
About the Recipe
This luxurious holiday ham features a rich glaze that combines sweet cherry preserves with the warmth of bourbon and a touch of molasses, creating a perfectly lacquered finish that will be the centerpiece of any celebration.

Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Serves:
Level:
Medium
Ingredients
For the Ham:
- 1 (8-10 lb) pre-cooked, smoked ham
- ½ cup water or apple juice for the roasting pan
For the Cherry Bourbon Glaze:
- 12 oz cherry preserves or jam
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons Cherry Poppin’, Plum Crazy, or Apple Babcia vinegar
- ½ teaspoon allspice
Equipment Needed:
- Large roasting pan with rack
- Basting brush
- Small saucepan
- Internal meat thermometer
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Glaze Prep: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2-2½ hours
- Total Time: 2¾-3 hours
12-15 people
Preparation
Prepare the Ham
1. Remove ham from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
2. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
3. Score the fat cap in a diamond pattern
4. Place ham on rack in roasting pan, fat side up
5. Add water or apple juice to bottom of pan
Make the Glaze
1. Combine all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan
2. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally
3. Cook until reduced and slightly thickened (about 10-15 minutes)
4. Set aside and keep warm
Baking Process
1. Initial Bake (1 hour)
- Cover ham loosely with foil
- Bake until internal temp reaches 120°F (49°C)
2. First Glaze:
- Remove foil
- Brush ham generously with glaze
- Return to oven uncovered for 20 minutes
3. Continued Glazing:
- Apply glaze every 20 minutes
- Continue baking until internal temp reaches 140°F (60°C)
- Tent loosely with foil if surface becomes too dark
4. Rest and Serve:
- Remove ham from oven
- Tent with foil and rest for 20-30 minutes
- Apply final glaze before serving
- Slice and serve warm
Tips for Success:
- Choose a ham with a good fat cap for best results
- Maintain consistent oven temperature
- Don't let the glaze burn - tent with foil if needed
- Save extra glaze for serving
- Baste with pan juices between glazing for extra moisture
Storage:
- Leftover ham will keep refrigerated for up to 5 days
- Leftover glaze can be refrigerated for up to 1 week
Make Ahead:
- Glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance
- Reheat gently before using
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with remaining warm glaze on the side
- Perfect for holiday meals
- Makes excellent sandwiches the next day
Pairs well with:
- Scalloped potatoes
- Roasted root vegetables
- Green bean casserole
- Sweet potato mash
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your ham and the accuracy of your oven's temperature. Always use a meat thermometer for best results.