Christmas is a time for family, celebration, and of course, delicious food. One of the standout dishes of the holiday season is the Christmas ham. Whether glazed with brown sugar, spiced with mustard, or topped with a caramelized crust, a well-cooked ham can elevate your Christmas meal to new heights.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 different Christmas ham recipes that will make your holiday spread not only mouthwatering but memorable. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, unique, or adventurous, there’s a perfect ham recipe for every Christmas celebration.
1. Classic Brown Sugar and Mustard Glazed Ham
A Christmas ham recipe wouldn’t be complete without the classic combination of brown sugar and mustard. The sweet, tangy glaze creates a perfect balance of flavors, enhancing the natural richness of the ham. This recipe is an all-time favorite because it’s simple to prepare and universally loved.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ham (7-9 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham on a roasting rack and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
- Mix the brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, and cloves to form a smooth glaze.
- Brush the glaze generously over the surface of the ham.
- Roast the ham for about 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
This classic Christmas ham recipe is a crowd-pleaser, with a sweet and savory profile that complements almost any side dish.
2. Maple and Bourbon Glazed Ham
If you’re looking for a ham recipe with a little extra flair, try a maple and bourbon glaze. The deep, caramel-like flavor of maple syrup combined with the rich warmth of bourbon creates an indulgent glaze that will wow your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ham (7-9 lbs)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the ham and place it on a roasting rack.
- In a saucepan, combine the maple syrup, bourbon, mustard, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Brush the glaze over the ham, then roast for about 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with more glaze.
- Allow the ham to rest before slicing and serving.
This Christmas ham recipe adds a touch of sophistication to your holiday table, with the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.
3. Citrus and Honey Glazed Ham
For a lighter, more refreshing ham experience, a citrus and honey glaze can bring out bright and zesty flavors. The honey adds a sweet, floral note, while the citrus (orange, lemon, or a combination of both) cuts through the richness of the ham, making it the perfect dish for those who love vibrant flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ham (7-9 lbs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp ground ginger
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham and place it on a roasting rack.
- In a bowl, combine the honey, orange juice, lemon zest, orange zest, and ginger. Mix well.
- Brush the glaze generously over the ham, then roast for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Allow the ham to rest before slicing.
This citrusy Christmas ham recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and tart flavors that brighten up the holiday table.
4. Pineapple and Clove Glazed Ham
For a tropical twist, pineapple and clove is a classic combination that adds both sweetness and warmth to your ham. The pineapple’s tangy flavor pairs wonderfully with the spice of the cloves, creating an irresistible glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ham (7-9 lbs)
- 1 can (20 oz) pineapple rings, drained (reserve juice)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham on a roasting rack and score the surface.
- Mix the brown sugar, pineapple juice, and ground cloves in a bowl to make the glaze.
- Place pineapple rings over the ham and secure them with toothpicks.
- Brush the glaze over the ham, then roast for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- After roasting, let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing.
This pineapple and clove Christmas ham recipe is a flavorful nod to the classic holiday ham, with a tropical, juicy twist.
5. Garlic and Herb Crusted Ham
For savory lovers, a garlic and herb crust on a Christmas ham adds a rich, aromatic flavor profile. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, paired with the rich umami of garlic, create a crust that’s both flavorful and fragrant.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ham (7-9 lbs)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham and place it on a roasting rack.
- Mix the garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, olive oil, salt, and pepper to form a paste.
- Rub the herb paste all over the surface of the ham.
- Roast the ham for 1.5-2 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices.
- Let the ham rest before slicing.
This Christmas ham recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a more herbaceous, savory profile that contrasts beautifully with sweeter side dishes.
6. Spicy Sriracha and Brown Sugar Ham
If you’re looking for a little kick this holiday season, a spicy sriracha glaze can add a fun, fiery element to your Christmas ham. The heat from the sriracha balances perfectly with the sweetness of brown sugar, creating a complex and flavorful glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ham (7-9 lbs)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham and place it on a roasting rack.
- In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
- Brush the glaze over the ham and roast for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Let the ham rest before slicing.
This Christmas ham recipe is a great choice for those who enjoy spicy, sweet, and savory combinations that bring excitement to the table.
7. Apple Cider and Thyme Glazed Ham
Apple cider pairs wonderfully with ham, providing a touch of sweetness while the thyme adds depth and earthiness to the glaze. This is a great recipe for anyone looking for a savory-sweet ham with an autumnal twist.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ham (7-9 lbs)
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the ham and place it on a roasting rack.
- In a saucepan, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, thyme, and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Brush the glaze over the ham and roast for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
This apple cider and thyme Christmas ham recipe delivers a cozy, slightly tangy glaze that complements the savory richness of the ham.
8. Balsamic and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
For a more sophisticated flavor, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar create a tangy and sweet glaze that’s perfect for an elegant Christmas dinner. The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle depth of flavor, making it the ideal match for your holiday ham.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ham (7-9 lbs)
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the ham and place it on a roasting rack.
- In a saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Brush the glaze over the ham and roast for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Let the ham rest before slicing.
This Christmas ham recipe is perfect for those who enjoy bold, tangy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
9. Cranberry and Orange Glazed Ham
The combination of cranberry and orange creates a tart yet sweet glaze that perfectly balances the rich, savory flavor of the ham. This Christmas ham recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a festive, fruit-forward option.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ham (7-9 lbs)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (or fresh cranberries)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham and place it on a roasting rack.
- In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, and cinnamon. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Brush the glaze over the ham and roast for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Allow the ham to rest before slicing.
The cranberry and orange glaze adds a tangy, festive twist to your holiday ham, making it a standout dish.
10. Sweet and Smoky Chipotle Glazed Ham
For those who love a smoky flavor with a bit of spice, the sweet and smoky chipotle glaze is the perfect Christmas ham recipe. The chipotle peppers bring heat, while the brown sugar offers a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ham (7-9 lbs)
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the ham and place it on a roasting rack.
- In a saucepan, combine the chipotle peppers, brown sugar, honey, and lime juice. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the glaze thickens.
- Brush the glaze over the ham and roast for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Let the ham rest before slicing.
This chipotle glaze adds a smoky, spicy kick to your Christmas ham recipe, making it an excellent choice for those who like a bit of heat with their holiday feast.
A Christmas Ham Recipe for Everyone!
A Christmas ham recipe can be as traditional or as adventurous as you like. Whether you prefer the sweet simplicity of a brown sugar glaze or the bold flavors of a chipotle and honey glaze, there’s a ham recipe here for everyone. These variations allow you to customize your holiday meal and impress your guests with new and exciting flavors. So, pick your favorite recipe and get ready to create a memorable holiday feast!