The Ultimate Christmas Ham: A Sweet & Savory Holiday Centerpiece

Why This Recipe Works: Effortless Elegance for Your Holiday Feast

Baking a show-stopping ham for your holiday dinner might seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly straightforward with the right approach. This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor, particularly for those who opt for a fully-cooked, bone-in, spiral-cut ham. The beauty of starting with a pre-cooked ham is that the main work – cooking the meat through – is already done. Our primary focus then shifts to crafting an extraordinary glaze that infuses every slice with incredible flavor and keeps the ham wonderfully juicy.

The magic truly happens with the glaze. My go-to combination features the bright, zesty notes of orange juice, a warm symphony of spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and allspice, all balanced by the deep, molasses-rich sweetness of dark brown sugar. This blend not only adds layers of aromatic flavor but also helps to lock in moisture, ensuring your ham remains incredibly tender and succulent. The harmonious contrast between the inherent saltiness of the ham and the sweet, spiced glaze is simply divine, creating a culinary experience that will impress every guest at your holiday table.

While many traditional ham recipes suggest studding the entire ham with whole cloves, I find using ground spices mixed directly into the glaze to be far more practical and equally flavorful, especially when working with a pre-sliced spiral-cut ham. This method ensures that the aromatic spices are evenly distributed, coating every crevice of the ham without the hassle of individually inserting cloves. For the base of your glaze, while I highly recommend dark brown sugar for its rich caramel notes and moisture-retaining properties, you can also achieve a fantastic glaze using honey or maple syrup, each lending its own unique sweetness to the dish.

This recipe truly works because it takes the complexity out of holiday cooking, allowing you to focus on the joy of the season. With minimal effort, you can transform a simple ham into a glazed masterpiece that’s bursting with festive flavor, making it the perfect centerpiece for Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Your Christmas Ham

Creating a truly memorable Christmas ham starts with a selection of quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to bring this incredible recipe to life:

• Fully-Cooked Ham (Bone-in, Spiral Cut): This is the foundation of our dish. Opting for a fully-cooked ham simplifies the process significantly, as you’re primarily reheating and glazing. Bone-in hams tend to offer more flavor and moisture thanks to the bone marrow. Spiral-cut hams are incredibly convenient as they are already sliced, making carving a breeze and allowing the glaze to penetrate deep into the meat. Aim for an 8 to 9-pound ham for a standard holiday gathering.
• Orange Juice: The vibrant base of our glaze. Freshly squeezed orange juice is highly recommended for its bright, tangy citrus notes that perfectly complement the rich flavors of the ham and spices. It adds a delicious acidity that cuts through the sweetness and fat.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter brings a rich, creamy depth to the glaze and helps in creating that beautiful golden-brown caramelization on the ham’s exterior. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness, which is important given the inherent salt content of most hams.
• Aromatic Spices: This blend is key to that quintessential holiday flavor profile.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a sweet, woody aroma.
  • Ground Cloves: Provides a pungent, sweet, and slightly bitter note that is classic in ham glazes. Using ground cloves, as opposed to whole, ensures an even distribution of flavor without the need for removal.
  • Ground Ginger: Offers a spicy, sweet, and aromatic kick that brightens the glaze.
  • Allspice: A versatile spice that, as its name suggests, tastes like a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, tying all the flavors together harmoniously.
• Dark Brown Sugar (Packed): This is my top recommendation for the glaze. Dark brown sugar has a higher molasses content than light brown sugar, which means more moisture, a deeper caramel flavor, and a richer color. It’s crucial for achieving that super juicy texture and glossy finish. Make sure to pack it tightly when measuring.
• Dijon or Honey Mustard: A small amount of mustard adds a subtle tang and a slight peppery bite that beautifully balances the sweetness of the glaze. Dijon mustard provides a sharp, sophisticated flavor, while honey mustard offers a milder, sweeter complement. Choose based on your preference for a sharper or softer flavor profile.

With these carefully selected ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a Christmas ham that’s not only easy to prepare but also bursting with complex, festive flavors.

Crafting the Perfect Ham Glaze: Sweet, Spiced & Irresistible

The glaze is where the magic happens, transforming a simple ham into a festive masterpiece. This recipe utilizes a quick and easy microwave method for the glaze, but a stovetop option is also provided for those who prefer it. The goal is a luscious, bubbly, and slightly thickened syrup that will cling beautifully to your ham.

Microwave Method for Glaze:

To begin, combine the measured unsalted butter, orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, allspice, and packed dark brown sugar in a microwave-safe dish or large measuring cup. Place the mixture in the microwave and heat it in 20-second increments. Stir well after each interval. Continue heating until the butter is completely melted and the brown sugar has dissolved, forming a smooth liquid. Once melted, continue to microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring in between. Keep a close eye on it, as the glaze can foam up and overflow if left unattended. The glaze is ready when it becomes bubbly and slightly thickened, reaching a syrupy consistency. Be careful not to overcook it, as prolonged heating can lead to a hard, crystallized caramel once it cools, making it difficult to spread.

Stovetop Method for Glaze (Alternative):

If you prefer to make your glaze on the stovetop, combine all the glaze ingredients (butter, orange juice, spices, and brown sugar) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sugar fully dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Again, be cautious not to over-reduce it to prevent it from becoming too hard when cooled. The stovetop method allows for more precise control over the thickening process.

Once your glaze is prepared, it’s ready to bring its incredible flavor to your Christmas ham. The sweet and savory aromas will fill your kitchen, setting the perfect festive mood.

How to Bake Christmas Ham to Perfection

Achieving a perfectly baked, juicy, and flavorful Christmas ham is simpler than you might think, especially with a fully-cooked ham. Follow these steps for a stress-free holiday centerpiece:

1. Prepare the Ham: Carefully remove your fully-cooked ham from its packaging. Discard any plastic or netting. It’s also a good idea to pat the ham dry with paper towels. Make a note of the ham’s weight, as this will be crucial for calculating the precise baking time.
2. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to a gentle 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). A lower temperature ensures the ham heats through evenly without drying out the exterior, making for a tender result.
3. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Select a large baking dish that can comfortably accommodate the ham. A sturdy aluminum foil roasting pan or a 13″x9″ (or larger, depending on ham size) baking dish works well. For easier cleanup, you can line the dish with aluminum foil.
4. Position the Ham: Place the ham cut-side down into the prepared baking dish. If your ham is not spiral-cut, you may score the fat cap in a diamond pattern before applying the glaze; however, this is unnecessary for a spiral-cut ham.
5. Apply the First Layer of Glaze: Generously pour about half of your prepared sweet and spiced glaze evenly over the ham. Allow it to seep into the spiral cuts, maximizing flavor penetration.
6. Cover for Moisture: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. This tenting method is vital for trapping moisture and steam, preventing the ham from drying out during the heating process. It also helps the glaze to meld with the ham’s natural juices.
7. Begin Baking: Place the covered ham in the preheated oven.
8. Monitor and Finish Baking: During the last 30-45 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and create that beautiful, glossy crust. For an extra sticky and flavorful finish, you can baste the ham with the pan juices and remaining glaze every 10-15 minutes during this uncovered period.
9. Check for Doneness: The most crucial step is ensuring the ham reaches the correct internal temperature. Since it’s fully cooked, you’re primarily reheating it. Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. The ham is perfectly heated when it reads 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
10. Rest the Ham: Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the ham from the oven. Tent it loosely with foil again and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the ham along its natural spiral cuts or carve it to your preference. Serve immediately with any collected pan juices or additional glaze on the side.

Optimal Cooking Time for a Juicy Ham

One of the most common questions when preparing a holiday ham is, “How long do I cook it?” Since most hams sold for holiday feasts are fully-cooked, your primary goal isn’t to cook it from raw, but rather to gently heat it through to a safe and enjoyable serving temperature while allowing the glaze to adhere and caramelize.

As a general guideline, you should plan to bake your fully-cooked ham for **13 to 14 minutes per pound** at an oven temperature of 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). For example, an 8-pound ham would take approximately 104 to 112 minutes (about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 1 hour and 52 minutes). A 9-pound ham would take around 117 to 126 minutes (about 1 hour and 57 minutes to 2 hours and 6 minutes).

However, these are estimates. The most reliable way to determine if your ham is perfectly heated is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, being careful not to touch the bone. The ham is ready when its internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). For best results, start checking the temperature about 30-45 minutes before the estimated cook time is up, as oven calibration and ham shape can cause slight variations.

For that irresistible crispy, caramelized glaze, you can opt for an additional step at the very end of the baking process. Once the ham reaches 140 degrees F, you can briefly increase the oven temperature or use the broiler setting for a minute or two. Keep a very close eye on it during this time, as glazes can burn quickly under high heat. This broiling step creates a beautiful, sticky, and slightly charred crust that adds another layer of texture and flavor.

Remember, patience and a meat thermometer are your best friends in ensuring your holiday ham is perfectly heated and delightfully juicy.

Preventing Dryness: Tips for a Moist and Tender Ham

Nothing is more disappointing than a dry, tough ham after all the effort of holiday meal preparation. Fortunately, with a few simple techniques, you can ensure your Christmas ham is consistently juicy, tender, and flavorful from edge to center. The key lies in strategic glazing, proper covering, and temperature management:

1. Glaze Generously and Continuously: The sweet and savory glaze does more than just add flavor; it forms a protective barrier that helps seal in moisture. Apply an initial generous layer of glaze before baking, ensuring it seeps into any spiral cuts. During the final stages of baking, especially when the ham is uncovered, baste it frequently (every 10-15 minutes) with the pan juices and additional glaze. This rehydrates the surface and builds up that delicious, caramelized crust.
2. Cover with Aluminum Foil: This is a non-negotiable step for moisture retention. Throughout the majority of the baking time, keep your ham loosely covered with aluminum foil. The foil acts as a tent, trapping steam and heat around the ham, which prevents the exterior from drying out and helps the ham to heat through gently and evenly. Only remove the foil for the last 30-45 minutes to allow the glaze to properly caramelize.
3. Baste with Pan Juices: As the ham bakes, flavorful juices will collect at the bottom of the roasting pan. Don’t let these go to waste! Use a basting brush or spoon to periodically baste the ham with these juices. This adds back moisture and reinforces the rich flavors of the ham and glaze. If the pan seems dry, you can add a small amount of apple juice, chicken broth, or water to the bottom of the pan to create more basting liquid and prevent scorching.
4. Bake at a Low Temperature: As outlined in the cooking instructions, baking your ham at a relatively low temperature (325 degrees F or 160 degrees C) is crucial for preventing dryness. High heat can cause the exterior of the ham to cook too quickly and dry out before the interior has a chance to warm up. A lower, slower heat ensures that the ham heats up uniformly, preserving its natural moisture throughout.
5. Don’t Overcook: Perhaps the most critical tip! Remember, your ham is already fully cooked; you are merely reheating it. Overcooking is the quickest way to end up with dry ham. Always use a reliable meat thermometer and remove the ham from the oven as soon as it reaches the target internal temperature of 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
6. Rest Before Carving: Once out of the oven, resist the urge to carve immediately. Tent the ham loosely with foil and allow it to rest for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the internal juices, which have migrated to the center during heating, to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. The result is a uniformly moist and tender slice every time.

By following these simple yet effective techniques, you can confidently prepare a Christmas ham that is consistently moist, succulent, and utterly delicious, making it a highlight of your holiday meal.

What to Serve with Your Holiday Ham

A perfectly glazed Christmas ham is a showstopper on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary side dishes. The balance of sweet and savory in the ham allows for a wide array of options, from comforting classics to vibrant vegetable preparations. Here are some of our favorite side dishes that will complete your festive spread and delight your guests:

Beyond these, consider other festive favorites like classic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted asparagus, or even a fresh cranberry sauce for an extra touch of tartness. Dinner rolls or cornbread are also excellent for soaking up any delicious pan juices. The possibilities are endless for creating a memorable holiday feast!

Choosing the Best Ham for Your Holiday Feast

When it comes to selecting the perfect ham for your special occasion, the options can sometimes be overwhelming. However, making an informed choice can significantly impact the flavor, texture, and ease of preparation of your holiday meal. In my opinion, and for this particular recipe, the most flavorful and succulent choice is a **fully-cooked, bone-in ham**.

Why Fully-Cooked?

A fully-cooked ham is a game-changer for holiday entertaining. It means the ham has already been cured, smoked, and fully cooked by the producer, allowing you to simply reheat it to a safe serving temperature (140°F / 60°C) and focus your efforts on creating an exceptional glaze. This drastically reduces cooking time and stress, ensuring a delicious result without the guesswork involved in cooking a raw ham.

The Advantage of Bone-In:

While boneless hams offer convenience for slicing, a bone-in ham typically yields a more flavorful and juicy result. The bone itself imparts a deeper, richer ham flavor into the meat as it heats. Furthermore, the bone helps to insulate the meat, preventing it from drying out as quickly and contributing to a more tender texture.

Spiral-Cut for Convenience and Flavor:

For ultimate ease and superior glaze absorption, I highly recommend a spiral-cut ham. These hams are pre-sliced into uniform, thin spirals all the way down to the bone. This not only makes carving incredibly simple (you just slice around the bone!), but the cuts also create more surface area for the glaze to penetrate and caramelize. Every slice comes out perfectly coated with that irresistible sweet and savory crust, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.

Other Considerations:

• Half Ham vs. Whole Ham: Depending on your guest count, you can choose a half ham (typically 7-10 lbs) or a whole ham (14-20 lbs). A half ham is often more manageable for smaller gatherings.
• “City Ham” vs. “Country Ham”: This recipe is for a “city ham,” which is brined, sometimes smoked, and typically fully-cooked. Country hams are dry-cured, saltier, and usually require soaking and longer cooking times, making them less suitable for this quick-glaze method.
• Water Added vs. Ham Water Added: Look for hams labeled simply “ham” or “ham with natural juices” rather than “ham water added.” The latter can sometimes indicate a lower quality ham with more injected water, which can dilute flavor.

By opting for a fully-cooked, bone-in, spiral-cut ham, you’re setting yourself up for success, ensuring a holiday centerpiece that is both impressive and incredibly delicious, with minimal fuss.

Delicious Ideas for Leftover Christmas Ham

One of the best parts about making a large Christmas ham is the delightful bounty of leftovers! Ham is incredibly versatile, and there are countless ways to transform it into new, exciting meals for days to come. Don’t let a single savory morsel go to waste with these delicious ideas:

• Ham Sandwiches and Sliders: The simplest and often most satisfying use! Pile thinly sliced ham onto fresh bread with your favorite cheese, lettuce, and tomato for a quick lunch. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer or light meal, my Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders are always a hit, featuring savory ham and melted cheese on sweet rolls.
• Hearty Casseroles: Leftover ham is a natural fit for comforting casseroles. My Ham Casserole is an incredibly easy and flavorful option, perfect for a family dinner. You can also incorporate it into potato bakes or pasta casseroles for a complete meal.
• Soups and Stews: Ham adds incredible depth of flavor to soups and stews, especially hearty, warming varieties. On a cold or snowy day, I love to make my Ham and Corn Chowder, a creamy and satisfying dish. Another fantastic option is a robust Ham and Bean Soup, especially wonderful when enjoyed with homemade biscuits. Don’t forget the classic split pea soup with ham!
• Breakfast and Brunch: Elevate your morning meals by incorporating diced ham into omelets, scrambled eggs, quiches, frittatas, or breakfast burritos. It pairs wonderfully with cheese and vegetables.
• Salads: For a lighter option, dice leftover ham and add it to a chef salad, a pasta salad, or a vibrant green salad for a boost of protein and flavor.
• New Year’s Day Tradition: For those celebrating New Year’s Eve or Day, Black Eyed Peas with Ham is a traditional and delicious dish believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
• Pizza Topping: Dice and scatter ham over homemade pizzas for a savory topping alongside pineapple or other vegetables.
• Stuffed Peppers or Potatoes: Mix chopped ham with rice or vegetables and stuff into bell peppers, or combine with mashed potatoes for twice-baked potatoes.

To store leftover ham, ensure it cools completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, diced or sliced ham can be frozen in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 1-2 months, making it easy to pull out for future meals.

Christmas Ham Recipe FAQs

How much ham per person?

A general rule of thumb for a typical serving is ⅓ to ½ pound of ham per person. If you’re planning for heavy eaters or hoping for plenty of leftovers, consider increasing this to ½ to ¾ pound per person.

How do I know if the ham is done?

Since most hams are sold fully-cooked, the goal is to heat it through, not cook it from raw. The ham is done once its internal temperature reaches at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). Always use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone.

What can I use instead of brown sugar in the glaze?

If you don’t have brown sugar or prefer an alternative, honey or maple syrup are excellent substitutes. Both will provide a lovely sweetness and help create a beautiful, sticky glaze. Use them in a 1:1 ratio as a direct replacement for the brown sugar.

Can I cook ham in the slow cooker?

Absolutely! First, ensure your ham will comfortably fit into your slow cooker. For a fully-cooked ham, you can cook it on the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). Glaze the ham during the last hour of cooking for the best flavor and appearance.

How to store leftover ham?

To keep leftover ham fresh, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftover ham, diced or sliced, in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using in sandwiches or other recipes.

More Festive Holiday Recipes

If you loved this Christmas Ham, be sure to explore more of our delicious holiday recipes to complete your festive spread or find new family favorites:

If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!

Christmas Ham Recipe Card

Christmas Ham

Author: Anna

Make the best Christmas Ham with my simple recipe and tips! This delicious ham with a sweet glaze will be the star of your holiday dinner.

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Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 18 servings

Calories: 373 kcal

Ingredients

• 8 to 9 lbs fully-cooked ham (I used spiral-cut)
• ½ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon or honey mustard

Instructions

1. Start by removing the ham from its packaging. Note how many pounds your ham weighs to calculate the cooking time per pound.
2. Preheat your oven to 325° F (160° C).
3. Prepare a large baking dish (an aluminum foil roasting pan or a 13″x9″ baking dish works well) and have aluminum foil ready.
4. Place the ham cut-side down into the prepared baking dish.
5. Combine butter, orange juice, and brown sugar in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 20-second increments until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Then, microwave for 15-second increments until the mixture is bubbly and slightly thickened. Watch carefully to prevent it from foaming over or becoming hard caramel.
6. Pour half of the prepared glaze evenly over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the cuts.
7. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
8. Bake for 13 minutes per pound (e.g., an 8-pound ham bakes for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes).
9. During the last 30-45 minutes of baking, remove the foil. Check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer, inserting it into the thickest part without touching the bone. It should read 140° F (60° C).
10. Pour more glaze over the ham and, if desired, broil for about 2 minutes to caramelize the glaze until sizzling. This step is optional; you can also simply pour the remaining glaze over the ham before serving without broiling.
11. Remove the ham from the oven and let it stand, loosely tented with foil, for at least 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender ham.
12. Serve your delicious Christmas Ham and enjoy!

Notes

• Please note that the nutrition value can vary depending on the specific ham product you use and brand of ingredients.
• The nutritional information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter or nutrition tracker you are familiar with for precise calculations.
• The majority of the sodium content in this recipe comes from the ham itself, which is typically cured with salt, not from the glaze ingredients. Using unsalted butter in the glaze helps manage overall sodium.
• One serving of ham is generally estimated at about ½ to ¾ lb per person, depending on appetite and desired leftovers.

Nutrition

Calories: 373 kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 154mg | Sodium: 2336mg | Potassium: 597mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg

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