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Quick Brown Sugar Bourbon Peach Glazed Ham Bites

brown sugar bourbon peach glazed ham bites - featured image

These quick and easy ham bites feature a sweet and savory glaze made from brown sugar, bourbon, and peach preserves, perfect for parties and last-minute appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound cooked ham, cut into 1-inch cubes (preferably smoked ham)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • ¼ cup peach preserves
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional garnish: fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, bourbon, peach preserves, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and melted butter. Stir continuously until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles gently, about 5 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer glaze until slightly thickened and syrupy, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid burning.
  4. Place ham cubes in a large bowl. Pour half of the warm glaze over ham and toss gently to coat evenly. Let marinate while preparing baking sheet.
  5. Spread glazed ham cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, turning ham pieces halfway through. When flipping, brush remaining glaze on ham for extra gloss and flavor.
  7. Remove from oven, sprinkle with ground black pepper and optional fresh herbs.
  8. Serve warm with toothpicks or small forks for easy snacking.

Notes

If glaze thickens too much while cooling, gently warm with a splash of water or bourbon to loosen. Turn ham pieces halfway during baking to prevent drying out and ensure even caramelization. For non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple juice or peach nectar. Use fresh peaches finely chopped and reduce preserves for a fresh fruit variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: ham bites, bourbon glaze, peach preserves, party appetizer, quick appetizer, brown sugar glaze, sweet and savory, easy recipe