A Simple Brown Sugar Bourbon Ham

This glazed brown sugar bourbon ham has quickly become one of our favorite carving hams to bake. The size is perfect for a smaller gathering, and the bourbon glaze gives it a deep, sweet flavor that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. If your ham is smaller, just cut the glaze recipe in half. Or keep the extra bourbon mix for a little kitchen fun later.

Here is how we make this easy, flavorful ham.

Ingredients

Precooked ham (choose the size you need)
Brown sugar
Bourbon
Brown mustard

What Type of Ham Should I Buy

We stick with precooked hams because they are already smoked and only need a few hours in the oven.

You can use spiral, carving, or boneless. Carving hams are smaller and great for a few people.

Boneless ham gives you more meat and usually costs more per pound.

Bone‑in ham has great flavor and leaves you with a soup bone. It costs less but has less meat.

How to Make Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze

Whisk together:

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup bourbon
2 tablespoons brown mustard

If your ham is small, make half the glaze. It still gives plenty of flavor.

Baking Tips for a Perfect Glazed Ham

Serve with mashed potatoes, cornbread muffins, glazed carrots, or homemade bread.

Score the ham so the glaze can soak in.
Carving hams are great for small meals.
Spiral or boneless hams work well for larger servings.
Precooked hams should reach 165F.
Unbaked hams need extra time.
Leftovers are perfect for bean soup, scalloped potatoes and ham, casseroles, sandwiches, and more.
Serve with your favorite mashed potatoes, corn bread muffins and glazed carrots with homemade bread

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different whiskey instead of bourbon

Yes. Any whiskey will work, but bourbon gives the best sweetness and caramel flavor.

Do I need to score a spiral ham

No. Spiral hams already have cuts that help the glaze soak in.

Can I make the glaze thicker

Simmer it on the stove for a few minutes until it reduces.

Should I cover the ham while baking

You can cover it for the first hour if you want it extra moist and to keep it from burning, but it is not required.

What can I do with leftover ham

Use it in bean soup, breakfast casseroles, scalloped potatoes and ham, sandwiches, or freeze it for later.

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Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Ham

This brown sugar bourbon glazed ham is one of my favorite carving hams to bake. The sweet bourbon glaze caramelizes beautifully and gives the ham a deep, rich flavor that works for holidays or any special meal. You can use a boneless, bone‑in, or spiral ham, and the glaze comes together with simple pantry ingredients. If your ham is smaller, cut the glaze recipe in half. Serve with mashed potatoes, cornbread muffins, glazed carrots, or homemade bread for a complete meal your family will love.

Course: Holiday, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Author: Regina Sober

Equipment

Ingredients

precooked ham bone in or boneless
1 cup brown sugar
⅓ cup bourbon
1 Tablespoon brown mustard

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350℉.
Place ham in pan that it will fit nicely.
Score the ham in diagonal cuts 1/4″ to 1/2″ depth.
Cover the ham with tin foil and bake for an hour.
While the ham is baking, mix the remaining ingredients together and let it sit.
After 1 hour, remove ham from the oven and baste well, getting all the square marks that now appear on the ham. Recover and place in the oven.
Repeat basting every 30 minutes.
Cook the ham for an additional 1-2 hours Internal temperature should reach 165℉.
Remove from the oven and let set for 20-30 minutes.
Carve and serve the ham with your favorite mashed potatoes and other side dishes.