When it comes to holiday cooking, there is no dish quite as beloved and versatile as the Christmas ham. This succulent and savory dish has been a staple on dinner tables for generations, and for good reason. Not only is it a delicious centerpiece for any holiday feast, but it is also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you are an experienced chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this Christmas ham recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Main Ingredients: Ham, Cola, Large Onion, Black Peppercorns, Cloves, Star
Looking for a unique and flavorful way to prepare your Christmas ham this year? Look no further than this Cola Christmas Ham recipe! The combination of sweet cola and savory spices creates a delicious glaze that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
2of 20
Macadamia Christmas Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Marmalade, Brown Sugar, Dijon Mustard, Butter
Take your Christmas ham to the next level with this Macadamia Christmas Ham recipe. The crunch of macadamia nuts adds a delightful texture to the succulent meat, making it a standout dish on your holiday table.
3of 20
Leftover Christmas Ham Sliders
Main Ingredients: Slider Rolls, Ham, Gouda Cheese, Cranberry Sauce
Don't let any of that delicious Christmas ham go to waste! Transform your leftovers into these mouthwatering Leftover Christmas Ham Sliders. The combination of tender ham, gooey cheese, and tangy mustard makes for the perfect post-holiday snack.
4of 20
Christmas Ham Pot Pie!
Main Ingredients: Large Carrots, Turnip, Yellow Onion, Purple Potatoes
Pot pie is a classic comfort food, and this Christmas Ham Pot Pie is no exception. The combination of flaky crust, savory ham, and hearty vegetables will warm you up on those chilly winter nights.
5of 20
Tropical fruit glazed Christmas ham
Main Ingredients: Crushed Pineapple In Juice, Sugar, Mango Chutney, Fruit
Bring a taste of the tropics to your Christmas dinner with this Tropical Fruit Glazed Christmas Ham. The combination of sweet fruit and tangy glaze will transport you to a sunny island paradise, even in the middle of winter.
6of 20
Ginger Beer and Maple Glazed Christmas Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Cloves, Ginger Beer, Muscovado Sugar, Dijon, Pure
Add a little kick to your Christmas ham with this Ginger Beer and Maple Glazed Christmas Ham recipe. The spicy ginger beer and sweet maple syrup create a unique flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.
7of 20
Swedish Style Vegan Christmas Ham (Vegansk Julskinka)
Main Ingredients: Vital Wheat Gluten, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Pink
Just because you're vegan doesn't mean you have to miss out on the deliciousness of Christmas ham. This Swedish Style Vegan Christmas Ham, made with seitan, is a flavorful and cruelty-free alternative that everyone can enjoy.
For a classic and traditional Christmas ham recipe, look no further than this simple yet delicious Christmas Ham. The minimal ingredients allow the flavor of the ham to shine, making it a staple on many holiday tables.
9of 20
Hot Buttered Rum and Pecan Encrusted Christmas Ham
Main Ingredients: Ham, Turbinado Sugar, Molasses, Butter, Dark Rum
Hot buttered rum and pecans are a match made in heaven, and they make a perfect combination in this Hot Buttered Rum and Pecan Encrusted Christmas Ham. The crunchy pecan crust adds a delightful texture to the moist and flavorful ham.
10of 20
Christmas Ham and Queso De Bola Macaroni Salad
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Pasta, Carrots, Ham, Queso, Pineapple
Put a unique twist on your holiday side dishes with this Christmas Ham and Queso De Bola Macaroni Salad. The creamy cheese and salty ham add a delicious contrast to the classic macaroni salad.
11of 20
Parsnip Noodles with Leftover Christmas Ham and...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Sage Leaves, Butternut Squash, Shallot
Another great way to use up your leftover Christmas ham is in this Parsnip Noodles with Leftover Christmas Ham and recipe. The parsnip noodles and ham are tossed in a flavorful sauce, making for a healthy and tasty meal.
12of 20
Christmas Ham with Maple Glaze
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham, Pure Maple Syrup, Butter, Light Corn Syrup
Maple syrup and ham are a match made in heaven, and they come together beautifully in this Christmas Ham with Maple Glaze recipe. The sweetness of the maple pairs perfectly with the savory ham, creating a delicious and festive dish.
Struggling to find the perfect Christmas ham recipe? Look no further than this tried and true Perfect Christmas Ham recipe. With a simple but flavorful glaze, this ham is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
14of 20
Christmas Morning Wife Saver
Main Ingredients: Bread, Ham, Cheddar Cheese, Large Eggs, Black Pepper
Christmas morning can be hectic, but this Christmas Morning Wife Saver recipe will make your breakfast preparations a breeze. Assemble it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and enjoy a delicious and stress-free breakfast with your loved ones.
15of 20
Easy Mulled Wine Christmas Ham
Main Ingredients: Gammon Joint, Red Wine, Runny Honey, Mustard, Cloves
For a twist on traditional Christmas ham, try this Easy Mulled Wine Christmas Ham recipe. The warm and festive flavors of mulled wine make for a unique and delicious glaze that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
16of 20
Christmas Ham with Cherry Ham Glaze
Main Ingredients: Bone In Half Ham, Cherry Juice, Red Wine Vinegar, Light
Cherry and ham may not seem like an obvious pairing, but trust us, it works. This Christmas Ham with Cherry Ham Glaze recipe combines the savory and sweet flavors perfectly, creating a dish that will be the star of your holiday table.
17of 20
Christmas Ham With Apple Cider Glaze
Main Ingredients: Apple Cider, Cinnamon Sticks, Fully Cooked Ham, Dijon
Add a touch of fall to your Christmas dinner with this Christmas Ham with Apple Cider Glaze recipe. The warm and comforting flavors of apple cider pair perfectly with the savory ham, making for a delicious and unique dish.
18of 20
Venezuelan Pan de Jamon (Christmas Ham Bread)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Granulated Yeast, Butter, Eggs, Sugar, Salt
If you're feeling adventurous this holiday season, try making this traditional Venezuelan Pan de Jamon, or Christmas Ham Bread. This stuffed bread is filled with ham, olives, raisins, and spices, making for a flavorful and unique addition to your holiday menu.
19of 20
Christmas Ham in the Slow Cooker (Honey Citrus)
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham, Honey, Spicy Brown Mustard, Ground Ginger
For an easy and stress-free way to prepare your Christmas ham, try this Christmas Ham in the Slow Cooker recipe. The honey and citrus flavors infuse into the ham while it cooks, creating a tender and flavorful dish with minimal effort.
20of 20
Christmas Ham with Cranberry, Mint and Brown Sugar...
Main Ingredients: Smoked Ham, Brown Sugar, Cranberry Sauce, Mint Sprigs
Cranberry and mint may seem like a more traditional combination for Christmas desserts, but they also work beautifully in this Christmas Ham with Cranberry, Mint, and Brown Sugar Glaze recipe. The tartness of the cranberry pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the brown sugar, making for a flavorful and festive dish.
Choosing the Perfect Ham
What to Look for When Purchasing Your Ham
Before you begin preparing your Christmas ham, it is important to choose the right cut of meat. When selecting your ham, look for one that is fully cooked and has a layer of fat on top. This layer of fat will help keep the ham moist and add flavor during the cooking process. You can also opt for a bone-in ham, which adds even more flavor to the dish. Another important factor to consider is the size of the ham. If you are serving a smaller group, a half ham will suffice, but for larger gatherings, a whole ham may be necessary.
Bringing Out the Best Flavor
To ensure your Christmas ham is bursting with flavor, it is crucial to properly prepare it before cooking. Start by scoring the top of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will not only add a decorative touch, but it also allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more easily. Next, rub the ham with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, and spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will create a sweet and savory glaze for the ham.
The Cooking Process
Once your ham is prepared, it is time to cook it. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and place the ham in a roasting pan. If you have a bone-in ham, make sure the bone is facing down. Cover the ham with foil and bake for about 20 minutes per pound. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and baste the ham with its own juices to keep it moist. The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees.
Letting it Rest
As tempting as it may be to carve into your Christmas ham right away, it is important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy ham. Once it has rested, feel free to carve and serve your delicious Christmas ham to your loved ones.
With this easy and mouth-watering Christmas ham recipe, you can impress your guests with minimal effort. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will leave everyone coming back for seconds, and possibly even thirds. So go ahead and add this dish to your holiday menu, and get ready to be known as the Christmas ham expert among your family and friends.
