Christmas is just around the corner and one of the most beloved traditions during this festive season is enjoying a delicious Christmas ham. This succulent and savory dish has been a staple on dinner tables in the UK for generations. However, for those who have never prepared a Christmas ham before, it can seem like a daunting task. But fear not, as we have the perfect Christmas ham recipe for you that will impress your family and friends and make your holiday dinner one to remember.
Main Ingredients: Ham, Cola, Large Onion, Black Peppercorns, Cloves, Star
One unique twist on the classic Christmas ham recipe is to use cola as a glaze. The sweet and tangy flavors of the soda add a delicious and unexpected element to the dish. To make this recipe, simply mix together cola, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard and then baste it over the ham while it cooks. The result is a caramelized and flavorful ham that will be the star of your Christmas dinner. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the compliments from your guests.
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Macadamia Christmas Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Marmalade, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard, Butter
For a more indulgent and decadent Christmas ham, try using macadamia nuts in the glaze. The rich and buttery nuts add a luxurious touch to the ham and make it perfect for a special occasion like Christmas. To make this recipe, blend macadamia nuts with honey, orange juice, and spices and then coat the ham with the mixture before baking. The end result is a sweet and nutty glaze that is sure to impress your holiday guests.
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Leftover Christmas Ham Sliders
Main Ingredients: Slider Rolls, Ham, Gouda Cheese, Cranberry Sauce
Don't let your leftover Christmas ham go to waste! Instead, use it to make delicious sliders that are perfect for a casual holiday meal or snack. Simply slice the ham and add it to slider buns with your choice of toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, and condiments. You can even toast the buns and add a spread of cranberry sauce or mustard for extra flavor. These sliders are a great way to use up leftovers and create a tasty new dish.
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Christmas Ham Pot Pie!
Main Ingredients: Large Carrots, Turnip, Yellow Onion, Purple Potatoes
Put a festive spin on a classic dish by making a Christmas ham pot pie. This comforting and filling meal is perfect for a cold winter night and will please the whole family. Start by layering chopped ham, vegetables, and a creamy sauce in a pie crust. Top it with another layer of crust and bake until golden brown. The result is a savory and hearty dish that will warm your heart and your stomach.
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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 fruity and flavorful Christmas ham recipe. Instead of a traditional glaze, this recipe calls for a mixture of pineapple juice, apricot preserves, and spices to be brushed over the ham while it cooks. The result is a refreshing and sweet ham with a tropical twist. Serve with some coconut rice and grilled pineapple for a complete island-inspired meal.
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Ginger Beer and Maple Glazed Christmas Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Cloves, Ginger Beer, Muscovado Sugar, Dijon, Pure
For a bold and unique flavor combination, try using ginger beer and maple syrup to glaze your Christmas ham. The spicy and sweet flavors of the ginger beer pair perfectly with the rich and caramel-like taste of maple syrup. Simply mix these ingredients together and brush over the ham while it cooks. The end result is a deliciously sticky and flavorful ham that will be a hit with your family and friends.
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Swedish Style Vegan Christmas Ham (Vegansk Julskinka)
Main Ingredients: Vital Wheat Gluten, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Pink
Want to cater to your vegan guests this Christmas? Try making a Swedish-style vegan ham as a main dish. This unique recipe uses a combination of tofu, oats, and spices to create a mock ham that is surprisingly similar in texture and flavor to the real thing. Serve it with some traditional Swedish sides like lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes for a truly unique and satisfying holiday meal.
Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic Christmas ham recipe. This tried and true dish is a staple at many holiday gatherings and for good reason. Slow-roasted and glazed to perfection, a traditional Christmas ham is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Whether you prefer a sweet and fruity glaze or a savory and herby one, there are endless variations of this classic dish to try.
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Hot Buttered Rum and Pecan Encrusted Christmas Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Turbinado Sugar, Molasses, Butter, Dark Rum
For a decadent and indulgent Christmas ham, try using a hot buttered rum and pecan crust. This recipe involves coating the ham with a mixture of butter, rum, and pecans before baking it to perfection. The result is a rich, sweet, and crunchy crust that adds a delicious and unexpected element to the ham. Serve it with some sweet potato casserole and green beans for a complete holiday feast.
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Christmas Ham and Queso De Bola Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Pasta, Carrots, Ham, Queso, Pineapple
This creamy and cheesy macaroni salad is the perfect side dish to pair with your Christmas ham. The queso de bola adds a unique and savory flavor to the dish, while the macaroni and vegetables make it a filling and satisfying addition to your holiday meal. This dish is easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a great option for busy holiday hosts.
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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 lighter and healthier way to use up your leftover Christmas ham, try making parsnip noodles with it. Simply spiralize parsnips and mix with chopped ham, vegetables, and a light dressing. This dish is low in carbs but high in flavor and makes for a delicious and nutritious post-holiday meal.
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Christmas Ham with Maple Glaze
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham, Pure Maple Syrup, Butter, Light Corn Syrup
A maple glaze is a classic and popular choice for Christmas ham. The sweet and smoky flavors of the maple syrup pair perfectly with the ham and create a deliciously caramelized crust. To make this recipe, simply mix together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and spices and brush it over the ham before baking. Serve with some roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a traditional and satisfying holiday meal.
If you're looking for a foolproof Christmas ham recipe, look no further. This perfect ham is juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. The secret is in the simple yet delicious glaze made with a combination of honey, mustard, and spices. This recipe is great for beginners and will impress even the most seasoned chefs.
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Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
This make-ahead breakfast casserole is the perfect dish for Christmas morning. It's easy to prepare and can be refrigerated overnight, making it a stress-free option for busy holiday hosts. The casserole is made with layers of bread, eggs, ham, and cheese, and can be customized with your favorite toppings and add-ins. Simply bake it in the morning for a delicious and filling breakfast to start your Christmas day off right.
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Easy Mulled Wine Christmas Ham
Main Ingredients: Gammon Joint, Red Wine, Runny Honey, Mustard, Cloves
For a warm and flavorful Christmas ham, try using mulled wine in the glaze. The aromatic and spiced flavors of the wine add a festive and cozy touch to the dish. To make this recipe, simply mix together mulled wine, honey, and spices and brush it over the ham while it cooks. The result is a deliciously fragrant ham that is perfect for a holiday gathering.
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Christmas Ham with Cherry Ham Glaze
Main Ingredients: Bone In Half Ham, Cherry Juice, Red Wine Vinegar, Light
For a sweet and tangy twist on a traditional Christmas ham, try using a cherry glaze. The rich and fruity flavors of the cherries pair perfectly with the ham and add a pop of color to the dish. To make this recipe, cook cherries with brown sugar and spices until they form a thick glaze, then brush it over the ham while it cooks. Serve with some roasted potatoes and green beans for a complete holiday meal.
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Christmas Ham With Apple Cider Glaze
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Cinnamon Sticks, Fully Cooked Ham, Dijon
An apple cider glaze is another delicious option for your Christmas ham. The sweet and tangy flavors of the apple cider pair well with the ham and create a beautifully caramelized crust. To make this recipe, simply boil apple cider with brown sugar and spices until it reduces and thickens, then brush it over the ham while it cooks. This dish is perfect for a cozy and comforting Christmas dinner.
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Venezuelan Pan de Jamon (Christmas Ham Bread)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Granulated Yeast, Butter, Eggs, Sugar, Salt
If you're looking for a creative and unique way to use your leftover Christmas ham, try making Venezuelan pan de jamon. This traditional holiday bread is filled with ham, olives, raisins, and spices, and is perfect for snacking on during the holiday season. The combination of savory and sweet flavors in this bread is truly addictive and will have you coming back for more.
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Christmas Ham in the Slow Cooker (Honey Citrus)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham, Honey, Spicy Brown Mustard, Ground Ginger
If you want to free up oven space this Christmas, try making your ham in the slow cooker. This easy and convenient method involves simply placing the ham in the slow cooker with a mixture of honey, citrus, and spices and cooking it on low for several hours. The result is a juicy and tender ham with a sweet and zesty glaze. This dish is perfect for a stress-free holiday meal.
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Christmas Ham with Cranberry, Mint and Brown Sugar...
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham, Brown Sugar, Cranberry Sauce, Mint Sprigs
Choosing the Perfect Ham
When it comes to preparing a Christmas ham, the first step is to choose the right cut of meat. While most recipes call for a whole ham, you can also opt for a half or quarter ham if you have a smaller gathering. Look for a bone-in, cured and smoked ham for the most traditional and flavorful taste. You can also choose between a butt portion or shank portion, with the shank portion being leaner and the butt portion being fattier and more flavorful. Make sure to purchase your ham at least a week before Christmas so it has enough time to defrost in the fridge.
Preparing the Glaze
The key to a mouth-watering Christmas ham is the glaze. It adds a delicious sweetness and caramelization to the meat. In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until it thickens. You can also add some cloves, cinnamon, and allspice for a festive touch. Let the glaze cool while you prepare the ham.
Scoring and Baking the Ham
Before baking the ham, you will need to score the skin in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. This will allow the glaze to seep into the meat and give it a beautiful presentation. Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it in between the scored lines. Bake the ham in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze.
Serving and Enjoying
Once the ham is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving and serving. You can also add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a pop of color and flavor. Your Christmas ham is now ready to be enjoyed by all! Serve it with some roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for a complete holiday feast.
With this easy and delicious Christmas ham recipe, you can impress your loved ones and create a memorable holiday dinner. So, go ahead and give it a try and watch as your guests go back for seconds and thirds. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
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