BLiS Easter Ham Glaze
Some holiday traditions are worth keeping. Others deserve an upgrade. This Easter ham glaze definitely falls into the second category.
Our founder, Chef Steve Stallard, created this recipe to showcase how our Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup transforms an ordinary ham into something memorable. The barrel-aged flavor adds complexity that perfectly complements the savory ham, while the brown sugar and mustard create that ideal sweet-heat balance.
What makes this glaze special is its simplicity. Just combine the ingredients, reduce until syrupy, then brush repeatedly over your ham during the final minutes of cooking. The result is a beautifully lacquered exterior with a depth of flavor that store-bought glazes just can't match.
We've served this at countless family gatherings, and the ham disappears faster every year. Give it a try this Easter—your guests will notice the difference.
Procedure
Prepare the ham: Insert whole cloves into the ham in an even pattern, spacing them approximately 1-2 inches apart. If using a spiral-cut ham, try to keep it as intact as possible while adding the cloves.
Initial baking: Place ham in a roasting pan with 1-2 cups of water. Cover and bake at 325°F until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Glazing process:
- Increase oven temperature to 400°F
- Brush ham generously with BLiS ham glaze
- Return to oven for a few minutes
- Remove and apply another layer of glaze
- Repeat this glazing process several times over about 20 minutes until the ham develops a shiny, lacquered appearance
Serving: Present the ham with cloves still intact. Remove cloves just before slicing or plating.
BLiS Ham Glaze
Initial glaze preparation: Combine BLiS Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup, dark brown sugar, and Colman's English Mustard in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until reduced by approximately ⅓ in volume to reach a syrupy consistency.
For enhanced flavor (optional): Once the ham has been cooking for some time, collect 1 cup of pan drippings and incorporate into the glaze mixture. Reduce again briefly if needed to maintain syrupy consistency.
Finish the glaze: Remove from heat and stir in the butter until completely incorporated.
Apply to ham: Use to glaze the ham according to the main recipe instructions.
Note: If you prefer a richer glaze, wait until the ham is partially cooked to prepare the glaze so you can incorporate the drippings. For convenience, you can prepare the basic glaze in advance and add drippings later, or simply omit the drippings for a still-delicious result.