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Ham with Bourbon, Molasses, and Pecan Glaze

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This impressive ham with bourbon, molasses, and pecan glaze is a show-stopping centrepiece for any celebratory feast or festive gathering. The rich, savoury-sweet coating uses dark brown sugar and toasted pecans to create a deeply flavoured, crunchy crust that complements the saltiness of the meat perfectly. By reducing the apple juice and bourbon into a concentrated syrup, you ensure every slice is infused with warmth and a subtle, smoky complexity that is truly irresistible.

As a high-protein main course, this roast is ideal for feeding a large crowd and yields excellent leftovers for sandwiches or salads the following day. Serving the ham with a tangy tangerine chutney provides a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the nut-based glaze. For a traditional touch, pair it with homemade buttermilk spoon bread to soak up the delicious juices, making a balanced and comforting meal that guests will remember.

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Ingredients for Ham with Bourbon, Molasses, and Pecan Glaze

  • 120ml apple juice (preferably fresh unfiltered)

  • 50g bourbon

  • 350g (packed) dark brown sugar

  • 200g pecans, toasted, cooled, finely ground

  • 60ml mild-flavoured (light) molasses

  • 45ml dry mustard

  • 1 whole bone-in 16- to 8.2kg ham

  • Tangerine Chutney

  • Buttermilk Spoon Bread

How to make Ham with Bourbon, Molasses, and Pecan Glaze

Boil juice and bourbon in small saucepan until reduced to scant 70g , about 6 minutes. Combine sugar, pecans, molasses, and mustard in bowl. Add bourbon mixture; stir to form thick paste. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to room temperature before using.)

Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 163°C. Line large roasting pan with heavy-duty foil, leaving overhang on all sides. Trim off skin and all but 1/4 inch fat from ham. Place ham, fat side up, in prepared pan. Roast ham until thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 54°C to 57°C, about 10 minutes per pound or 2 hours 40 minutes for 7.3kg ham.

Remove ham from oven; increase oven temperature to 218°C. Lightly score fat on ham in diamond pattern. Rub glaze thickly over top and sides of ham. Return ham to oven and roast until glaze is deep brown and bubbling, about 25 minutes. Let ham stand at least 20 minutes and up to 45 minutes. Serve with chutney and spoon bread.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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