Bourbon Glazed Ham Recipe (Easy Holiday Dinner!)

“This post is sponsored by the Ohio Pork Council. All opinions are my own.”

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Why This Bourbon Ham Glaze is a Game-Changer

I’ll be honest with you—I wasn’t always a ham lover. Growing up, the hams at family dinners were always so salty and kind of boring. Just…salt. It took me years to realize that the secret to good ham isn’t just the ham itself, but what you do to it. And this bourbon glaze? This is what turned me into a ham believer.

The combination of bourbon, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates this incredible sweet and slightly spiced glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the ham. But here’s the real secret that makes this bourbon glazed ham so special: yellow mustard. I know, I know—it sounds weird. But trust me on this. The mustard acts as a binder and helps the brown sugar caramelize into that gorgeous, glossy crust on the outside of the ham. You won’t taste the mustard at all, just incredible flavor.

This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any time you need to feed a crowd. A spiral-sliced ham makes it even easier—no carving skills required, just slice and serve. Plus, your house will smell absolutely amazing while it bakes.

What You’ll Need for Bourbon Glazed Ham

For the Bourbon Glaze:

• Bourbon – You’ll need 1 cup. Use a bourbon you’d actually drink, but no need for the expensive stuff. Something mid-range works perfectly.
• Light brown sugar – The molasses flavor in brown sugar pairs beautifully with bourbon.
• Cinnamon sticks – Whole cinnamon sticks infuse the glaze with warm spice. Don’t substitute ground cinnamon here—it’ll make the glaze gritty.

For the Ham:

Brown sugar – Additional brown sugar gets sprinkled on top for extra caramelization.

Spiral-sliced bone-in ham – Look for one that’s about 7 pounds. Make sure it’s fully cooked (most are) so you’re just heating and glazing.

Yellow mustard – This is your secret weapon! It helps create that beautiful caramelized crust.

How to Make Bourbon Glazed Ham

Making this bourbon ham glaze is surprisingly easy, and the hands-on time is minimal. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Make the Bourbon Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until it reduces slightly and becomes syrupy. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly while you prep your ham.

Pro tip: You can make this bourbon glaze a day ahead! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat it before using.

Step 2: Prep Your Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove your spiral-sliced ham from the packaging and place it cut-side down in a roasting pan. If your ham came with a foil pan, that works too!

Step 3: Apply the Mustard (Trust Me!)

Using a pastry brush, brush the entire outside of the ham with yellow mustard. Yes, the whole thing! This creates a base that helps the bourbon brown sugar glaze stick and caramelize. I promise you won’t taste the mustard—it just helps create that gorgeous crust.

Step 4: Add the Glaze

Pour your bourbon cinnamon glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it between the slices. Use your pastry brush to spread it around and really work it into all those nooks and crannies. Toss those cinnamon sticks from the glaze right into the pan with the ham—they’ll continue to infuse flavor as it bakes. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Ham

Cover the ham completely with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Since most spiral hams are pre-cooked, you’re really just heating it through and letting that glaze work its magic.

Pro tip: Baste your ham every 20-30 minutes with the glaze that collects in the bottom of the pan. This keeps it moist and builds up that beautiful, sticky coating.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your bourbon glazed ham rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute. Use a turkey baster or large spoon to drizzle more of that pan glaze over the ham slices right before serving.

Tips for the Best Bourbon Glazed Ham

Choose the right ham. Look for a fully cooked spiral-sliced ham, which just needs to be heated through. A bone-in ham has better flavor, and the spiral slicing means no carving skills needed!

Score the ham (optional). If you’re using a non-spiral ham, score it in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This helps the bourbon ham glaze penetrate and looks beautiful.

Don’t skip the mustard. I know it sounds strange, but yellow mustard is the secret to that gorgeous caramelized crust. You absolutely will not taste it—it just acts as a binder for the brown sugar and helps with caramelization.

Baste for moisture. Every 20-30 minutes, open that foil and baste your ham with the glaze that’s collected in the pan. This keeps the ham moist and adds layers of flavor.

Use a meat thermometer. Even though your ham is likely pre-cooked, you want to heat it to 145°F for the best texture and food safety.

Save that glaze! The bourbon glaze that collects in the bottom of your roasting pan is liquid gold. Don’t throw it away—serve it alongside your ham slices.

How to Store Leftover Ham

Store leftover bourbon-glazed ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can leave it sliced or remove it from the bone and dice it for easier storage and use in other recipes.

Can you freeze ham? Absolutely! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

What to Serve with Bourbon Glazed Ham

This bourbon cinnamon ham is a complete crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides:

• Mashed potatoes – Classic and creamy, perfect for soaking up that bourbon glaze
• Scalloped potatoes – Rich and indulgent alongside the ham
• Green beans with bacon – The smokiness complements the sweet glaze
• Mac and cheese – A family favorite that everyone loves
• Deviled eggs – A classic pairing with ham

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham

Don’t let that leftover ham go to waste! Here are my favorite ways to use it up:

Ham and cheese sandwiches – Grilled or cold, they’re always delicious. Add some of that leftover bourbon glaze for extra flavor!

Chef salad – Dice the ham and toss it with mixed greens, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and your favorite dressing.

Ham and bean soup – That ham bone makes the most incredible soup base.

Breakfast scrambles – Diced ham in scrambled eggs or omelets is a perfect way to start the day.

Ham cubes as a snack – Sometimes simple is best. Just cut it into cubes and snack away!

Commonly Asked Questions

Side Dish Recipe Ideas

Here is a list of side dishes that will go along great with your main course:

• Classic Mashed Potatoes
• White Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
• Green Beans and Bacon
• Easy Deviled Eggs
• Homemade Southern Mac and Cheese

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