Irresistible Christmas Glazed Ham

The holiday season is a time for cherished traditions, family gatherings, and, of course, unforgettable meals. While many tables feature a grand turkey, for countless families, Christmas simply isn’t complete without a beautifully prepared, succulent Christmas ham. Imagine: a glistening ham, scored in an elegant diamond pattern, fragrant with cloves, and coated in a rich, sweet-savory brown sugar glaze that caramelizes to perfection. This isn’t just a dish; it’s the centerpiece of your festive celebration, promising tender, juicy perfection in every slice. And the best part? Creating this showstopper is surprisingly simple, making it the ideal choice for busy households seeking to impress without stress.

Our recipe for **Christmas Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze** delivers all the festive flavors and visual appeal you could wish for, making it a truly unforgettable main dish for your holiday table. It’s a culinary triumph that looks elaborate but is incredibly straightforward to execute, allowing you more time to enjoy the company of loved ones and the magic of the season. The rich, salty notes of the ham are perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy glaze, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This classic baked ham, with its golden crust and succulent interior, will undoubtedly become a cherished part of your annual Christmas feast.

Why This Christmas Ham Recipe is a Must-Try

What makes this particular Christmas ham stand out from the rest? It’s a combination of ease, incredible flavor, and stunning presentation. Unlike many holiday roasts that demand constant attention, this glazed ham mostly bakes unattended, freeing you up to prepare side dishes or simply relax. The preparation involves a few simple steps: scoring the ham, studding it with fragrant cloves, and brushing it with an irresistible homemade glaze. The aroma alone as it bakes will fill your home with the essence of Christmas, building anticipation for the feast to come.

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the robust brown sugar glaze. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet brown sugar, golden honey, and a hint of zesty Dijon mustard, perfectly balanced with warm allspice. This glaze doesn’t just add sweetness; it creates a beautiful, caramelized crust that locks in moisture, ensuring every bite of ham is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The diamond scoring not only makes for a gorgeous visual but also allows the glaze to seep into every crevice, enhancing the ham’s taste profile. It’s truly a recipe designed for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs, guaranteeing a holiday meal that’s both impressive and delicious.

Choosing the Perfect Ham for Your Holiday Feast

Selecting the right ham is the first step to creating a truly magnificent centerpiece. For this recipe, we recommend using a fully-cooked, bone-in ham. A bone-in ham offers superior flavor and moisture compared to its boneless counterparts, and the bone itself adds depth to any stock or soup you might make from leftovers. Most hams available in stores are “city hams,” meaning they have been cured and smoked, and are already fully cooked. This significantly reduces your cooking time, as you’re essentially just reheating it to a safe temperature and allowing the glaze to work its magic.

When it comes to cuts, you’ll generally encounter two main options: the **shank half** and the **butt half**. Both are excellent choices for a half ham, and the decision often comes down to personal preference:

• Shank Half: This cut comes from the lower part of the pig’s leg and is easily identifiable by its single, straight bone. It’s typically leaner than the butt half and its uniform shape often makes it easier to carve, resulting in beautiful, consistent slices.
• Butt Half: Also known as the sirloin half, this cut comes from the upper portion of the leg. It tends to be a bit fattier and may contain more meat, but it also has a T-shaped bone which can make carving slightly more challenging. However, many believe the butt half offers a richer flavor due to its fat content.

For this recipe, an 8 to 10-pound bone-in, fully-cooked ham is ideal. Whether you opt for a shank or butt half, ensure it fits comfortably in your roasting pan. The key is to choose a ham that excites you, as either cut will deliver fantastic results with our irresistible brown sugar glaze.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this holiday masterpiece requires a handful of simple yet potent ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this Christmas ham truly special. Gather these items, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a festive centerpiece.

• Ham: An 8 to 10-pound fully-cooked, bone-in ham is perfect. As discussed, bone-in offers the best flavor and texture, while fully-cooked ensures an easier reheating process.
• Whole Cloves: These fragrant spice buds are not just for decoration; they infuse the ham with a warm, spicy aroma that is quintessentially Christmas. You’ll need about two tablespoons. They’re optional, but highly recommended for that classic holiday touch.
• Brown Sugar: This is the backbone of our glaze, providing deep caramel notes and a beautiful golden-brown color. One cup of either light or dark brown sugar will work. Dark brown sugar will yield a slightly richer, more molasses-like flavor, while light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness.
• Honey: Half a cup of your favorite honey adds another layer of sweetness, a sticky consistency to the glaze, and a lovely floral aroma. It also contributes to the beautiful sheen and caramelization of the ham’s surface.
• Dijon Mustard: Three tablespoons of good quality Dijon mustard are key to balancing the sweetness of the glaze. Its tangy, slightly pungent notes cut through the richness of the ham and sugar, adding complexity and depth without being overpowering. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Ground Allspice: While optional, a quarter teaspoon of ground allspice elevates the holiday flavor profile. Its warm, sweet, and peppery notes wonderfully complement both ham and cloves, rounding out the glaze with a subtle spice.

How to Bake a Showstopping Christmas Ham: Step-by-Step

Preparing a glazed ham for the holidays is a tradition in itself, and with these clear instructions, you’ll find it’s a surprisingly simple and rewarding experience. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly tender, juicy ham with an irresistible caramelized crust.

• Prepare for Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Pour one cup of water into the bottom of a sturdy roasting pan. This creates a moist environment, helping to keep the ham from drying out during baking. Place a roasting rack over the water, then position the ham, cut-side down, on the rack.
• Score and Stud the Ham: Using a sharp knife, carefully score the fatty exterior of the ham in a crisscross or diamond pattern. The cuts should be about ¾ of an inch deep, just through the fat layer, without penetrating too deep into the meat. This scoring allows the glaze to penetrate and also creates a beautiful presentation. If using, stud a whole clove into the center of each diamond or at the intersections of your cuts.
• Initial Bake and Glaze Preparation: Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the ham and keep it moist during the initial cooking phase. Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. While the ham is baking, prepare your heavenly glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground allspice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, and let it simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened. For an extra citrusy kick, you can add a couple of tablespoons of orange juice or pineapple juice to the glaze.
• Glazing and Continued Baking: After the initial 20 minutes, carefully remove the ham from the oven and discard the foil. Liberally brush the ham with a generous amount of your freshly made brown sugar glaze. Re-tent the ham with foil and return it to the oven. Continue baking for approximately 20 minutes per pound of ham, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C). Crucially, every 20 minutes, remove the foil, baste the ham with more glaze, and then re-cover it. This continuous basting builds up layers of delicious flavor and creates that iconic sticky, glistening crust.
• The Caramelization Finale: Once the internal temperature of the ham reaches 130°F (54°C) using an instant-read food thermometer, remove the foil for the final time. Brush the ham with any remaining glaze. Increase your oven temperature to BROIL. Broil the ham for 3 to 5 minutes, carefully watching it to prevent burning, until the glaze has beautifully caramelized to a deep, golden-brown color and has a slight char in places. This step creates that irresistible, glossy, crispy exterior.
• Rest, Slice, and Serve: Once broiled, remove the ham from the oven and immediately cover it again loosely with foil. Allow the ham to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Resting is a critical step that allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. After resting, slice the ham against the grain into desired portions and serve immediately to your eager guests!

Pro Tips for the Best Glazed Ham

Achieving a perfectly glazed Christmas ham is easier than you think, especially with a few expert tips up your sleeve. These insights will help you customize the recipe and ensure your ham is the star of your holiday feast.

• Temperature is Key: Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your ham. Since most hams are pre-cooked, you’re primarily reheating it. Aim for 130°F (54°C) before the final broiling stage. Overcooking will dry out the ham, so precise temperature monitoring is crucial for a juicy result.
• Glaze Variations & Substitutes: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the glaze!
  • Sugar Substitutes: If brown sugar isn’t available or you prefer a different flavor, you can try raw sugar, turbinado sugar, maple syrup, or even molasses. Keep in mind that the consistency and sweetness level might vary, so adjust quantities as needed.
  • Mustard Substitutes: While Dijon mustard provides a fantastic tang, other mustards can also be delicious. Consider using honey mustard for extra sweetness, grainy deli mustard for texture, or even a spicy brown mustard for a kick. Taste and adjust to your preference.
  • Add Citrus: As mentioned in the instructions, a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice in the glaze can add a bright, fruity dimension that pairs wonderfully with ham.
• Spice It Up (or Down): The use of cloves and allspice provides a traditional holiday aroma and flavor. However, if you’re not a fan of these spices, or if you’re making this ham for a non-Christmas occasion (like Easter), feel free to omit them entirely. The ham will still be incredibly flavorful with just the brown sugar, honey, and Dijon glaze. Alternatively, explore other warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for different flavor profiles.
• Don’t Rush the Rest: Allowing the ham to rest after baking is as important as the cooking itself. This resting period allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices, ensuring a tender and succulent ham. Cutting into it too soon will result in juices running out, leaving you with a drier ham.
• Carving Like a Pro: For a bone-in ham, carve by first slicing around the bone to free large sections of meat. Then, slice these sections against the grain to achieve tender, manageable pieces. A sharp chef’s knife is essential for clean cuts.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Christmas Ham

A glorious Christmas ham deserves an equally magnificent ensemble of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your holiday feast, offering a variety of textures and flavors that beautifully complement the sweet and savory notes of your glazed ham:

• Roasted Vegetables: Easy Roasted Vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, or sweet potatoes add vibrant color and earthy flavors. Toss them with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, then roast alongside the ham during its later stages.
• Creamy Casseroles: Indulgent casseroles are a holiday staple. Consider a rich Cheesy Squash and Zucchini Casserole, or a hearty Zucchini Tomato Gratin. Classic green bean casserole or scalloped potatoes are also excellent choices.
• Dinner Rolls: No holiday meal is complete without warm bread for soaking up every last bit of glaze. Serve your ham with soft Butter Swim Biscuits or fluffy No-Knead Dinner Rolls.
• Potatoes, Mashed or Roasted: Creamy mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, or crispy roasted potato wedges are always a welcome addition, providing a comforting counterpoint to the ham.
• Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main course.
• Cranberry Sauce: While often paired with turkey, a homemade cranberry sauce provides a tart, fruity burst that beautifully cuts through the ham’s sweetness.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

One of the best gifts of a large holiday ham is the promise of delicious leftovers. Properly storing and reheating your ham ensures you can enjoy its festive flavors for days to come.

• To Refrigerate: Once the ham has cooled to room temperature, slice any remaining meat off the bone or leave it whole, depending on your preference. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
• To Freeze: For longer storage, slice the leftover ham into smaller, manageable portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Press out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ham can last for 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To Reheat:
  • Microwave: For quick individual servings, place slices of ham on a microwave-safe plate, add a tablespoon of water or broth, cover loosely, and microwave in 15-second increments until heated through.
  • Stovetop: Gently fry or sauté ham slices in a skillet with a little cooking spray or butter until warmed.
  • Oven: The best method for larger quantities or to prevent drying out. Place ham slices or chunks in an oven-safe dish with a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and reheat at about 300-350°F (150-175°C) until heated through.
• Serve Cold: Don’t forget that leftover ham is also fantastic served cold! Thinly slice it for sandwiches, chop it for salads, or add it to charcuterie boards.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham

Beyond simple sandwiches, leftover Christmas ham is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can elevate many dishes. Don’t let a single savory morsel go to waste!

• Hearty Soups and Stews: The ham bone itself is a treasure for making flavorful broths. Use it as the base for a comforting Ham Bone Soup, pea soup, or lentil soup. Diced ham can also be added to vegetable stews for extra protein and flavor.
• Breakfast and Brunch: Incorporate diced ham into omelets, frittatas, quiches, breakfast burritos, or a classic ham and cheese strata. It’s a fantastic way to start the day.
• Pasta Dishes: Add cubes of ham to creamy pasta dishes like carbonara, mac and cheese, or a simple ham and pea pasta.
• Casseroles and Bakes: Stir chopped ham into potato casseroles, gratins, or even homemade pizzas for a delicious twist.
• Salads and Sandwiches: Elevate your everyday lunch with ham. Make gourmet ham and cheese sandwiches, ham salad, or add it to a chef’s salad.
• Savory Baked Goods: Ham pairs wonderfully with cheese in savory muffins, scones, or even bread puddings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Christmas Ham

To help you confidently prepare your holiday ham, here are answers to some common questions:

• How long should I cook a fully cooked ham? For a fully cooked, bone-in ham, the general rule is to reheat it to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Our recipe uses a baking temperature of 325°F (160°C) and aims for 130°F (54°C) before broiling, with a total cooking time of about 20 minutes per pound. Always refer to your ham’s packaging for specific instructions and use a meat thermometer.
• Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe? Yes, you can. Boneless hams are often easier to carve. However, they can sometimes be drier than bone-in hams and may require slightly less cooking time. Be sure to monitor the internal temperature closely to prevent overcooking.
• Can I prepare the glaze in advance? Absolutely! You can make the brown sugar glaze a day or two before you plan to bake the ham. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, until it’s smooth and pourable again before basting.
• What if my ham is already spiral-cut? Spiral-cut hams are convenient as they are pre-sliced. They cook faster and are more prone to drying out. Follow the cooking instructions on the packaging, but still baste frequently with the glaze to keep it moist and flavorful. Reduce your overall cooking time accordingly.
• How do I prevent the glaze from burning? The final broiling step is crucial for caramelization but requires vigilance. Keep a close eye on the ham during the 3-5 minutes under the broiler. If it starts to brown too quickly, move it to a lower rack or remove it from the oven immediately.

Other Easy Pork Recipes

If you enjoy cooking with pork, here are some other delicious and easy recipes to try:

• Pesto Stuffed Pork Chops
• Crispy Oven Baked Bacon
• Italian Sausage Butternut Squash Soup
• Ham Bone Soup (perfect for using your leftover ham bone!)
• Pork Loin Roast with Vegetables

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Rating: 5 from 4 votes

Christmas Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

by

Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes

Scored in a diamond pattern, studded with cloves, and covered in a honey-dijon glaze, this Christmas Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is really a showstopper on the table!

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
3 hours

Total Time:
3 hours 15 minutes

Servings:
16

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 8 to 10 pound bone-in fully cooked ham
• 2 tablespoons whole cloves, optional, but recommended

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Pour 1 cup of water into the base of a roasting pan. Set a roasting rack on top.
3. Place ham, cut-side down, on the roasting rack.
4. Score the fat, creating a square or diamond pattern, cutting only 3/4-inch deep. Stud each diamond or intersection with a clove.
5. Tent the ham with foil so that it can steam, and bake for 20 minutes.
6. While the ham is cooking, make your glaze by combining the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground allspice in a small saucepan over medium heat.
7. Boil for 2 minutes and then remove from heat.
8. Once the 20 minutes of cooking is up, remove the foil and baste or brush the ham with some of the glaze.
9. Return the foil tent and continue to bake for 20 minutes per pound of ham.
10. Every 20 minutes, baste the ham with more of the glaze and return the foil-tent each time.
11. Once the internal temperature of the ham has registered 130 degrees on your Instant Read Food Thermometer, remove the foil and baste with the glaze once again and then proceed to broil the ham for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the glaze has caramelized.
12. Remove the ham from the oven and return the foil. Allow to rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Chef Knife
• Roasting Pan

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcal |
Carbohydrates: 23g |
Protein: 43g |
Fat: 17g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Cholesterol: 166mg |
Sodium: 2657mg |
Potassium: 669mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 22g |
Vitamin C: 53mg |
Calcium: 30mg |
Iron: 2mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

This Christmas Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is more than just a meal; it’s a memorable experience that brings warmth, joy, and incredible flavor to your holiday table. With its ease of preparation and stunning presentation, it’s destined to become a beloved tradition for years to come. Happy holidays and happy cooking!