Ham with Bourbon Peach Glaze: A Southern Delight

The first time I tasted a ham with a fruit glaze, I was at my grandmother’s house during Easter. The aroma of sweet peaches mingled with the savory ham filled the air, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Her secret ingredient was a splash of bourbon – a touch of Kentucky that elevated the dish to new heights. This Ham with Bourbon Peach Glaze recipe captures that same magic, blending sweet and savory in a way that’s both comforting and sophisticated, a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 28
• Yield: 1 ham
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (check bourbon label to ensure)

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup peach preserves
• 1/4 cup Bourbon
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 7 1/2 lbs smoked cooked low-sodium ham
• 20 whole cloves
• Cooking spray
• 1 cup water

Equipment Needed

• Small saucepan
• Broiler pan or roasting pan
• Pastry brush
• Thermometer

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature will ensure the ham cooks evenly and the glaze doesn’t burn.

2. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the peach preserves and Bourbon. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, immediately remove from heat. Stir in the ground cumin, ground ginger, ground coriander, and fresh ground black pepper. Allow the glaze to cool slightly while you prepare the ham.

3. Prepare the ham: Trim any excess fat and rind from the smoked cooked low-sodium ham. Using a sharp knife, score the outside of the ham in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate the ham more effectively and also creates an appealing presentation. Stud the ham with the whole cloves, placing them at the intersections of the diamond pattern.

4. Bake the ham: Coat the rack of a broiler pan or roasting pan with cooking spray. Place the prepared ham on the rack. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan. This helps to keep the ham moist during baking. Place the rack with the ham in the pan.

5. Glaze and bake: Brush the ham with 1/4 cup of the preserves mixture. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 2 hours or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham registers 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the remaining preserves mixture every 30 minutes. This regular basting ensures a beautifully glazed and flavorful ham.

6. Rest and serve: Once the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), transfer it to a platter and let it stand for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. Discard the cloves before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Bourbon Selection: Choose a bourbon that you enjoy drinking on its own, as its flavor will subtly influence the glaze. A mid-range bourbon provides a good balance of flavor and cost.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze becomes too thick during cooling, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Doneness Check: Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the proper internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
• Preventing Over-Browning: If the glaze starts to brown too quickly during baking, loosely tent the ham with aluminum foil.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Ham with Bourbon Peach Glaze hot, sliced thinly. Garnish the platter with orange slices, cranberries, fresh bay leaves, and parsley for a festive presentation.

Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, wrap the ham in foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat individual slices in a skillet or microwave.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	276 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	0 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	2.8 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	5.3 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	3.7 g	N/A
Protein	0.1 g	0%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Peach Jam or Apricot Preserves: Substitute peach preserves with apricot preserves or peach jam for a different flavor profile.
• Whiskey or Rum: If you don’t have bourbon on hand, whiskey or rum can be used as a substitute.
• Spice Adjustments: Adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat or increase the amount of ginger for a more pronounced flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a bone-in ham for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a bone-in ham. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the size and density of the ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F (60°C).

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes, the glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before using.

Q: How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
A: Ensure you pour water into the bottom of the pan and baste the ham regularly with the glaze. This helps to keep the ham moist during baking.

Q: What side dishes go well with this ham?
A: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and macaroni and cheese are all excellent side dishes to serve with this ham.

Q: Can I freeze leftover ham?
A: Yes, leftover ham can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.

Final Thoughts

This Ham with Bourbon Peach Glaze is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. The combination of sweet and savory, the warmth of the bourbon, and the aroma that fills your kitchen will transport you to a place of culinary bliss. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red for the perfect meal. Happy cooking!