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Perfect Smoked Ham Recipe with Cherry Bourbon Glaze and Clove Studs

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A flavorful smoked ham studded with cloves and glazed with a rich cherry bourbon sauce, perfect for holidays and special dinners. This recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and delivers a tender, juicy centerpiece with a smoky, sweet, and spiced flavor.

Ingredients

  • Bone-in smoked ham, 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kg), pre-cooked and ready to heat (spiral-cut recommended)
  • Whole cloves, 30-40 cloves
  • Cherry preserves, 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Bourbon, 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Brown sugar, 1/2 cup (100 grams), packed
  • Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
  • Apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
  • Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram)
  • Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 gram), freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add soaked wood chips such as apple or cherry wood.
  2. Remove the ham from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Using a sharp paring knife, stud cloves evenly around the ham’s surface about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
  3. Place the ham fat side up on a roasting pan or disposable foil tray. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
  4. Smoke the ham at 225°F (107°C) for approximately 3 to 4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
  5. While the ham smokes, combine cherry preserves, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and black pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently and simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Once the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), brush a generous layer of the cherry bourbon glaze all over the surface. Return the ham to the smoker for another 20–30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes to create a caramelized crust.
  7. Remove the ham from the smoker and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Slice the ham along the spiral slices or carve into thick slices. Serve warm with any remaining glaze on the side.

Notes

Use fruitwoods like apple or cherry for smoking to complement the glaze. Keep a spray bottle with apple juice to spritz the ham every hour to maintain moisture. Tent the ham with foil if the glaze starts to burn. For a non-alcoholic glaze, substitute bourbon with apple or cherry juice. Oven-baking option: bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 15 minutes per pound, glazing in the last 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked ham, cherry bourbon glaze, clove studs, holiday ham, smoked meat, easy smoked ham, bourbon glaze, festive ham recipe

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/perfect-smoked-ham-recipe-with-cherry-bourbon-glaze-and-clove-studs-easy-step-by-step-guide/