Name: Orange, Bourbon & Pecan Glazed Ham Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 20 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 spiral cut, bone-in, smoked ham (fully cooked), about 9 to 12 pounds; 1 teaspoon orange zest; ¼ cup fresh orange juice; 2 tablespoons good quality bourbon; ¼ cup maple syrup; ¼ cup Dijon mustard; 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Pinch of kosher salt; 1½ cups pecan halves, toasted and coarsely ground in a food processor

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 3 reviews

If you’re looking to wow your family and friends with a centerpiece that bursts with flavor, texture, and a touch of southern charm, this Orange, Bourbon & Pecan Glazed Ham Recipe will become your new go-to. Imagine a perfectly cooked spiral cut ham enveloped in a sticky-sweet glaze that combines bright citrus notes, the deep warmth of bourbon, and the crunch of toasted pecans. It’s a delightful harmony of flavors that transforms a traditional ham into a show-stopping dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients You'll Need

A large piece of cooked ham with a browned and textured outer layer and a pink inner layer sits on a white rectangular plate with soft ridged edges, placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby, a white bowl is filled with whole pecans showing their rough, brown, and wrinkled texture. Two bright orange halves with visible juicy segments and a whole orange with smooth skin rest nearby. There is a clear glass bottle filled with a dark liquid, a small silver pitcher with the same dark liquid inside, a white cup filled with a loose light brown powder, a small white cup containing a dark red powder, and a small glass jar with smooth yellow mustard, all arranged casually around the ham and nuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This glaze comes together from a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients, each playing a crucial role to balance sweetness, zest, spice, and crunch. From the smoky ham to the boozy bourbon and toasted pecans, these elements create a glaze that really shines during cooking.

1 spiral cut, bone-in, smoked ham (9 to 12 pounds): Fully cooked and the perfect base to soak up all the glaze flavors.
1 teaspoon orange zest: Adds vibrant citrus aroma that brightens the glaze.
¼ cup fresh orange juice: Brings fresh acidity and juice to keep the glaze tangy and light.
2 tablespoons good quality bourbon: Offers depth and a subtle smoky sweetness that elevates the ham.
¼ cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the spices and pecans.
¼ cup Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of tang and a hint of sharpness for complexity.
1 cup packed dark brown sugar: The foundation of that irresistible, caramelized crust on the ham.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: A gentle kick to balance the sweetness with mild heat.
Pinch of kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 ½ cups pecan halves, toasted and coarsely ground: Adds a lovely crunchy texture and nutty richness to the glaze.

How to Make Orange, Bourbon & Pecan Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and heat the ham

Start by preheating your oven to 275°F and placing your spiral cut ham flat-side down in a shallow baking dish. Cover the ham tightly with foil and bake gently until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F — this ensures the ham is heated through without drying out. It will take about 12 to 13 minutes per pound, so plan on roughly 2 hours for a 9 to 12-pound ham. This slow warming step is key for juicy, tender meat.

Step 2: Make the glaze

While the ham is warming, whisk together the orange zest, fresh orange juice, bourbon, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, dark brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. Then gently fold in your toasted pecans that have been coarsely ground in a food processor. This glaze is the heart of the Orange, Bourbon & Pecan Glazed Ham Recipe — sweet, tangy, spicy, and nutty all at once.

Step 3: Glaze and caramelize

Once the ham is nice and heated through, carefully remove the foil and raise the oven temperature to 425°F to get ready for glazing. Brush about two-thirds of your glaze generously over the top and sides of the ham. Slide it back in the oven uncovered for 10 minutes to let that glaze start bubbling and caramelizing. After 10 minutes, brush on the remaining glaze for even more flavor and return the ham to the oven for another 10 minutes. Watch as the pecans darken here and create that irresistible crunchy glaze layer.

Step 4: Rest before serving

To let all those glorious juices settle and the glaze set a bit, remove the ham from the oven and let it stand for at least 10 minutes. This makes slicing easier and guarantees every slice is packed with perfectly balanced flavors.

How to Serve Orange, Bourbon & Pecan Glazed Ham Recipe

A white rectangular plate holds neatly arranged slices of glazed ham layered slightly over each other, with a shiny, caramelized brown glaze and scattered chopped pecans on top. The ham shows a gradient of pink in the center and a darker brown edge from roasting. Two orange wedges sit on opposite corners of the plate, each placed next to bright green leaves that add a fresh touch to the dish. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a striped cloth partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Orange, Bourbon & Pecan Glazed Ham Recipe truly shine at the table, consider adding a few garnishes that enhance both its look and taste. Fresh orange slices and a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans scattered around the platter add bursts of color and texture. For a festive touch, some sprigs of rosemary or thyme can introduce a lovely herbal aroma that pairs beautifully with the glaze.

Side Dishes

This ham loves a good supporting cast. Think creamy mashed potatoes or a sweet potato casserole to complement the sweet and tangy glaze. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness, while roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans with garlic offer a satisfying crunch. Don’t forget classic dinner rolls or buttery biscuits to soak up every last drizzle of that luscious glaze!

Creative Ways to Present

Make your presentation unforgettable by serving the ham on a wooden board surrounded by a ring of fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or even dried cranberries. You can also let guests help themselves by offering the ham already sliced, fanned out, so the beautiful glaze and pecan crust are on full display. For a party, arrange ham cubes on skewers with pieces of roasted pineapple and bell pepper for a fun twist on this Orange, Bourbon & Pecan Glazed Ham Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this ham, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 5 days. The glaze keeps the meat flavorful even as you reheat bits throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to save leftovers for longer, you can freeze sliced ham portions. Wrap them well in foil and then place inside a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and preserve that heavenly glaze texture.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out your ham, warm it gently in a low oven (around 275°F) covered with foil, or microwave slices covered with a damp paper towel. You can spoon a little extra glaze or maple syrup over slices to keep that rich, gooey finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham for this Orange, Bourbon & Pecan Glazed Ham Recipe?

Absolutely! While a spiral cut smoked ham is ideal because it’s fully cooked and slices easily, you can use other fully cooked hams. Just adjust cooking times to ensure it’s heated through properly before glazing.

Is it necessary to toast the pecans before adding them to the glaze?

Yes, toasting pecans intensifies their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch to the glaze. Untoasted nuts can taste raw and won’t provide the same richness or texture.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

You can whisk together the glaze ingredients up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just stir well before using, as the maple syrup and brown sugar may settle.

What does the bourbon add to the glaze besides alcohol?

Bourbon lends a warm, smoky sweetness that deepens the flavor profile and balances the citrus and spice. The alcohol cooks off during baking, leaving behind a subtle richness.

How do I know when the ham is fully heated through before glazing?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 130°F. This ensures the ham is warm throughout and ready for the glaze without drying out during the high-heat caramelizing step.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Orange, Bourbon & Pecan Glazed Ham Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Its layers of flavor and texture make it a standout for any occasion, and the lovely glaze is something your guests will be talking about long after the meal. So go ahead, give it a try, and prepare to bask in all the delicious compliments coming your way.