Maple-Bourbon Ham Recipe

Name: Maple-Bourbon Ham
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons Dijon or honey-Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon bourbon or other sour-mash whiskey; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons coarse salt, either kosher or sea salt; 12-pound to 14-pound bone-in cooked ready to-eat ham; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup bourbon or other sour-mash whiskey; 1/4 cup cider vinegar; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons Dijon or honey-Dijon mustard; 3/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons bourbon or other sour-mash whiskey; 3 tablespoons Dijon or honey-Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons butter, preferably unsalted; 2 tablespoons minced onion; 1 tablespoon cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds, cracked; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Servings: persons

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons Dijon or honey-Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon bourbon or other sour-mash whiskey
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons coarse salt, either kosher or sea salt
12-pound to 14-pound bone-in cooked ready to-eat ham
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup bourbon or other sour-mash whiskey
1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons Dijon or honey-Dijon mustard
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons bourbon or other sour-mash whiskey
3 tablespoons Dijon or honey-Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons butter, preferably unsalted
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds, cracked
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1
The night before you plan to smoke the ham, score the top, fatty side of the ham in wide crisscross cuts through the fat layer, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
2
Combine the paste ingredients in a small bowl.
3
Apply the gooey, sticky paste evenly to the ham, pretending youre a kid playing in something that will appall your mother.
4
We find it easiest to manage the task if we arrange a large plastic bag on the counter, set the ham in the bag, rub the meat with the paste, and then pull the bag up snug and close it.
5
Refrigerate the ham overnight.
6
Before you begin to barbecue, take the ham from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes.
7
Prepare the smoker for barbecuing, bringing the temperature to 200F to 220F.
8
If you plan to baste the meat (see Notes, To Mop or Not), mix together the mop ingredients in a saucepan.
9
Warm the mop liquid over low heat.
10
Transfer the ham to the smoker.
11
Cook for 5 1/2 to 6 hours, basting the meat with the mop about once an hour in a wood burning pit, or as appropriate in your style of smoker.
12
Brush the ham with the glaze twice during the last hour of cooking.
13
The ham is ready when thoroughly heated through and infused with smoke flavor.

884

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 22 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons Dijon or honey-Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon bourbon or other sour-mash whiskey, and more.

Yes, Maple-Bourbon Ham falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Maple-Bourbon Ham

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions