Irresistible Christmas Ham Recipe for a Festive Feast

There’s something magical about the aroma of a roasting ham wafting through the house during the holidays. It’s like a warm hug that says, “Welcome to my festive feast!” This Irresistible Christmas Ham Recipe is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together around the table, creating memories that linger long after the last bite. For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.

Imagine slicing into a beautifully glazed ham, its shiny surface glistening under the holiday lights, with sweet and savory notes dancing in your mouth. Every forkful bursts with flavor, making you wonder how something so delicious can be so simple to prepare. Whether it’s Christmas dinner or a New Year’s gathering, this ham is bound to steal the show and become the star of any festive occasion.

I still remember the first time I made this ham for my family. Everyone gathered around, eyes wide with anticipation, and when they took that first bite—pure silence followed by joyous cheers!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bone-In Ham: A 6-10 pound bone-in ham works best for flavor and presentation; look for one with good marbling.
• Brown Sugar: Use dark brown sugar for deeper caramelization and richer flavor during glazing.
• Honey: Choose pure honey for natural sweetness; it’s essential for achieving that glossy glaze.
• Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy kick that balances out the sweetness perfectly; don’t skip it!
• Whole Cloves: These add aromatic depth; studding them into the ham creates beautiful visual appeal.
• Pineapple Juice: A splash of pineapple juice enhances sweetness and acidity; fresh juice is preferable if available.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a roasting pan with foil for easy clean-up later on.

Prepare the Ham: Place your bone-in ham cut-side down in the prepared roasting pan. This helps keep it juicy while cooking. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips for ham recipe.

Create Your Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice until smooth and combined.

Score and Stud the Ham: With a sharp knife, score diamond patterns on the surface of the ham about 1-inch apart. Insert whole cloves into each diamond intersection for aromatic goodness.

Apply the Glaze: Generously brush half of your glaze mixture over the scored areas of the ham. Save some glaze for later!

Bake to Perfection: Bake in preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes per pound. Baste every 30 minutes with remaining glaze until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Now sit back and enjoy those tantalizing aromas filling your kitchen as you anticipate an unforgettable holiday gathering centered around this irresistible dish!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Score the ham, apply your glaze, and bake until it reaches a juicy internal temperature of 140°F. Don’t forget to baste every 30 minutes for that perfect caramelized exterior.

Add Your Touch

Consider using a honey-brown sugar glaze or adding cloves and pineapples for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different spices like maple syrup or mustard for added zing.

Storing & Reheating

Wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, slice and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, ensuring it stays moist.

The first time I made this Irresistible Christmas Ham Recipe for a Festive Feast, my family couldn’t stop raving about it! They even suggested I start a holiday tradition—now that’s what I call success!

FAQ

How do I know when my ham is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of 140°F for safety.

Can I use a different glaze than suggested?

Absolutely! Experiment with various flavors like apple cider or ginger ale glazes.

What should I serve with my Christmas ham?

Traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce complement the ham perfectly.