Are you looking for a show-stopping centerpiece to take your Christmas dinner from ordinary to extraordinary? Look no further than a deliciously glazed and flavorful ham! With so many options to choose from, deciding which recipe to try can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled our top 20 festive ham recipes for Christmas dinner, each one more mouthwatering than the last.
From classic combinations like honey and brown sugar to unique twists like bourbon and cranberry, there’s something for every taste bud and skill level on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for an easy and impressive addition to your holiday spread, we’ve got you covered. So grab your apron and get ready to make some merry with these 20 festive ham recipes!
Honey Glazed Christmas Ham
A sweet and savory twist on traditional ham, this honey glazed Christmas ham is perfect for your holiday gathering. With a sticky glaze made from honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat side up.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, and cinnamon until smooth.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to cover it evenly.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday dinner with this sweet and savory glazed ham recipe featuring pineapple and brown sugar.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pineaple juice until well combined.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the fat layer in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Bake for 15 minutes per pound, or until an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) is reached.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
Maple Mustard Glazed Ham
Impress your guests with this delectable glazed ham recipe, featuring a perfect balance of sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard. Perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 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 maple syrup, mustard, brown sugar, garlic, and cinnamon.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the surface in a diamond pattern if desired.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines (if using).
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 reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
Slow Cooker Christmas Ham with Spices
Get ready to impress your holiday guests with this tender and flavorful slow-cooked ham, infused with a blend of warm spices.
Ingredients:
– 2-pound boneless ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a slow cooker, combine ham, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
3. Baste the ham with its juices every hour to keep it moist.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Bourbon Glazed Holiday Ham
A sweet and savory twist on a classic holiday staple, this Bourbon Glazed Holiday Ham is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, bourbon, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, salt, and pepper.
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 it evenly.
5. Roast the ham for 20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: approximately 2-3 hours
Orange Clove Glazed Ham
Impress your guests with this sweet and savory orange clove glazed ham, perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe combines the flavors of citrusy oranges and warm cloves to create a deliciously fragrant and flavorful glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, orange marmalade, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add orange juice and water to the glaze; stir until combined.
4. Place ham in a roasting pan and score the fat layer in a diamond pattern.
5. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scores.
6. Bake for 20-25 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: approximately 2-3 hours
Cherry Cola Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and savory cherry cola glazed ham, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) boneless ham
– 1 cup cherry cola
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine cherry cola, brown sugar, mustard, and honey. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove ham from packaging and place in a roasting pan or a large Dutch oven. Score the fat layer on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the cherry cola glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove 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 ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Garlic Herb Crusted Christmas Ham
Elevate your holiday gathering with this aromatic and flavorful Garlic Herb Crusted Christmas Ham. Perfect for a special occasion, this recipe combines the savory flavors of garlic and herbs with the tender juiciness of slow-cooked ham.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) bone-in Christmas ham
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the fat layer in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the ham all over with the garlic herb mixture.
5. Roast the ham for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Apple Cider Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and savory apple cider glazed ham recipe. This mouthwatering dish is perfect for a special occasion or everyday meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup apple cider
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and mustard. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes or until glaze thickens slightly.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan, scored fat side up.
5. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
6. Bake the ham for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Smoked Christmas Ham with Molasses
Smoked Christmas Ham with Molasses Recipe
Elevate your holiday gathering with this sweet and savory smoked ham recipe, infused with the deep flavor of molasses.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup molasses
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 cup apple cider or pineapple juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, molasses, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Rub the spice mixture all over the ham, making sure to get some into the scored lines.
5. Place the ham in the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Baste the ham with apple cider or pineapple juice every hour during the last 2 hours of smoking.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Spiced Rum Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and savory Spiced Rum Glazed Ham recipe. A perfect combination of warm spices, rich rum, and sticky glaze, this ham is sure to be the star of any celebration.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup spiced rum
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, spiced rum, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scored diamond-style if desired.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to cover all surfaces.
5. Roast for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Cranberry Mustard Glazed Ham
A sweet and tangy glaze elevates this classic ham recipe to new heights.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
– 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, mustard, brown sugar, honey, and cloves.
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan, scored in a diamond pattern if desired.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Cover the pan 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 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Pomegranate Glazed Holiday Ham
Add a pop of color and flavor to your holiday table with this sweet and savory Pomegranate Glazed Holiday Ham recipe. This impressive main course is sure to impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pomegranate juice, honey, brown sugar, mustard, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat side up.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
6. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Rosemary and Honey Baked Ham
Elevate your holiday gathering with this fragrant and flavorful Rosemary and Honey Baked Ham. This sweet and savory combination is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 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 honey, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the fat layer in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the honey-rosemary mixture evenly over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the ham and place it in the oven.
6. Bake for 2 hours or until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Brown Sugar and Dijon Glazed Ham
Add a touch of sweetness and tanginess to your holiday ham with this easy-to-make glaze recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and salt until smooth.
3. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, fat side up.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.
5. Roast the ham for 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the size of your ham.
Pineapple Rum Glazed Ham
Pineapple Rum Glazed Ham Recipe
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and savory pineapple rum glazed ham. This mouthwatering main course is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons dark rum
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, rum, honey, mustard, cloves, and pepper.
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Place ham in a roasting pan, scoring the surface in a diamond pattern if desired.
5. Brush glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scores (if using).
6. Cover ham with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Peach Ginger Glazed Christmas Ham
Elevate your holiday table with this sweet and savory peach ginger glazed ham, perfect for a festive gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup peach preserves
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine peach preserves, brown sugar, ginger, honey, mustard, and lemon juice.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, scored in a diamond pattern if desired.
5. Brush the peach glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the cuts.
6. Roast the ham for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Apricot Glazed Ham with Thyme
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and savory apricot glazed ham, infused with the earthy aroma of thyme. This show-stopping main course is perfect for a special occasion or everyday dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup apricot preserves
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, chopped
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, honey, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the fat layer in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Cover the pan 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
Balsamic Fig Glazed Holiday Ham
A sweet and savory twist on traditional holiday ham, this Balsamic Fig Glazed Holiday Ham is perfect for your holiday gatherings. The combination of caramelized figs and tangy balsamic glaze adds depth and complexity to the classic glazed ham.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1 cup fig jam
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine fig jam, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, mustard, and thyme. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Place ham in a roasting pan, scoring the surface in a diamond pattern if desired.
4. Brush glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
6. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 1/2 hours
Spicy Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Spicy Brown Sugar Glazed Ham Recipe
Add a sweet and spicy twist to your holiday ham with this easy-to-make glaze recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, mustard, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened slightly.
4. Score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
5. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan and brush with glaze.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
7. Let ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Summary
Get ready to elevate your Christmas dinner with these 20 festive ham recipes! From classic glazes like honey and brown sugar, to unique twists like pineapple rum and pomegranate, there’s something for every taste. Try our slow cooker Christmas ham with spices or the bourbon glazed holiday ham for a sophisticated touch. Or go traditional with our garlic herb crusted Christmas ham or maple mustard glazed ham. Whatever your preference, these recipes are sure to make your Christmas dinner a hit.
