This recipe combines the rich flavors of whiskey with a sweet, sticky glaze to create a ham that's perfect for any special occasion. It's easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests with its delicious, savory-sweet balance.
Start by cutting shallow crosswise slashes into the ham, going through the fat but not deep into the meat. Stick whole cloves where the slashes cross, pushing them in as deep as you can. Preheat your oven to 300°F and line a large, heavy baking sheet with foil.
Next, warm a saucepan over medium heat and pour in the whiskey. Let it simmer until it reduces by about a third—that usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes and helps mellow out the alcohol. Turn the heat down to medium-low, add the butter, and stir until it melts. Then, mix in the brown sugar and honey, cooking everything until it thickens into a nice glaze, which should take another 10 to 15 minutes.
Brush that glaze all over the ham and place it on your prepared pan. Cover the whole thing tightly with foil. Pop it in the oven and bake for an hour, basting every 15 minutes with the glaze and any pan juices, then covering it back up with foil each time.
After the hour, take off the foil and keep baking until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F—this usually takes about another 30 minutes. Don’t forget to baste it a couple more times during this last stretch.
When it’s done, pull the ham out and tent it loosely with foil for about 10 minutes to let the juices settle. Save those flavorful drippings from the pan. Trim off any extra fat and skin, slice the ham, and serve it up with the pan juices on the side.
- Let the ham rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Baste the ham with the glaze every 20 minutes for a shiny, flavorful crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
This dish combines the rich, smoky flavor of ham with a sweet and slightly boozy glaze. The whiskey adds a warm depth that makes every bite special. It’s perfect for holidays or any gathering where you want to impress without too much fuss.
Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to balance the sweetness of the glaze. A fresh green salad or cranberry sauce also pairs well, adding a bright contrast to the rich flavors.
Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Use within 3-4 days for best taste. You can also freeze slices for up to two months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
