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Best Small Batch Brown Sugar Bourbon Ham Recipe

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A cozy, small batch brown sugar bourbon glazed ham recipe perfect for 2-4 people. It features a sticky, caramelized crust and tender meat, ideal for a special occasion without feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (2-3 lb) Bone-In Ham (Spiral Cut or Butt Portion)
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Packed)
  • 1/4 cup Bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Take your ham out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to take the chill off. Place the ham cut-side down in your small roasting pan or cast iron skillet.
  2. While the ham is resting, make the glaze. In your small saucepan over medium heat, combine the packed brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, butter, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Whisk everything together until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Set it aside.
  3. Pour or brush about half of the warm glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into all the slices if you’re using a spiral-cut ham. Cover the ham loosely with a sheet of aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes.
  4. After 20 minutes, remove the foil carefully. Using your basting brush, generously baste the ham with the juices that have collected in the bottom of the pan. Then, pour or brush another quarter of the remaining glaze over the top. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, for another 15 minutes.
  5. After 15 minutes, baste the ham again with the pan juices. Pour the final quarter of the glaze over the ham. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C). Roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is bubbly and deeply browned.
  6. Remove the ham from the oven. Let it rest in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
  7. Transfer the ham to a cutting board. If you’re using a spiral-cut ham, it’s already pre-sliced, so you can just follow the cuts. For a non-spiral ham, slice against the grain into thick pieces. Spoon any remaining glaze from the pan over the slices.

Notes

Don’t overcook the ham; it’s already fully cooked. Baste frequently for layered flavor. Watch the sugar to prevent burning. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes for juiciest results. Deglaze the pan with a splash of water or apple cider for a quick pan sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: small batch ham, brown sugar bourbon ham, glazed ham, small ham recipe, bourbon ham, holiday ham, easy ham recipe

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/best-small-batch-brown-sugar-bourbon-ham-recipe/