The Christmas Ham

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Christmas Ham

1. Choose the Right Ham

To start, you’ll need to pick a bone-in ham (this is a more traditional choice). Bone-in hams tend to have better flavor and stay juicier than boneless ones, making them perfect for special occasions like Christmas. Look for a pre-cooked ham, as these are easier to prepare and require less cooking time. Some people prefer a spiral-cut ham for convenience, but you can also buy a whole ham and slice it yourself after cooking.

2. Prep the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While the oven is heating, place your ham in a large roasting pan. Before cooking, score the fat in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/4-inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate the ham and ensures it cooks evenly. You can also stud the ham with whole cloves in the intersections of the cuts for an extra flavor boost.

3. Prepare the Glaze

While your ham is resting, it’s time to make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and bourbon (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for about 5–10 minutes, until it thickens and becomes syrupy. Add the ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ginger, salt, and pepper to the glaze, then stir to combine. Set the glaze aside to cool slightly.

4. Roast the Ham

Place the ham in the preheated oven and roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on its size. You want to cook the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes, brushing it generously over the surface. This will build up a beautiful caramelized layer on the outside of the ham. The scoring and basting will also allow the fat to render, keeping the meat moist and tender.

5. Finish with a Final Glaze

Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature and has developed a lovely golden-brown crust, remove it from the oven. Before serving, brush it with the remaining glaze to give it a final glossy finish. If you want an extra crispy and glazed exterior, return the ham to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes on broil, watching carefully to avoid burning.

6. Let the Ham Rest

Once out of the oven, let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more tender and flavorful.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Slice the ham into thick, generous slices, making sure each piece has some of the rich, caramelized crust. Serve it with your favorite holiday side dishes—think mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and stuffing. The sweetness of the glaze paired with the savory ham creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for more.

Tips for the Best Christmas Ham

• Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking the ham, always check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Once it reaches 140°F (60°C), it’s ready to come out of the oven.
• Customize the Glaze: Feel free to play around with the flavors in your glaze. For instance, you can swap out the apple cider vinegar for orange juice or use maple syrup in place of honey for a different sweetness.
• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The ham can also be prepped the night before—simply score it, stud with cloves, and apply a layer of glaze before refrigerating. Let it come to room temperature before cooking.
• Serve with a Variety of Sides: Pair your ham with classic sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or a fresh, tangy cranberry sauce to balance out the richness of the ham.

Storing Leftover Christmas Ham

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is rare!), Christmas Ham stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Slice the remaining ham and store it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze any leftover ham for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Ham can be used in a variety of dishes—add it to omelets, sandwiches, or use it in soups and casseroles. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

Christmas Ham is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition that brings people together to celebrate the joy and warmth of the season. The combination of tender meat, flavorful glaze, and the festive touch of whole cloves creates an unforgettable dish that is sure to be a highlight of your holiday feast.

Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or preparing a smaller dinner, this recipe for Christmas Ham will help you create a delicious and memorable holiday meal. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of this classic Christmas dish!