Maple Bourbon Glazed Praline Ham
Indulge in the decadent flavors of our Maple Bourbon Glazed Praline Ham, a show-stopping dish perfect for festive gatherings like Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. This succulent ham, infused with the robust warmth of bourbon, is complemented by the rich sweetness of maple syrup and dark brown sugar. The glaze, featuring crunchy pecans both chopped and whole, adds texture and an exquisite finish. Simple to prepare yet impressive enough for any celebration, this ham will leave your guests raving about its unique taste and irresistible aroma. The marinating process not only enhances the flavor but allows the ham to absorb the rich bourbon, resulting in a juicy and flavorful centerpiece that pairs beautifully with various sides.
12
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Precooked ham
6 - 8 lbs (Fat on, scored)
Bourbon
1 1/2 cups (None)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Maple syrup
1 cup (None)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (None)
Pecans, chopped
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Pecan halves
1/2 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making deep cuts without cutting through to the bone.
3
Place the ham in a large sealable plastic bag or a marinating container, and pour the bourbon over it.
4
Seal the bag or container, ensuring the ham is well coated, and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
5
Once marinated, remove the ham from the bag and pour off the bourbon, reserving it for later use. Place the ham in a roasting pan.
6
Bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until heated through.
7
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
8
Add the reserved bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, and chopped pecans to the melted butter. Stir well and bring to a boil.
9
Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
10
After the ham has baked for 2 hours, carefully remove it from the oven. Pour the glaze over the ham and use a pastry brush to coat it evenly.
11
Decorate the ham with the pecan halves, pressing them gently into the glaze.
12
Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is caramelized and golden brown.
13
Remove from the oven, let rest for 10 minutes before slicing, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
33g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maple Bourbon Glazed Praline Ham?
It is a succulent, bourbon-infused ham topped with a rich glaze made from maple syrup, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans.
What occasions are best for serving this ham?
This dish is ideal for festive holiday gatherings such as Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.
What kind of ham should I buy for this recipe?
You should use a 6 to 8 lb precooked ham, preferably with the fat on and scored in a diamond pattern.
How long does the ham need to marinate?
The ham should marinate in bourbon for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor profile.
What is the first step in preparing the ham?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
How do I score the ham properly?
Make deep cuts into the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, taking care not to cut through to the bone.
Do I throw away the bourbon after marinating?
No, you should reserve the bourbon used for marinating as it is a key ingredient in the glaze.
How long do I bake the ham before adding the glaze?
Bake the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours until it is heated through.
What ingredients are needed for the praline glaze?
The glaze is made with butter, reserved bourbon, maple syrup, brown sugar, and chopped pecans.
How is the glaze cooked?
Melt butter in a saucepan, add the glaze ingredients, bring to a boil, and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
How much bourbon is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of bourbon.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This Maple Bourbon Glazed Praline Ham serves approximately 12 people.
How do I apply the glaze to the ham?
After 2 hours of baking, pour the glaze over the ham and use a pastry brush to coat the surface evenly.
What is used to decorate the top of the ham?
The ham is decorated with pecan halves that are pressed gently into the glaze.
How long is the final bake after glazing?
Return the ham to the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and caramelized.
Why should I let the ham rest after cooking?
Resting the ham for 10 minutes before slicing helps ensure it remains juicy and flavorful.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 33g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per serving?
There is 12.5g of protein in each serving.
How much maple syrup is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of maple syrup.
Is dark or light brown sugar used?
The description specifies the use of dark brown sugar for its rich sweetness.
How much butter do I need for the glaze?
You will need 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
How many pecans are used in the glaze?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped pecans in the glaze and an additional 1/2 cup of pecan halves for decoration.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is described as simple to prepare yet impressive enough for any celebration.
What does the marinating process achieve?
It allows the ham to absorb the bourbon, resulting in a juicy and flavorful centerpiece.
What texture do the pecans add to the dish?
The pecans add a crunchy texture and an exquisite finish to the glazed surface.
What temperature should the ham be served at?
The ham should be served warm after its rest period.
Can I use a bone-in ham for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions specifically mention scoring the ham without cutting through to the bone.
What are the primary flavors of this ham?
The primary flavors are warmth from bourbon, sweetness from maple syrup and brown sugar, and nuttiness from pecans.