Southern Baked Ham
Southern Baked Ham is a flavorful, tender dish featuring smoky ham glazed with bourbon, spices, and sweeteners, perfect for festive gatherings and family celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the ham and pat dry with paper towels. Let it stand at room temperature for 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a large roasting pan with heavy foil and place a rack inside.
- Put the ham on the rack and pour bourbon over it. Roast for 2 hours.
- Mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and molasses to make the glaze.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it cool for 30 minutes.
- Cut away the rind with scissors and trim the fat to 1/4 inch all over.
- Score the fat in a 1-inch diamond pattern.
- Brush the ham with the prepared glaze.
- Pack brown sugar over the glaze.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Brush any dry spots with more bourbon and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Let the ham stand for 30 minutes before carving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using a higher quality bourbon and let the ham marinate in the bourbon for a few hours before roasting. If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard can be a suitable substitute. Ensure your ham is fully cooked before serving by checking the internal temperature, which should reach 140°F. For a unique twist, try adding a bit of pineapple juice to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the ham thinly and serve it on a platter with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a refreshing salad. It pairs beautifully with Chili With Potatoes for a hearty meal. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh herbs or orange slices. Leftover ham can also be used in sandwiches or added to soups for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, slice the ham and place it in a baking dish with a little bit of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Baked Ham contains roughly 117 calories, with 1g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 809mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham or a spiral-cut ham, but cooking times may vary. Adjust the roasting time according to the weight and type of ham you choose. Always ensure the ham is heated to an internal temperature of 140°F for safe consumption.
How can I make the glaze spicier?
To add some heat to the glaze, consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes. You could also experiment with adding a bit of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness beautifully.
What should I do if I don't have bourbon?
If bourbon isn't available, you can substitute it with apple cider or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. The flavor will differ slightly, but it will still enhance the glaze. Alternatively, a splash of apple juice or a light fruit juice can also work as a delicious substitute.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).