Unwrap the Ultimate Feast: Your Guide to 6 Delicious Christmas Ham Recipes

The holiday season calls for a show-stopping centerpiece, and nothing quite captures the festive spirit like a perfectly cooked Christmas ham. Forget the stress of planning and get ready to impress your family and friends with an unforgettable meal. We’ve curated a collection of six delicious Christmas ham recipes, each offering a unique flavor profile to suit every palate.

From bright and tangy glazes to savory herb crusts and classic sweet finishes, these recipes are designed to elevate your holiday table and make your celebration truly special. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ham into a feast to remember!

Quick Overview

• Main topic: Christmas Ham Recipes
• Best for: Holiday entertaining, festive family meals, meal prep for special occasions
• Number of recipes: 6
• Prep style: Baking/Roasting with various glazes and coatings
• Reader benefit: Easy-to-follow recipes for impressive holiday hams

Recipe 1: Tangy Orange Cranberry Glazed Ham

Our Tangy Orange Cranberry Glazed Ham is guaranteed to be the star of your holiday table with its bright, zesty flavor! The combination of sweet and tart cranberries with citrusy orange creates an irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes.

Servings: 10-12

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook / chill / rest time: 2-3 hours (depending on ham size) + 15 minutes resting

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep. Place the ham in a large roasting pan.
2. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange zest, ground ginger, and optional ground cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly (about 10-15 minutes). You can mash some of the cranberries for a smoother glaze.
3. Brush about one-third of the glaze over the ham. Bake, basting with more glaze every 20-30 minutes, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This usually takes about 15-20 minutes per pound for a fully cooked ham.
4. Once done, remove the ham from the oven, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Storage / Serving / Usage Note:

Serve warm with extra glaze on the side. Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Recipe 2: Classic Honey Glazed Ham

The Classic Honey Glazed Ham is a beloved tradition for a reason. Its sweet and savory balance, with a hint of tang from Dijon, creates a caramelized crust that’s simply divine.

Servings: 10-12

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook / chill / rest time: 2-3 hours + 15 minutes resting

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern. Place the ham in a large roasting pan.
2. In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
3. If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves at the intersection of the diamond scores.
4. Brush about one-third of the glaze over the ham. Bake, basting with more glaze every 20-30 minutes, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
5. Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Storage / Serving / Usage Note:

Slice and serve immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and are great for sandwiches or quick meals.

Recipe 3: Maple-Dijon Baked Ham

For a sophisticated flavor profile, try this Maple-Dijon Baked Ham. The robust sweetness of maple syrup pairs beautifully with the sharp zest of Dijon mustard, creating a glaze that’s both comforting and exciting.

Servings: 10-12

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook / chill / rest time: 2-3 hours + 15 minutes resting

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Score the ham’s surface. Place the ham in a large roasting pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, dry mustard powder, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Brush about one-third of the glaze over the ham. Bake, basting with more glaze every 20-30 minutes, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
4. Once baked, remove the ham, tent with foil, and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Storage / Serving / Usage Note:

This ham is wonderful served hot or at room temperature. Any leftover glaze can be warmed and served alongside the ham.

Recipe 4: Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

A family favorite, the Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham brings a tropical sweetness to your holiday table. The pineapple adds moisture and a tangy counterpoint to the rich, caramelized brown sugar glaze.

Servings: 10-12

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook / chill / rest time: 2-3 hours + 15 minutes resting

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
• 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple slices in juice, drained (reserve juice)
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Score the ham’s surface. Place the ham in a large roasting pan.
2. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice, melted butter, and optional cinnamon, mixing until a thick paste forms.
3. Arrange pineapple slices over the scored ham, securing them with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring, if desired.
4. Spread the brown sugar mixture evenly over the ham and pineapple.
5. Bake, basting with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Storage / Serving / Usage Note:

The sweet and savory flavors make this ham ideal for holiday feasts. Leftovers are excellent in Hawaiian-inspired sandwiches or stir-fries.

Recipe 5: Herb-Crusted Roasted Ham

For those who prefer a savory profile, this Herb-Crusted Roasted Ham is a perfect choice. A fragrant blend of fresh herbs creates a delicious, aromatic crust that complements the natural richness of the ham beautifully.

Servings: 10-12

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook / chill / rest time: 2-3 hours + 15 minutes resting

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (adjust based on ham’s saltiness)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Do not score the ham for this recipe, to allow the crust to adhere better. Place the ham in a large roasting pan.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix well to form a paste.
3. Rub the herb paste evenly over the entire surface of the ham.
4. Bake until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). The herbs will form a fragrant, slightly crispy crust.
5. Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Storage / Serving / Usage Note:

This savory ham pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Recipe 6: Spicy Apricot Glazed Ham

For those who love a little heat, our Spicy Apricot Glazed Ham offers a delightful twist on tradition. The sweet fruitiness of apricot is perfectly balanced with a touch of spice, creating a memorable flavor experience.

Servings: 10-12

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook / chill / rest time: 2-3 hours + 15 minutes resting

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern. Place the ham in a large roasting pan.
2. In a saucepan, combine apricot preserves, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and ground ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the preserves melt and the glaze is smooth (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Brush about one-third of the glaze over the ham. Bake, basting with more glaze every 20-30 minutes, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
4. Remove from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Storage / Serving / Usage Note:

The sweet and spicy notes of this ham make it a festive addition to any holiday spread. Enjoy leftovers in wraps or on crackers.

Simple Tips for Best Results

• Start with a Quality Ham: For a truly delicious meal, choose a fully cooked ham with good marbling. Bone-in hams often offer more flavor.
• Score the Ham: Scoring the surface in a diamond pattern (about 1/4 inch deep) allows the glaze to penetrate better and creates a beautiful presentation.
• Don’t Overcook: Fully cooked hams only need to be reheated to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy and prevent drying out.
• Baste Frequently: Regular basting with your chosen glaze helps build flavor and creates that desirable caramelized crust.
• Rest Your Ham: Always allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

FAQ

What kind of ham should I buy for Christmas?

For convenience and ease, a fully cooked, bone-in ham (such as a shank or butt portion) is a popular choice for Christmas. Spiral-sliced hams are also excellent for easy carving, but be careful not to dry them out.

How do I prevent my ham from drying out?

Ensure you don’t overcook it by using a meat thermometer, and consider baking it covered with foil for part of the cooking time. Basting frequently with your glaze also helps keep it moist.

Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Yes, most glazes can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.

Final Thoughts

These 6 delicious Christmas ham recipes are sure to make your holiday meal unforgettable. Whether you prefer sweet, tangy, or savory, there’s a ham recipe here to delight every guest. Enjoy the process of creating a spectacular centerpiece for your festive gathering, and savor every bite of these amazing Christmas ham recipes. Happy holidays!