Let me tell you about the ham that single-handedly saved my first time hosting Christmas dinner. I was a nervous wreck, trying to impress my new in-laws while juggling a dozen different dishes. Then this cherry bourbon-glazed ham emerged from the oven – glistening, fragrant, and absolutely gorgeous. The moment I set it on the table, my father-in-law (who rarely comments on food) actually gasped and said, “Now that’s a ham!” From that moment on, I knew I’d always have a place at the family table. This isn’t just any ham recipe – it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that manages to be both impressively elegant and surprisingly simple to prepare. The sweet-tart cherry glaze with hints of warming bourbon creates a lacquered finish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Ready to create your own memorable holiday moment? Let’s dive in!
Why This Cherry Bourbon-Glazed Baked Ham Will Rock Your World
This isn’t your average, forgettable holiday ham – it’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory with a hint of oaky bourbon warmth that takes it to an entirely new level. The cherry-bourbon glaze creates a stunning lacquered finish that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, while also infusing the meat with incredible flavor. The glaze seeps into the spiral cuts, ensuring that every bite is perfectly seasoned. Best of all, while it looks and tastes like you spent hours laboring in the kitchen, it’s actually quite simple to prepare. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, leaving you free to focus on sides or simply enjoy your guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or just want to elevate your weeknight meal, this ham delivers maximum impact with minimum stress – and the leftovers make the best sandwiches you’ve ever tasted!
Cherry Bourbon-Glazed Baked Ham
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Small saucepan
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
For the ham
- 1 spiral-cut ham (7-9 pounds), fully cooked
- 1/4 cup water
For the cherry bourbon glaze
- 1 cup cherry preserves or jam
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnishes
- Fresh cherries (when in season)
- Orange slices
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove ham from packaging and discard any plastic disk covering the bone.
- Place ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan.
- Add 1/4 cup water to the bottom of the pan to create steam and keep the ham moist.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and prevent the ham from drying out.
Step 2: Start the Baking Process
- Bake the covered ham for about 1.5 hours (or according to package directions, generally 10-12 minutes per pound).
- While the ham bakes, prepare your glaze.
Step 3: Create the Cherry Bourbon Glaze
- In a medium saucepan, combine all glaze ingredients: cherry preserves, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the glaze has thickened slightly and reduced by about one-third. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and set aside. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish the Ham
- After the initial baking period, remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Carefully remove the foil (save it for later) and brush the ham generously with about 1/3 of the glaze, working it into the cuts between the slices.
- Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Apply another layer of glaze and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- For the final touch, apply the remaining glaze and bake for 10-15 more minutes until the ham is beautifully caramelized and glossy. Keep a close eye on it during this final stage – the sugar in the glaze can burn quickly.
- If the ham starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with the reserved foil.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the ham to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice.
Step 5: Serve with Flair
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter, spooning any glaze from the pan over the top.
- Garnish with fresh cherries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs if desired.
- Serve warm or at room temperature and prepare for the compliments!
Notes
- Ham selection: Choose a high-quality spiral-cut ham for the best results. Bone-in provides the best flavor, but boneless works too.
- Bourbon alternatives: If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute apple cider or orange juice, though you’ll miss some of the complex flavor that bourbon provides.
- Make ahead magic: The glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it slightly before applying to the ham.
- Leftover strategy: This ham makes incredible sandwiches! Try it on a crusty baguette with a bit of Dijon mustard and some melted Gruyère cheese.
- Serving temperature: Ham is delicious warm but also excellent at room temperature, making it ideal for buffet-style holiday meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the foil during initial baking. Pre-cooked hams can easily dry out. Covering with foil for the first part of baking is crucial for maintaining moisture.
- Glazing too early. Apply the glaze only for the final 30-45 minutes of cooking. If applied too early, the sugars will burn before the ham is properly heated through.
- Not allowing resting time. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the ham retain its juices when cut and makes for neater, more attractive slices.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy Cherry Ham: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a sweet-heat combination.
- Cherry-Apple Fusion: Replace half the cherry preserves with apple butter for a different flavor profile that works beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Make it a Meal: For a complete holiday spread, serve with scalloped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, and a winter salad with dried cranberries and pecans.
FAQs
Can I use a non-spiral cut ham?
Yes, though spiral-cut hams allow the glaze to penetrate between the slices for better flavor distribution. If using a non-spiral ham, score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep to help the glaze penetrate.
How do I know when the ham is done?
Since most hams are pre-cooked, you’re really just heating it through. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (not touching the bone) should read 140°F (60°C).
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Place the ham in a large slow cooker, brush with some of the glaze, and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. Apply the remaining glaze during the last 30 minutes. You won’t get quite the same caramelized exterior, but it’s a great hands-off option.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about serving a beautiful glazed ham at the center of your holiday table. It’s one of those dishes that creates an instant sense of occasion – a centerpiece that says, “This is a celebration.” What I love most about this cherry bourbon-glazed ham is how it manages to be both impressive and approachable, turning an everyday protein into something truly memorable without requiring advanced cooking skills. The combination of sweet cherries, warming bourbon, and aromatic spices creates a complex flavor profile that elevates ham to new heights. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent place in your holiday rotation – and might just win over even the most discerning in-laws!
