Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
Sweet, glossy and perfect for a festive feast, this Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham recipe transforms a classic roast into a show‑stopping centrepiece. The recipe features a rich glaze made from maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar and a sweet pork rub. It’s brushed over an Otway ham in the final stage of roasting so it caramelises into a glossy, flavour-packed crust.
As it roasts, the glaze thickens and caramelises, coating the ham in a beautifully shiny, flavour‑packed crust that balances smoky, sweet and slightly tangy notes. Ready in about 25 minutes prep and 1 hour 10 minutes cook time, this dish is ideal for holiday dinners, family gatherings or any special occasion where you want a crowd‑pleasing main.
Ingredients
- 1 x 7–8 kg Otway Ham, skin removed
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup bourbon
- 2.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 cup tomato ketchup
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 2.5 tablespoons of your favourite sweet pork rub
Method
In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar, sweet pork rub, and apple cider vinegar which balances the sweetness.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Once the glaze has thickened, it’s ready to use. Brush it generously on your cooked ham during the last 20-30 minutes of roasting. The glaze will caramelise as it cooks, creating a beautiful, shiny maple bourbon ham.
Notes
Add More Bourbon: If you love the rich, smoky flavour of bourbon, feel free to add a bit more. Just make sure to simmer it long enough to cook off the alcohol.
Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
Watch Ollie cook up the recipe here:
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FAQs
Can I make this glaze without bourbon?
Yes. Replace the bourbon with the same amount of apple juice for an alcohol-free version. Add a splash of extra apple cider vinegar to keep the balance of sweet and tangy.
What is a sweet pork rub, and what can I use instead?
It’s a dry seasoning blend, usually brown sugar, paprika, garlic, onion and salt, designed for pork. If you don’t have one, mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder and a pinch of salt.
When should I add the glaze to the ham?
Brush the glaze on during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking. Adding it too early can cause the sugars to burn before the ham is heated through.
Can I cook this ham on the BBQ instead of the oven?
Yes. Set the BBQ up for indirect heat, place the ham on the cooler side and close the lid. Glaze in the final 20 to 30 minutes as you would in the oven.
Recipe by OlliesQ.
