Irresistible Christmas Ham Recipe for a Festive Feast

The aroma of a perfectly roasted ham wafting through the house during the holidays is enough to make anyone weak at the knees. Picture this: your family and friends gathered around, eyes sparkling with anticipation, as that stunning centerpiece glistens under the twinkling lights of your Christmas tree. This Irresistible Christmas Ham Recipe for a Festive Feast will not just fill bellies but also hearts with joy and laughter.

As you slice into that juicy ham, the sweet glaze caramelizes in front of you, releasing an intoxicating scent that brings back memories of laughter-filled holiday celebrations. Whether it’s Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day, this dish will become your go-to recipe, creating delicious moments you’ll cherish forever. For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.

I remember one Christmas when I served this ham; my cousin took one bite and exclaimed he’d found heaven on a plate!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bone-In Ham: A 7-10 pound bone-in ham is ideal for flavor; look for ones with a nice marbling for juiciness.
• Brown Sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar depending on how rich you want the glaze; both add sweetness.
• Honey: Opt for pure honey to enhance the glaze’s flavor and provide a lovely shine to your ham.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness beautifully; avoid yellow mustard here.
• Whole Cloves: Insert these aromatic gems into the ham for added depth; they’ll infuse wonderful flavors as it cooks.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash adds acidity and brightens up the glaze without overpowering it.
• Cinnamon Stick: A single stick infuses warmth into your glaze, making every bite feel like a cozy hug.
• Water: Necessary to keep your ham moist while baking; don’t skimp on this!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third so your ham fits snugly without touching any heating elements.

Prepare Your Ham: Remove any packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Place it cut-side down in a large roasting pan lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Create Your Glaze: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and water until smooth. It should be syrupy but pourable.

Add Whole Cloves and Cinnamon Stick: Score diamond patterns on the surface of your ham using a sharp knife. Insert whole cloves into each diamond intersection and toss in the cinnamon stick for added flavor.

Baste Your Ham Regularly: Pour half of your glaze over the ham before placing it in the oven. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour 30 minutes, basting every 20 minutes with more glaze.

Finish It Off!: When caramelization reaches perfection and your kitchen smells incredible (about 15 minutes before it’s done), increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) until bubbly and golden brown.

Your Irresistible Christmas Ham is now ready to impress! Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing—this helps keep all those flavorful juices intact!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips recipe.

Start by preparing your glaze while the oven preheats. Score the ham before placing it in the oven, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply and ensure even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out honey for maple syrup or experiment with different spices like cloves or allspice. These tweaks can elevate your holiday ham spectacularly.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerate leftover ham in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat servings in a covered dish at 325°F until warmed through, retaining moisture.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter and delicious smells filled the room, making every bite a celebration of love and togetherness.

FAQ

What type of ham is best for this recipe?

Use bone-in, fully cooked ham for maximum flavor and moisture retention during cooking.

Can I prepare this ham in advance?

Yes, you can prep the glaze and score the ham a day ahead for convenience.

How long should I cook a ham per pound?

Cook your ham about 15-18 minutes per pound at 325°F to ensure it’s heated through perfectly.