As the holiday season approaches, many of us are scrambling to come up with a menu that will impress our guests and satisfy their cravings. And what’s more classic than a juicy, savory ham as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast? From sweet and sticky glazes to savory spice blends, there are countless ways to prepare this beloved protein. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouth-watering ham recipes that are sure to become new favorites at your holiday table. Whether you’re looking for a classic glazed spiral ham or something a little more adventurous like a smoked ham with peach glaze, we’ve got you covered.
Stay tuned for our next installment, where we’ll dive into the world of glazes and marinades, sharing the secrets to making your ham truly unforgettable…
Honey Glazed Spiral Ham
Impress your family and friends with this sweet and savory spiral ham recipe, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. The honey glaze adds a sticky and caramel-like flavor that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) boneless spiral ham
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
3. Place the spiral ham in a roasting pan, scored side up.
4. Brush the honey glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scores.
5. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Brown Sugar and Mustard Baked Ham
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional baked ham, this recipe combines the richness of brown sugar with the savory flavor of mustard for a truly unique taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, mustard, honey, cloves, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
4. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
5. Spread the brown sugar mixture evenly over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into all the crevices.
6. Bake for 2-3 hours or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Pineapple Glazed Holiday Ham
Elevate your holiday gathering with this sweet and savory Pineapple Glazed Holiday Ham recipe. This mouthwatering dish is perfect for the centerpiece of your Christmas or Easter table.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until glaze thickens slightly.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with ground cloves.
4. Bake the ham for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the pineapple glaze all over the ham.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours for a 4-6 pound ham.
Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham
This sweet and savory glazed ham is perfect for a special occasion or holiday gathering. With the combination of maple syrup, bourbon, and spices, this dish is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, mustard, cloves, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scored side up.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scores.
5. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Ham with Coca-Cola Glaze
Elevate your holiday gathering with this easy and impressive slow cooker ham recipe, featuring a rich Coca-Cola glaze. This sweet and savory combination is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup Coca-Cola
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the slow cooker to Low.
2. Place the ham in the slow cooker, cut side down.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Coca-Cola, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, and salt.
4. Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or until the ham is tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Apple Cider Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and savory Apple Cider Glazed Ham recipe, perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup apple cider
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, honey, brown sugar, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
5. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
6. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Serves: 8-10 people
Herb-Crusted Roasted Ham
Elevate your holiday gathering with this flavorful and visually appealing Herb-Crusted Roasted Ham recipe. A simple yet impressive main course that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and brown sugar.
3. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Place the ham on a roasting rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or a large roasting pan.
5. Brush the herb mixture evenly onto the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Roast for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours.
Smoked Ham with Peach Glaze
Transform your ordinary ham into an extraordinary dish with this sweet and smoky recipe. A tangy peach glaze adds a new dimension to the classic smoked ham.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) smoked ham
– 1/2 cup peach preserves
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peach preserves, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon.
3. Score the fat layer of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush the peach glaze all over the surface, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized.
7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Ham
Impress your guests with this flavorful and aromatic roasted ham recipe, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and chopped rosemary.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scored diamond-pattern if desired.
4. Rub the garlic-rosemary mixture all over the surface of the ham, making sure to get some into the crevices.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours (depending on ham size)
Orange Marmalade Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday gathering with this sweet and savory ham recipe, featuring a tangy orange marmalade glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup orange marmalade
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together orange marmalade, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and garlic.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the fat in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and place in the oven.
6. Baste every 20 minutes with the pan juices until the ham is caramelized and golden brown (about 2 hours).
7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Pomegranate Glazed Ham with Thyme
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this show-stopping Pomegranate Glazed Ham, infused with the warmth of thyme. This sweet and savory glaze adds a pop of color and flavor to your ham, making it a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate juice, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and thyme.
3. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to cover evenly.
5. Roast the ham for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until caramelized and cooked through.
6. Glaze every 30 minutes with the remaining pomegranate mixture.
7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Spiced Rum Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday gathering with this sweet and spicy Spiced Rum Glazed Ham. This recipe combines the rich flavors of brown sugar, maple syrup, and rum to create a sticky glaze that will leave your guests begging for seconds.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons dark rum
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, rum, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cranberry Mustard Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this flavorful and visually appealing ham recipe. A perfect blend of sweet cranberries, tangy mustard, and savory spices creates a glaze that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup whole cranberry sauce
– 1/4 cup dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, mustard, brown sugar, orange marmalade, cloves, and cinnamon.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking until smooth.
4. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the fat layer in a diamond pattern.
5. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure it’s fully coated.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Pineapple and Brown Sugar Ham Steaks
Sweet and savory Pineapple and Brown Sugar Ham Steaks are a perfect addition to any gathering. This recipe combines the richness of ham with the tropical flavors of pineapple and brown sugar, creating a deliciously sweet and savory dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 ham steaks (about 1/2 inch thick)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves.
3. Place ham steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the sugar mixture evenly onto each ham steak, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Top each ham steak with pineapple chunks.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is cooked through.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ham with Apricot and Ginger Glaze
This sweet and savory glaze is a perfect accompaniment to a classic ham. The combination of apricots, ginger, and mustard creates a unique flavor profile that will elevate your holiday meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup apricot preserves
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine apricot preserves, brown sugar, mustard, and grated ginger.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
5. Place the ham in a roasting pan and bake for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, baste the ham with chicken broth every 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 2-4 hours
Balsamic Fig Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday table with this sweet and savory Balsamic Fig Glazed Ham recipe, perfect for special occasions or everyday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons fig jam
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, fig jam, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the fat in a diamond pattern if desired.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until caramelized and golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Cherry Cola Glazed Ham
This show-stopping ham recipe combines the classic flavors of cherry cola with a hint of sweetness, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. With a simple glaze made from pantry staples and a few unexpected ingredients, you’ll be the star of the dinner table.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1 cup cherry cola
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine cherry cola, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove glaze from heat and stir in ground cloves.
4. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the fat layer in a diamond pattern.
5. Brush glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: approximately 2-3 hours
Ham with Clove and Molasses Glaze
Transform your ham into a sweet and savory masterpiece with this easy recipe. A blend of clove, molasses, and spices creates a glaze that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 tablespoons mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, molasses, mustard, cloves, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to cover every surface.
5. Roast the ham for 2-1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Baste the ham with its own juices and glaze every 30 minutes during the last hour of cooking.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Pecan Crusted Ham with Maple Drizzle
Elevate your holiday table with this sweet and savory combination of crispy pecans, tender ham, and rich maple syrup. This impressive yet easy-to-make dish is perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) boneless ham
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the ham on a roasting pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Coat the ham evenly with the pecan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. While the ham is cooking, prepare the maple drizzle by whisking together maple syrup and honey in a small bowl.
7. Remove the ham from the oven and brush with the maple drizzle.
8. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Ham with Spiced Apple Butter Glaze
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and savory ham recipe, featuring a tangy spiced apple butter glaze that’s sure to impress. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a special occasion or everyday meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup spiced apple butter (see below)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
Spiced Apple Butter:
– 2 cups cooked, mashed apples (such as Granny Smith or Gala)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together spiced apple butter ingredients.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up.
4. Brush the spiced apple butter glaze all over the ham, making sure to cover the entire surface.
5. Sprinkle brown sugar and honey evenly over the ham.
6. Roast for 2-1/2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Summary
Get ready to impress your guests this Thanksgiving with these 20 mouth-watering ham recipes! From classic glazed hams to unique flavor combinations, there’s something for everyone. Try Honey Glazed Spiral Ham or Brown Sugar and Mustard Baked Ham for a traditional twist. Or, go bold with Maple Bourbon Glazed Ham or Smoked Ham with Peach Glaze. These recipes offer a range of flavors and textures to elevate your holiday spread. Whether you’re looking for sweet, savory, or spicy, there’s a ham recipe here that’s sure to please.
