It’s that time of year again – the holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about what delicious dishes to serve at your Christmas feast. One classic centerpiece for any holiday gathering is a beautifully glazed ham, and we’ve got you covered with 20 mouthwatering festive Christmas ham recipes to try this year!
From sweet and sticky glazes to savory and tangy flavors, our collection of holiday hams has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping main course or a flavorful addition to your buffet table, these festive Christmas ham recipes are sure to impress.
In the following pages, we’ll take you on a tour of the most scrumptious and creative ham dishes out there, each one featuring its own unique blend of flavors and textures. From classic honey-glazed hams to more adventurous pineapple-jalapeño combinations, our festive Christmas ham recipes will inspire your holiday menu and make your gathering truly unforgettable.
Honey Glazed Spiral Christmas Ham
Honey Glazed Spiral Christmas Ham Recipe
Elevate your holiday gathering with this sweet and savory Honey Glazed Spiral Christmas Ham recipe, perfect for a stress-free yet impressive centerpiece.
- Ingredients:
- 1 (6-7 pound) spiral-cut ham
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Place the ham on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Score the fat layer in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
- Baste the ham with the honey glaze every 20-30 minutes during the last hour of cooking. If using pineapple juice, baste the ham with that as well.
- Cook the ham for 2-3 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Brown Sugar and Mustard Crusted Ham
Elevate your holiday table with this sweet and tangy brown sugar and mustard crusted ham recipe. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a crowd, and the combination of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 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 brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and honey 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 ham with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and ground cloves.
5. Spread the brown sugar mixture evenly over the ham, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
6. Roast for 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Pineapple and Cherry Glazed Holiday Ham
Transform your holiday gathering with this sweet and savory glazed ham recipe, featuring the perfect balance of pineapple and cherry flavors. This impressive centerpiece is sure to delight your guests!
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, spiral-cut
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup cherry preserves
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 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, cherry preserves, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, ground cloves, and black pepper.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan, cut-side up. Brush glaze all over the ham, making sure to cover every surface.
5. Bake for 2-1/2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Let ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Maple Bourbon Glazed Christmas Ham
Elevate your holiday table with this sweet and savory maple bourbon glazed ham, perfect for a stress-free Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, mustard, garlic, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, scored if desired.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines (if using).
5. Bake for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2-3 hours, depending on ham size.
Slow Cooker Cola Ham with Cloves
Slow Cooker Cola Ham with Cloves Recipe
Looking for a sweet and savory ham recipe? Look no further! This slow cooker cola ham with cloves is an easy and delicious way to cook a flavorful ham that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) boneless ham
– 1 cup cola
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Place the ham in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together cola, brown sugar, mustard, and ground cloves.
3. Pour the mixture over the ham.
4. Sprinkle salt over the top of the ham.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Orange and Ginger Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday feast with this sweet and savory orange and ginger glazed ham recipe, perfect for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, skin removed
– 1 cup orange marmalade
– 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together marmalade, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and honey until well combined.
3. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, scored diamond-fashion.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the diamond cuts.
5. Pour apple cider vinegar into the bottom of the roasting pan.
6. Roast for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Apple Cider Brined Smoked Ham
Transform your holiday gathering with this sweet and savory ham recipe, infused with the warmth of apple cider and a hint of smokiness. This impressive centerpiece is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) bone-in smoked ham
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup kosher salt
– 2 tablespoons pink curing salt (optional)
– 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
– 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a large container, combine apple cider, brown sugar, and kosher salt. Stir until dissolved.
3. Add ham to the brine and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. Remove ham from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
5. Place ham in smoker and cook for 2-3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
6. Finish with a glaze made by mixing apple cider and black peppercorns. Brush during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours (including brining time)
Garlic and Herb Roasted Christmas Ham
Elevate your holiday gathering with this aromatic roasted ham, infused with the savory flavors of garlic and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6-7 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Rub the garlic-herb mixture all over the ham, making sure to get some into the scored lines.
5. Place the ham on a roasting rack or a rimmed baking sheet, and roast for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours for a 6-7 pound ham.
Pomegranate Glazed Spiral Ham
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this show-stopping spiral ham glazed in a sweet and tangy pomegranate reduction. This recipe combines the classic flavors of ham with the juicy sweetness of pomegranates, perfect for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6-8 pound) spiral ham
– 1 cup pomegranate juice
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, honey, brown sugar, and mustard. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Place the spiral ham 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 scores.
5. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1 hour.
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 rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours
Spiced Rum and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this sweet and savory glazed ham, infused with the warmth of spiced rum and brown sugar. This show-stopping centerpiece is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons spiced rum
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, spiced rum, and honey.
3. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up.
5. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
6. Bake for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Cranberry Mustard Glazed Holiday Ham
Elevate your holiday gathering with this sweet and tangy glazed ham recipe. This show-stopping centerpiece is perfect for a Christmas or Easter celebration.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
– 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, mustard, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cloves, and black pepper.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, cut side up.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to cover evenly.
5. Roast for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Pineapple Teriyaki Glazed Ham
Sweet and savory, this Pineapple Teriyaki Glazed Ham is a perfect centerpiece for your next dinner party or holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) boneless ham, trimmed of excess fat
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scoring the fat layer 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. Sprinkle chopped pineapple evenly over the top of the ham.
6. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking until the glaze is caramelized and the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), about 30-40 minutes more.
Cooking Time: Approximately 2 hours total, including resting time after removing from oven.
Rosemary and Honey Baked Ham
Elevate your holiday table with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the flavors of rosemary, honey, and baked ham.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, olive oil, rosemary, 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 honey-rosemary mixture evenly over the ham, making sure to get some into the scored lines.
5. Bake for 20 minutes per pound, or until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
6. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Cherry Cola Glazed Christmas Ham
Elevate your holiday dinner with this sweet and savory Cherry Cola Glazed Christmas Ham recipe. The combination of cola, cherry preserves, and brown sugar creates a sticky, caramel-like glaze that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup cherry cola
– 1/2 cup cherry preserves
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 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, cherry preserves, brown sugar, mustard, cloves, and cinnamon.
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
5. Place ham in a roasting pan and brush with glaze, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
6. Bake for 2-3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Balsamic Fig Glazed Spiral Ham
Elevate your holiday gathering with this sweet and savory spiral ham recipe, featuring a rich balsamic fig glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 (5-6 pound) spiral-cut ham
– 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup fig jam
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, fig jam, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves.
3. Bring glaze to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
5. Brush glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
6. Cover pan with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours.
7. Remove 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
Smoked Ham with Peach Whiskey Glaze
Elevate your holiday gatherings with this unique and flavorful smoked ham, paired with a tangy peach whiskey glaze. This sweet and savory combination is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) smoked ham
– 1/2 cup peach whiskey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together peach whiskey, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Score the fat layer on the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush with the peach whiskey glaze.
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
Apricot and Dijon Glazed Holiday Ham
Elevate your holiday gathering with this sweet and tangy glazed ham recipe, perfect for special occasions. A perfect combination of apricot preserves and Dijon mustard creates a flavorful glaze that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham, trimmed
– 1/2 cup apricot preserves
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
3. Place the ham in a roasting pan, scored if desired.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the crevices.
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 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Pineapple Jalapeño Glazed Ham
A sweet and spicy twist on traditional ham, this Pineapple Jalapeño Glazed Ham is perfect for your next gathering or special occasion. With a tangy glaze made from pineapple juice, jalapeños, brown sugar, and mustard, you’ll be the star of the show.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, jalapeños, brown sugar, mustard, and honey. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scored in a diamond pattern.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scores.
5. Roast the ham for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until caramelized and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Molasses and Clove Glazed Christmas Ham
A sweet and savory twist on the classic ham glaze, this Molasses and Clove Glazed Christmas Ham is sure to impress your holiday guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup molasses
– 2 tablespoons ground cloves
– 2 tablespoons mustard (such as Dijon or whole-grain)
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, molasses, and ground cloves.
3. Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan or baking dish, fat side up.
5. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines.
6. Place the ham in the oven and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Herbed Butter Roasted Ham with Crackling
This recipe yields a succulent ham with a crispy crackling crust, infused with the aromatic flavors of herbs. Perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, scored side up.
4. Spread the herb butter evenly over the ham’s surface.
5. Sprinkle brown sugar over the top of the ham.
6. Roast for 2-1/2 hours, or until the crackling is golden and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Summary
Get ready to impress your guests this holiday season with these 20 festive Christmas ham recipes! From classic glazed hams to unique flavor combinations, there’s something for everyone. Try a Honey Glazed Spiral Christmas Ham, Brown Sugar and Mustard Crusted Ham, or Pineapple and Cherry Glazed Holiday Ham. Or go bold with Maple Bourbon Glazed Christmas Ham or Spiced Rum and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham. Whether you’re looking for a slow cooker option or a show-stopping centerpiece, these recipes are sure to make your holiday feast unforgettable.
