Your next holiday ham deserves this delicious Honey Bourbon Ham Glaze. It’s balanced, slightly sweet, and full of warm flavor—perfect for brushing onto a honey glazed ham.
The Best Ham Glaze
A glazed ham is a centerpiece for many celebrations, and this glaze elevates the flavor without overwhelming the meat. It adds the right amount of sweetness and a touch of warmth from spices and bourbon, creating a glossy, delicious finish your guests will love. Use it on any baked or spiral-cut ham for a standout holiday dish.
Looking for Another Basic Ham Glaze?
If you want something even simpler, try a straightforward three-ingredient glaze for quick, reliable results.
What You Will Need
- Honey & coconut or brown sugar – these add sweetness and a nice caramelized crust.
- Butter – melted; use dairy or plant-based according to preference.
- Dijon mustard – brings tang and depth to the glaze.
- Lemon zest – a small amount brightens and balances the sweetness.
- Bourbon – optional; adds warmth and complexity.
- Ground cinnamon & ground allspice – a pinch of both gives a subtle festive spice.
Related:
Try a double smoked ham for a bolder, smokier option.
How To Make A Ham Glaze
Making this glaze is quick and easy: combine the ingredients, whisk until smooth, and brush onto the ham near the end of its cooking time for a glossy, caramelized finish.
Whisk until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. If it’s thicker than you prefer, thin it by whisking in a tablespoon of water at a time.
Brush the glaze generously over the outside of the ham during the final 20 minutes or so of cooking. Leave the ham uncovered while it finishes to allow the sugars to caramelize and form a beautiful, sticky exterior.
Recipe FAQs and Tips
- Do you glaze a ham covered or uncovered? Apply the glaze for the last 20 minutes of cooking and leave the ham uncovered so the sugars can caramelize and form a glossy crust.
- Should the glaze go on before or after cooking the ham? Wait until the final 20 minutes to brush the glaze on. That timing gives the glaze time to set and caramelize without burning.
Other Ham Recipes You Might Like
Split Pea and Ham Soup
Easy Leftover Ham Bone Soup
Ham and Egg Cups
Simple Baked Ham
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Honey Bourbon Ham Glaze Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup coconut sugar (sub brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (regular or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon bourbon (more if desired)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- Water to thin, if needed
Instructions
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Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, coconut (or brown) sugar, melted butter, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, bourbon, cinnamon and allspice until smooth.
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Adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning. If the glaze is too thick, whisk in water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
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Use: Cook your ham according to your preferred method. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze over the ham and return it to the oven, uncovered, until the glaze has caramelized and the ham is heated through.
Notes
- Double Recipe: This glaze multiplies easily—double it if you need more.
- Saucepan: You can warm the glaze on the stove in a small saucepan to thin it and meld the flavors if preferred.
- Paleo: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar to keep it paleo-friendly.
- Dairy Free: Substitute plant-based butter to make the glaze dairy-free.
- Bourbon: Omit for a non-alcoholic version, or add more bourbon in teaspoon increments for a stronger flavor.