🍒 Smoked Cherry Bourbon Glazed Ham (Showstopper Holiday Recipe!)
Sweet, smoky, and boozy—this ham gets a double dose of flavor from a cherry-bourbon glaze and slow smoking. Perfect for Easter, Christmas, or any feast!
📝 Ingredients
For the Ham:
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked, bone-in ham (spiral-cut or whole)
- 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
For the Cherry Bourbon Glaze:
- 1 cup cherry preserves (or jam)
- ½ cup bourbon (or sub apple juice + 1 tsp vanilla)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)
For Smoking:
- Wood chips/chunks (hickory, cherry, or apple)
- 1 cup water or apple juice (for smoker pan)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Ham
- Score the ham fat in a diamond pattern (if not spiral-cut).
- Rub with mustard and paprika. Let sit 1 hour at room temp.
2. Make the Glaze
- Simmer cherry preserves, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon, vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and cayenne for 5-7 mins until thickened. Reserve ½ cup for serving.
3. Smoke the Ham
- Preheat smoker to 250°F (120°C) with wood chips.
- Place ham in smoker, add water/juice to the pan.
- Smoke 3-4 hours (until internal temp reaches 140°F/60°C), basting with glaze every 45 mins.
4. Rest & Serve
- Tent with foil, rest 20 mins. Drizzle with reserved glaze.
✨ Pro Tips
✔ No smoker? Use a grill with indirect heat + wood chips in foil.
✔ Extra shine? Broil 2-3 mins after glazing for a caramelized crust.
✔ Leftovers? Make cherry bourbon ham sliders or fried rice!
Sweet, smoky, and unforgettable—your new holiday centerpiece! 🎄🔥
Pair with: Scalloped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and cornbread. 🥔🌽
