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Orange, Bourbon & Pecan Glazed Ham Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

This Orange, Bourbon and Pecan Glazed Ham is a beautifully glazed spiral cut, bone-in smoked ham featuring a decadent blend of orange zest, bourbon, maple syrup, and toasted pecans. Baked low and slow to warm through and then finished at high heat to caramelize the flavorful glaze, this dish is perfect for festive occasions and holiday dinners, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 12 to 14 people

Ingredients

Ham

  • 1 spiral cut, bone-in, smoked ham (fully cooked), about 9 to 12 pounds

Glaze

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Bake the Ham: Preheat the oven to 275°F. Place the ham flat-side down in a shallow baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake until heated through, reaching an internal temperature of 130°F. This will take about 12-13 minutes per pound, or approximately 2 hours for a 9 to 12-pound ham.
  2. Prepare the Glaze: While the ham bakes, combine the orange zest, fresh orange juice, bourbon, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, dark brown sugar, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt in a medium bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth, then stir in the coarsely ground toasted pecans to add texture and flavor to the glaze.
  3. Glaze and Caramelize the Ham: When the ham reaches 130°F, remove it from the oven and uncover. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Spoon or brush about two-thirds of the prepared glaze evenly over the top and sides of the ham. Return the ham uncovered to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
  4. Finish Glazing and Rest: After 10 minutes, brush the remaining glaze over the ham and bake for another 10 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and the pecans are dark brown in spots, indicating caramelization. Remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors set and juices redistribute.

Notes

  • The ham used in this recipe is fully cooked, so the baking is simply to warm it through and caramelize the glaze.
  • To toast pecans, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway, until fragrant and lightly browned.
  • Use a good-quality bourbon for best flavor in the glaze.
  • For a less spicy glaze, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
  • Letting the ham rest after glazing ensures the juices redistribute and the glaze sets well, improving flavor and presentation.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/orange-bourbon-and-pecan-glazed-ham-recipe/