cooked
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup bourbon sub with apple cider for non-alcoholic option
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed

Equipment

  • Roasting pan with rack
  • Small saucepan
  • Pastry brush
  • Meat thermometer
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Place the ham on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan, then score its fat in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep to help the glaze penetrate.
  2. Combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, bourbon, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth and glossy.
  3. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring to get into the scored creases. This initial coating will start to caramelize as it bakes.
  4. Place the ham in the oven and bake uncovered for about 1.5 hours, or until heated through. Every 20-30 minutes, open the oven and brush on more glaze to build up a shiny, caramelized crust, creating a beautiful glaze.
  5. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 60°C (140°F). The glaze should be bubbling and darkening without burning, and the crust should be glossy and slightly crackling.
  6. Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. During this time, the juices redistribute, and the glaze sets into a beautiful, shiny crust.
  7. Carve the ham into slices, then drizzle with any remaining glaze for extra flavor and shine. Serve warm and enjoy the festive aroma and tender, flavorful slices.

Notes

Adjust spice levels to taste. Keep an eye on the glaze towards the end to prevent burning. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider.