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Small Batch Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham

small batch brown sugar bourbon glazed ham - featured image
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A quick and easy holiday ham recipe for small gatherings, featuring a sweet and smoky brown sugar bourbon glaze that caramelizes beautifully. Perfect for when you want festive flavors without feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 2 pounds fully cooked ham (thick-cut ham steak or small boneless ham)
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves (optional)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ¼ cup bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, Evan Williams, or Four Roses)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Prepare the ham: If using a ham steak, pat it dry with paper towels. If using a small boneless ham, score the surface in a diamond pattern about ¼ inch deep. Stud the intersections with whole cloves if desired.
  3. Make the brown sugar bourbon glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Whisk constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Brush the ham with the glaze: Place the ham in your roasting pan. Using a pastry brush, apply a generous layer of the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines. Reserve about half of the glaze for basting later.
  5. Roast the ham: Place the ham in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes.
  6. Baste and rotate: After 15 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and brush with another layer of the reserved glaze. Return to the oven and roast for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
  7. Optional broil for extra caramelization: If you want a more intense crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Watch it closely—the sugar can burn quickly.
  8. Rest and serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve with any remaining glaze from the pan spooned over the top.

Notes

Score the ham to help the glaze penetrate. Watch the sugar when broiling to prevent burning. Let the ham rest before slicing. If the glaze gets too thick while roasting, add a tablespoon of water or apple cider to the pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: small batch ham, brown sugar bourbon glaze, holiday ham, easy ham recipe, ham steak, Christmas ham, New Year's ham, small gathering ham

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/small-batch-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-ham-best-easy-holiday-recipe/