Making a Christmas ham has become one of those holiday kitchen moments I genuinely look forward to. There’s something magical about brushing on a glossy glaze and watching it slowly turn into a caramelized, golden crust. The aroma that fills the house feels instantly festive, and slicing into the warm, tender ham makes all the effort worth it. It’s a centerpiece dish that brings everyone to the table with excitement and sets the tone for a cozy, delicious Christmas meal.
Christmas Ham Recipe
10-12
servings15
minutes2
hours320
kcalIngredients
Bone-in ham – 8 to 10 lbs
Brown sugar – 1 cup
Honey – ½ cup
Dijon mustard – 2 tbsp
Cloves – 10 to 12
Pineapple juice – ½ cup
Orange zest – 1 tbsp
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Stud the ham with cloves.
- Whisk brown sugar, honey, mustard, pineapple juice, and orange zest.
- Brush half the glaze over the ham.
- Cover ham loosely with foil.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and brush more glaze.
- Bake 45–60 minutes, glazing every 20 minutes.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Information (Approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 1080mg
- Sugar: 20g
Expert Tips and Variations
Swap brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness, add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist, or use Dijon mustard instead of whole grain for sharper flavor; brush the ham with glaze every 20 minutes for a glossy finish and tent it with foil if browning too quickly; avoid overcooking, skipping the scoring step, or adding glaze too early to prevent burning.
How to Store and Reheat Christmas Ham
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven at low heat with a bit of water or foil to keep the meat moist.
FAQs
What is the best type of ham to use for Christmas ham?
A bone-in, fully cooked ham works best because it stays juicy, tender, and full of flavor during baking.
Do I need to score the ham before glazing?
Yes, scoring helps the glaze soak into the meat, creating a more flavorful and caramelized outer crust.
How long should I heat a fully cooked ham?
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 10–15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches 140°F internally.
What side dishes go well with Christmas ham?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, dinner rolls, or cranberry sauce pair perfectly.
