If you’re looking to elevate your holiday ham or just add a delightful twist to a weeknight dinner, this Maple Bourbon Ham Glaze is your secret weapon. It’s rich, flavorful, and has just the right amount of sweetness balanced with a touch of spice. Perfect for impressing your guests or treating your family to something special.
Maple syrup is the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a hint of woodsy flavor that pairs wonderfully with pork. Bourbon whiskey adds depth and a subtle smokiness, without overpowering the glaze. Brown sugar complements the maple syrup, enhancing its sweetness and helping to caramelize the glaze on the ham. The Dijon mustard introduces a mild tanginess that cuts through the sweetness, balancing the flavors. Apple cider vinegar offers a bit of acidity, brightening the glaze. Ground cinnamon and ground cloves bring warmth and spice, making this glaze feel cozy and festive. Finally, a dash of black pepper adds a hint of heat to round everything off.
This glaze isn’t just for ham! Try it on pork tenderloin or even roasted chicken for a delicious twist. Serve your ham with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh mixed salad to balance the richness of the glaze. Don’t forget a good bread roll to soak up any extra sauce on your plate!
Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a medium saucepan, pour in the maple syrup, bourbon whiskey, and brown sugar. Set your stove to medium heat and stir occasionally. You’re looking to dissolve the sugar completely; this should take just a few minutes.
Once the sugar is dissolved, add the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper to the saucepan. Stir everything together until well combined.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it — you want it to thicken slightly, but not too much, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the glaze cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle and allow the flavors to meld further. When ready, brush it generously over your ham every 30 minutes as it roasts for that perfect glossy finish.
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