16+ Christmas Eve Ham Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 11, 2024
Christmas is a time for family, love, and of course, delicious food. And when it comes to the main course, there's nothing quite like a succulent and flavorful ham to complete your Christmas Eve feast. This traditional holiday dish has been enjoyed by families for generations, and with the right recipe, you can create a mouth-watering ham that will be the star of your Christmas dinner. So without further ado, here is a professional and well-organized introduction to the perfect Christmas Eve ham recipe.
Main Ingredients: Ham, Cola, Large Onion, Black Peppercorns, Cloves, Star
If you're looking for a unique twist on the classic Christmas ham, try using cola as a glaze. The sweetness of the cola pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the ham, creating a delicious and festive dish.
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Macadamia Christmas Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Marmalade, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard, Butter
For a more indulgent Christmas ham, try a macadamia crust. The rich and buttery nuts add a delicious crunch to the ham, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
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Leftover Christmas Ham Sliders
Main Ingredients: Slider Rolls, Ham, Gouda Cheese, Cranberry Sauce
Don't let any of your Christmas ham go to waste! Use the leftovers to make tasty sliders, topped with your favorite cheese and condiments. It's a great way to use up any extra ham and make a quick and easy meal.
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Christmas Ham Pot Pie!
Main Ingredients: Large Carrots, Turnip, Yellow Onion, Purple Potatoes
Put a twist on the traditional pot pie by using leftover Christmas ham instead of chicken or beef. The combination of the flaky crust and creamy filling with chunks of ham is sure to be a hit with your family.
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Tropical fruit glazed Christmas ham
Main Ingredients: Crushed Pineapple In Juice, Sugar, Mango Chutney, Fruit
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this glazed Christmas ham. The combination of pineapple, mango, and other tropical fruit creates a sweet and tangy glaze that pairs perfectly with the salty ham.
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Ginger Beer and Maple Glazed Christmas Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Cloves, Ginger Beer, Muscovado Sugar, Dijon, Pure
Add a little spice to your holiday meal with this ginger beer and maple glazed ham. The ginger beer adds a subtle kick while the maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, creating a delicious and unique flavor combination.
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Swedish Style Vegan Christmas Ham (Vegansk Julskinka)
Main Ingredients: Vital Wheat Gluten, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Pink
For those looking for a plant-based option, try this vegan Christmas ham made with seitan. It's a traditional Swedish dish that is sure to satisfy even the biggest meat-lovers at your holiday table.
Let's not forget about the classic Christmas ham. It may not have any fancy glazes or toppings, but there's something comforting and nostalgic about a simple ham roasted in the oven. Plus, it's a great option for those who may have dietary restrictions or allergies.
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Hot Buttered Rum and Pecan Encrusted Christmas Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Turbinado Sugar, Molasses, Butter, Dark Rum
For a boozy twist on the classic glazed ham, try this hot buttered rum and pecan encrusted version. The warm and cozy flavors of the rum and pecans add a delicious depth of flavor to the ham.
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Christmas Ham and Queso De Bola Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Pasta, Carrots, Ham, Queso, Pineapple
Take your Christmas ham to the next level by pairing it with a creamy and savory macaroni salad made with queso de bola. It's a fun and festive side dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Parsnip Noodles with Leftover Christmas Ham and...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Sage Leaves, Butternut Squash, Shallot
If you're looking for a healthier option, try using parsnip noodles instead of traditional pasta to create a light and flavorful dish with leftover Christmas ham. Add in some fresh herbs and your choice of sauce for a delicious and nutritious meal.
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Christmas Ham with Maple Glaze
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham, Pure Maple Syrup, Butter, Light Corn Syrup
For a classic and simple glaze, try using maple syrup on your Christmas ham. The sweetness of the syrup pairs perfectly with the salty ham, creating a delicious and mouth-watering combination.
If you're new to cooking Christmas ham or just want to make sure you get it right this year, follow this recipe for the perfect Christmas ham. It's foolproof and will leave your guests wanting more.
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Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
This breakfast casserole, also known as a "wife saver," is the perfect dish for Christmas morning. It can be made the night before and popped in the oven in the morning, leaving you more time to spend with your family and enjoy the holiday.
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Easy Mulled Wine Christmas Ham
Main Ingredients: Gammon Joint, Red Wine, Runny Honey, Mustard, Cloves
For a warm and cozy twist on your Christmas ham, try using mulled wine as a glaze. The spices in the wine add a delicious depth of flavor to the ham, making it a perfect dish for a chilly winter day.
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Christmas Ham with Cherry Ham Glaze
Main Ingredients: Bone In Half Ham, Cherry Juice, Red Wine Vinegar, Light
For a festive and Instagram-worthy Christmas ham, try using a cherry ham glaze. The bright red color and sweet and tart flavors of the cherries will add a pop of color and flavor to your holiday table.
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Christmas Ham With Apple Cider Glaze
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Cinnamon Sticks, Fully Cooked Ham, Dijon
Another delicious option for a glaze is using apple cider. The sweet and tangy flavors of the cider pair perfectly with the salty ham, creating a dish that is both comforting and flavorful.
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Venezuelan Pan de Jamon (Christmas Ham Bread)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Granulated Yeast, Butter, Eggs, Sugar, Salt
If you're feeling ambitious and want to try something new, make this traditional Venezuelan dish that combines Christmas ham, olives, and raisins in a delicious bread. It's a unique and tasty addition to your holiday spread.
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Christmas Ham in the Slow Cooker (Honey Citrus)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham, Honey, Spicy Brown Mustard, Ground Ginger
For an easy and hassle-free way to cook your Christmas ham, try using a slow cooker. This honey citrus recipe creates a tender and juicy ham that is full of flavor and moisture.
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Christmas Ham with Cranberry, Mint and Brown Sugar...
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham, Brown Sugar, Cranberry Sauce, Mint Sprigs
This cranberry, mint, and brown sugar glazed ham is a perfect dish for those who love a balance of sweet and tart flavors. The cranberries and mint add a refreshing and festive touch to the dish, making it a hit with your guests.
Choosing the Perfect Ham
When it comes to choosing the best ham for your Christmas Eve dinner, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you want to make sure you're getting a high-quality ham that has been raised and cured properly. Look for hams that are labeled as "uncured" or "nitrate-free" as they tend to have a better flavor and are healthier for you. You also want to pay attention to the size of the ham, as it should be large enough to feed your entire family, but not so big that it won't fit in your oven.
Preparing the Glaze
One of the key elements of a delicious Christmas ham is the glaze. This is what gives the ham its beautiful golden-brown color and adds a burst of flavor to every bite. There are countless glaze recipes out there, but one of the most popular and easy-to-make options is a brown sugar and honey glaze. Simply combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and some spices in a saucepan and let it simmer until it thickens. For an extra kick, you can also add some red pepper flakes or a splash of bourbon to the glaze.
Preparing and Cooking the Ham
Before you start cooking your ham, make sure to take it out of the fridge at least an hour beforehand to let it come to room temperature. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and stays juicy. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern. This will allow the glaze to seep into the meat and create a beautiful presentation. Then, brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the crevices. For an extra layer of flavor, you can also stud the ham with cloves before applying the glaze. Finally, cover the ham with foil and bake according to the instructions on your ham's packaging.
Letting it Rest and Serving
Once the ham is cooked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the ham even more tender. When serving, make sure to spoon some of the glaze over the slices for an extra burst of flavor. You can also garnish the ham with some fresh herbs or fruit for a festive touch. Serve with your favorite Christmas sides and enjoy a delicious and memorable meal with your loved ones.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for the perfect Christmas Eve ham, it's time to put them into practice and wow your family and friends with your cooking skills. With the right ham and glaze, and a little bit of love, you can create a mouth-watering dish that will become a holiday tradition for years to come. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
