Christmas is a time for celebration and indulgence, and no holiday feast is complete without a succulent and flavorful ham as the centerpiece. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying an intimate family dinner, ham offers a versatile and delicious option that can be prepared in various ways to suit your taste preferences. In this article, we will explore a selection of mouthwatering Christmas ham recipes that will impress your guests and make your festive season truly special.
1. Glazed Brown Sugar Ham:
A classic and crowd-pleasing option, glazed brown sugar ham is a beloved centerpiece for Christmas feasts. To make this delectable dish, start by scoring the ham and brushing it with a glaze made from brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a dash of cloves. Roast the ham until it’s perfectly tender and caramelized, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile that’s sure to delight everyone at the table.
How To Make Glazed Brown Sugar Ham
- 1 bone-in fully cooked ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it is ready when you are ready to roast the ham.
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Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will not only enhance the ham's appearance but also allow the glaze to penetrate and infuse the meat with flavor.
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Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved.
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Apply the Glaze: Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan, with the cut side facing down. Generously brush the ham with the glaze, making sure to coat the entire surface evenly.
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Bake the Ham: Cover the ham with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during cooking. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
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Baste the Ham: While the ham is baking, baste it with the glaze every 30 minutes to ensure it stays moist and absorbs the flavors of the glaze.
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Caramelize the Glaze: During the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). This will help caramelize the glaze, creating a delicious crust on the outside of the ham.
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Rest and Serve: Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender ham. Slice and serve your glazed brown sugar ham as the centerpiece of your holiday feast.
Tips:
To add extra depth of flavor, you can use a smoked or spiral-cut ham for this recipe.
If you prefer a spicier glaze, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
For a more intense caramelization, you can broil the ham for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time.
2. Pineapple-Glazed Ham:
For a tropical twist on your Christmas ham, consider a pineapple-glazed version. The combination of juicy pineapple juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard adds a delightful tang to the ham’s rich flavor. Top it off with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries for an eye-catching presentation that captures the festive spirit.
How To Make Pineapple-Glazed Ham
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it is ready when it's time to roast the ham.
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Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a criss-cross pattern. This allows the glaze to seep into the ham, enhancing its flavor and presentation.
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Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the ingredients are well combined and the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
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Apply the Glaze: Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan, with the cut side facing down. Generously brush the ham with the pineapple glaze, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
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Bake the Ham: Cover the ham with aluminum foil to keep it moist during baking. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
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Baste the Ham: While the ham is baking, baste it with the pineapple glaze every 30 minutes. This will infuse the ham with the sweet and tangy flavors of the pineapple glaze, creating a mouthwatering taste.
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Caramelize the Glaze: During the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). This step will caramelize the glaze, giving the ham a beautiful golden-brown crust.
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Rest and Serve: Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy ham. Carve and serve your pineapple-glazed ham as the centerpiece of your special occasion feast.
Tips:
For an extra burst of pineapple flavor, you can garnish the ham with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries before serving.
If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the pineapple glaze mixture.
Consider using a spiral-cut ham for easier serving and to allow the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat.
3. Bourbon-Glazed Ham:
Elevate your holiday feast with a bourbon-glazed ham that boasts a bold and sophisticated flavor profile. The glaze, made with bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a hint of cinnamon, adds a touch of warmth and complexity to the ham’s taste. This indulgent recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.
How To Make Bourbon-Glazed Ham
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it is ready when you're ready to roast the ham.
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Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a criss-cross pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate the ham and infuse it with the flavors of the bourbon glaze.
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Prepare the Bourbon Glaze: In a saucepan, combine the bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture over medium heat until all the ingredients are well combined and the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
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Apply the Glaze: Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan, with the cut side facing down. Generously brush the ham with the bourbon glaze, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
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Bake the Ham: Cover the ham with aluminum foil to keep it moist during baking. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
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Baste the Ham: While the ham is baking, baste it with the bourbon glaze every 30 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and create a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside of the ham.
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Rest and Serve: Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy ham. Carve and serve your bourbon-glazed ham as the star of your special occasion feast.
Tips:
For an extra touch of bourbon flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon to the glaze just before serving.
Garnish the ham with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for an appealing presentation and added aroma.
If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the bourbon glaze mixture.
4. Citrus and Herb-Glazed Ham:
Infuse your ham with bright and refreshing flavors by using a citrus and herb glaze. Combine orange juice, lemon zest, honey, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a zesty and aromatic glaze that complements the ham’s rich taste. This recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes.
How To Make Citrus and Herb-Glazed Ham
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- some Salt and pepper
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it is ready when you're ready to roast the ham.
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Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a criss-cross pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate the ham and infuse it with the flavors of the citrus and herbs.
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Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
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Apply the Glaze: Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan, with the cut side facing down. Generously brush the ham with the citrus and herb glaze, making sure to coat the entire surface.
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Bake the Ham: Cover the ham with aluminum foil to keep it moist during baking. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
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Baste the Ham: While the ham is baking, baste it with the citrus and herb glaze every 30 minutes. This will infuse the ham with the fresh and vibrant flavors of the citrus and herbs.
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Rest and Serve: Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy ham. Carve and serve your citrus and herb-glazed ham as the centerpiece of your holiday feast.
Tips:
For an extra burst of citrus flavor, you can add zest from the orange and lemon to the glaze mixture.
Garnish the ham with fresh citrus slices and sprigs of herbs before serving for an appealing presentation.
If you prefer a spicier glaze, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
5. Maple-Glazed Ham with Pecans:
For a truly decadent treat, try a maple-glazed ham with pecans. The combination of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and chopped pecans creates a rich and nutty glaze that perfectly complements the ham’s natural sweetness. This recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
How To Make Maple-Glazed Ham with Pecans
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it is ready when you're ready to roast the ham.
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Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a criss-cross pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate the ham and enhance its flavor.
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Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a saucepan, combine the pure maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, chopped pecans, unsalted butter, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the ingredients are well combined and the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
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Apply the Glaze: Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan, with the cut side facing down. Generously brush the ham with the maple glaze, making sure it covers the entire surface.
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Bake the Ham: Cover the ham with aluminum foil to keep it moist during baking. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
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Baste the Ham: While the ham is baking, baste it with the maple glaze every 30 minutes. This will infuse the ham with the sweet and nutty flavors of the maple and pecans.
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Toast the Pecans: In the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the ham. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking until the pecans are toasted and the glaze is caramelized.
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Rest and Serve: Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy ham. Carve and serve your maple-glazed ham with pecans as the star of your holiday feast.
Tips:
For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle some additional maple syrup over the ham before serving.
If you prefer a spicier glaze, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the maple glaze mixture.
Conclusion:
Christmas ham is a beloved tradition that brings joy and delight to holiday gatherings. With these mouthwatering recipes, you can elevate your Christmas feast and create a memorable and festive experience for your loved ones. Whether you opt for a classic glazed brown sugar ham, a tropical pineapple-glazed ham, or a sophisticated bourbon-glazed ham, each recipe offers its unique charm and flavor profile. Embrace the holiday spirit and indulge in these delectable Christmas ham recipes that are sure to make your festive season extra special.