Every year, without fail, the centerpiece of our Christmas dinner is a glistening, perfectly glazed glass. What is a memory? I know some folks are all about the turkey, but for my family, it’s the ham that steal the show. What are some good ham recipes? It’s the one that has graced our table for as long as I can remember, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Is it easier to cook a whole chicken than roasting it?
What is Christmas Ham?
Think of Christmas ham as a celebration on a platter. It’s essentially a cured pork leg, often smoked, that’s been cooked to perfection and coated in a sweet and savory glaze. The name comes, of course, from its starring role on many Christmas dinner tables around the world. It’s a comforting, festive dish, perfect for sharing with loved ones. What makes it extra special is the glaze – it’s what gives the ham that incredible caramelized crust and adds layers of flavor. It’s not just ham; it’s an experience!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this particular Christmas ham recipe is a winner. First off, the flavor is simply incredible. The combination of the smoky ham with the sweet and tangy glaze is just divine. My secret is in the glaze – a mix of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a little pineapple juice for a tropical twist. It creates this gorgeous sticky crust that everyone fights over! What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s mostly hands-off cooking. You just prep the glaze, score the ham, and let the oven do its magic. The ingredient list is also pretty budget-friendly. You’re mainly paying for the ham itself, and the glaze ingredients are pantry staples. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as part of a traditional Christmas dinner, slice it up for sandwiches, or even use the leftovers in a delicious ham and bean soup. This one always gets rave reviews compared to just a honey-baked ham, so give it a try!
How do you make Christmas Ham?
Quick Overview
How do you make Christmas ham? We start by scoring the ham to help the glaze penetrate deeply. How do you make a delicious glaze? After that, it’s just a matter of baking the ham, basting it with the glaze every so often, and serving it. How do you caramelize a caramelized onion? What’s the beauty of this method? What are some tips for Is it worth the effort to create the aroma that will fill your home?
Ingredients
For the Christmas Ham:
• 1 (10-12 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham: A good quality bone is key here. I usually go for spiral-cut ham because it makes serving a breeze.
• Whole cloves: These add a warm, aromatic flavor and look festive when studded into the ham.
For the Glaze:
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: I like dark brown sugar for its richer molasses flavor. I prefer light brown or dark.
• 12 cup Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the sugar.
• 14 cup honey: Provides extra sweetness and helps the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
• 14 cup pineapple juice: Adds a touch of tropical sweetness and helps to tenderize the ham. How does apple juice work?
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness and adds a subtle tang.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For warmth and holiday spice.
How do I get
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a roasting rack inside the pan. This helps to keep the ham from sitting in its own juices and ensures even cooking. What is the best way to save a lot of scrubbing time?
Step 2: Score the Ham
Carefully score the ham in a diamond pattern, making cuts about 14 inch deep and 1 inch apart. How do you get the glaze to penetrate the ham and create those caramelized edges? If you’re using a spiral-cut ham, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Stud with Cloves
If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves at the points where the diamond pattern intersects. This is optional, but it adds a festive touch and warm, aromatic flavor. I usually use about 20-30 cloves.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the brown sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t let it boil!
Step 5: Bake the Ham
Place the ham on the roasting rack in the prepared pan. Brush about half of the glaze evenly over the ham. Bake for 2-2 12 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes. The internal temperature of ham should reach 140°F (60°C). I use a meat thermometer to be sure!
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. What is the best way to redistribute ham juices? What is the importance of resting and serving immediately?
What to Serve It With
Christmas ham is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it with a variety of sides. What are some of my favorite songs?
For a Traditional Christmas Dinner: What are some examples?What are some of the best dinner rolls? Roasted potatoes, green beans casserole, cranberry sauce, and dinner roll?
For a Holiday Brunch: Serve sliced ham with scrambled eggs, waffles, and a fresh fruit salad.
For a Casual Gathering:What are some good ham sandwiches on slider buns?
For Leftovers:What are some of the best ways to use leftover ham in a soup? What is ham and cheese omelet? My family loves using bone to make a flavorful broth. What are some good pairings for ham with au gratin potatoes?
What are some tips for perfecting your Christmas Ham?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Christmas ham recipe even better. Here are some of my top tips:
What is the right ham?What’s the best way to cook bone-in ham? What is the best way to serve ham with a spiral cut?
What is Scoring the Ham?How do you score the ham helps the glaze penetrate deeply and creates those beautiful caramelized edges. How do you cut ham too deep?
What is making the glaze?Don’t skip the pineapple juice! It adds a subtle sweetness and helps to tenderize the ham. If you don’t have pineapple juice, apple juice is a good substitute.
What is Basting the Ham?How do you make a caramelized ham every 30 minutes? Be sure to baste evenly, so the entire ham is coated in glaze.
What is a meat thermometer? A meat thermometer is your best friend when it comes to ensuring the ham is cooked to perfection. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
Resting the Ham: Letting the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are essential for preserving the flavor and texture of your Christmas ham. Here are some tips:
Storing Leftover Ham: Wrap the leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the ham for up to 2 months.
Reheating Ham: To reheat the ham, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham in a baking dish with a little water or broth to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the ham is heated through.
Freezing Ham: To freeze the ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the ham in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I find that freezing it in smaller portions makes it easier to use later!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Christmas ham recipe isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a memory, and a celebration of family and friends. It’s the dish that brings everyone together around the table, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas dinner, look no further. And hey, if you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my recipe for roasted turkey breast or my easy cranberry sauce. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this recipe and what variations you made. Don’t forget to rate this recipe too. Happy Holidays!
Christmas Ham Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 lb Fully cooked ham
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 0.5 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Ground cloves
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves.
- Score the ham and spread the glaze evenly over the ham.
- Bake for 1-1.5 hours, or until heated through and glaze is caramelized.
