Ham with a Honey Bourbon and Horseradish Glaze

A sweet and tangy glaze brings a delicious twist to your holiday ham, combining the warmth of bourbon with a kick of horseradish. It’s an easy way to impress your guests with bold, comforting flavors.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 2 hr 30 min

Total Time 2 hr 40 min

Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/5

1 (12 ounce) bottle horseradish mustard, divided ¼ cup honey 1 tablespoon liquid hickory smoke flavoring 1 (6 pound) smoked ham, or more to taste 1 tablespoon whole cloves, or to taste

Why This Recipe Is So Flavorful

This dish combines the rich, smoky flavor of ham with a sweet and tangy glaze that has a slight kick from the horseradish. The honey and bourbon add depth and caramelization, making every bite full of delicious contrast. It’s perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal.

Pro Cooking Tips

- Use a sharp knife to score the ham in a diamond pattern before glazing; this helps the flavors penetrate better.
- Baste the ham with the glaze several times during cooking for a sticky, flavorful crust.
- If your glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water or bourbon to loosen it up before brushing.

Step 1

Gently heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small saucepan, mix together the horseradish mustard, bourbon, brown sugar, honey, and a splash of liquid smoke. Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring often, until the glaze thickens—this usually takes about 30 minutes.

Step 2

While the glaze is cooking, spread the remaining horseradish mustard all over the ham, making sure it’s nicely coated. Place the ham in a roasting pan and spoon some of the glaze over the top.

Step 3

Pop the ham in the oven and bake it, basting it every now and then with the glaze to keep it moist and flavorful. It will take around 2 hours, or about 22 minutes per pound, until the inside reaches 160°F (72°C). Once it’s done, let it rest a bit before slicing and serving.

How To Serve This Dish

Serve slices alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to balance the sweet and spicy flavors. A fresh green salad or steamed green beans also complement the richness well. Leftover ham works great in sandwiches or salads for easy meals.

Storing Food Safely

Allow the ham to cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave to keep the meat moist and tender.

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By Daniel Carter

Recipe Developer

Daniel focuses on practical, easy-to-follow recipes designed for everyday home cooking.