There’s something magical about a beautifully glazed Christmas ham. It’s not just a meal; it’s the centerpiece of your holiday table. Its rich, savory flavors and mouthwatering glaze make it the perfect main dish to bring your Christmas feast to life.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone looking to impress family and friends with a delicious centerpiece, this recipe for Christmas Ham is all you need. With the right combination of sweet and savory flavors, your holiday ham will be a showstopper—perfectly glazed, juicy, and tender. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make!
Let’s dive into this ultimate Christmas Ham Recipe and get you on the path to a festive, flavorful holiday meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the ham:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice (for a fruity kick)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard (optional for texture)
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). A moderate temperature will allow your ham to cook evenly and absorb the glaze without drying out.
2. Prep the Ham:
If your ham is wrapped, remove it from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Score the surface of the ham with shallow diagonal cuts, creating a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and give it that gorgeous caramelized finish. Plus, it just looks pretty!
3. Make the Sweet & Savory Glaze:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, maple syrup or honey, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), soy sauce, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved, and the glaze has thickened slightly—this should take about 5 minutes.
Once it’s done, set the glaze aside, and you’re ready to start roasting!
4. Roast the Ham:
Place the ham on a large roasting rack in a roasting pan, fat-side up. This ensures the fat renders down into the meat, making it juicy and flavorful. Brush the ham generously with the glaze, making sure to cover every inch.
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with more glaze every 30 minutes. You’ll want to cook it until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), which should take about 18-20 minutes per pound.
5. Glaze for the Perfect Finish:
In the final 20-30 minutes of roasting, remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining glaze. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful golden-brown crust on the ham. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning, but let the ham cook uncovered until the glaze is sticky, shiny, and slightly bubbly.
6. Rest and Slice:
Once your ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices and ensures the ham stays tender and moist when you carve it.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the ham against the grain into thick, juicy slices and serve it with your favorite holiday sides. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to add a festive touch.
Why This Christmas Ham Will Steal the Show
A well-cooked ham is the heart of a great Christmas dinner, and this recipe delivers all the flavors you’re looking for. The balance of sweet maple syrup, tangy mustard, and savory soy sauce creates a glaze that beautifully complements the rich, tender meat. The result? A ham that’s crispy on the outside, succulent on the inside, and full of flavor from the very first bite.
The glaze adds that perfect touch of sweetness without overwhelming the natural savory goodness of the ham. Plus, with the scoring technique, every slice is infused with the incredible flavors of the glaze.
Tips for the Best Christmas Ham:
- Choose the Right Ham: Make sure to pick a fully cooked, bone-in ham for the best flavor. Bone-in hams are juicier and more flavorful than boneless hams, and the bone helps keep the ham moist during roasting.
- Glaze it Several Times: For the best results, glaze your ham multiple times while it roasts. This gives it a gorgeous, sticky coating that forms the perfect caramelized crust.
- Leftovers Galore: Ham leftovers are the gift that keeps on giving! From ham sandwiches to casseroles, soups, and even scrambled eggs with ham, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy your ham after the big day.
- Rest Before Carving: Let the ham rest after roasting. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful when sliced.
Pairing Your Christmas Ham:
Now that you have the perfect Christmas ham, let’s talk about side dishes. You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy macaroni and cheese, or classic stuffing. For something fresh and light, try a tangy green salad with citrus dressing or cranberry sauce to balance the richness of the ham.
And don’t forget the wine! A slightly sweet white wine, like Riesling or a sparkling Prosecco, pairs beautifully with the salty-sweet glaze of the ham.
A Ham That Will Have Everyone Coming Back for Seconds
There’s no better way to wow your guests than with a perfectly glazed, tender Christmas ham. This recipe combines the best of both worlds—sweet and savory—making it the ultimate dish to crown your holiday table.
It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guarantees that your Christmas feast will be remembered long after the last slice is gone. So, go ahead—make this Christmas ham the star of your holiday meal, and get ready to bask in the compliments!
What’s Your Favorite Ham Glaze?
Do you like your Christmas ham sweet, spicy, or a little tangy? Let us know in the comments how you customize your glaze or what sides you love pairing with this delicious holiday main dish.
With this recipe, you’ll have all the steps to create a flavorful, tender, and perfectly glazed Christmas ham that your guests will rave about. Enjoy the holiday season, and happy cooking!
