12 Christmas Ham Recipes for the Holiday Table

12 Christmas Ham Recipes for the Holiday Table

By Sara Taylor

12 Christmas Ham Recipes for the Holiday Table

By Sara Taylor
•
Updated
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Recipes

Imagine walking into a warm family dining room for the holidays and in the middle of the table is a beautiful honey baked ham. As you walk in, everyone is captivated by the centerpiece of the meal. The spirit of the holidays is in that ham. It is holiday glaze ham. They are very forgiving. Not much TLC goes into the ham itself. Most of the TLC is in the glaze. I put together twelve, that I hope will make your Christmas dinner a treasure holiday glaze ham.

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1) Maple Glazed Ham

a glistening maple-glazed ham scored in a diamond pattern on a white platter in a wide horizontal shot, golden caramelized surface, sprigs of rosemary and roasted apples alongside, warm holiday natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Golden and sticky, with just the right amount of sweetness to make your mouth water, this is the ham that started my obsession with the holidays.

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a glistening maple-glazed ham scored in a diamond pattern on a white platter in a wide horizontal shot, golden caramelized surface, sprigs of rosemary and roasted apples alongside, warm holiday natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Maple Glazed Ham

Bone-in ham with maple glaze that makes a beautiful caramelization in the oven.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in ham 8 lb, fully cooked
  • 3/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and score the ham in a diamond pattern.
  2. Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan with a splash of water.
  3. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.
  4. Simmer the maple syrup, butter, mustard, and pepper into a glossy glaze.
  5. Brush the ham generously and bake uncovered another 30 minutes, basting twice.
  6. Rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Save the pan drippings to spoon over the slices.

2) Pineapple Honey-Bourbon Ham

a golden ham studded with caramelized pineapple rings and cherries on a festive platter in a wide horizontal shot, glossy honey glaze, holiday greenery around the edges, warm inviting natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This is the showstopper, now with a bit of big kid fun thanks to the bourbon.

a golden ham studded with caramelized pineapple rings and cherries on a festive platter in a wide horizontal shot, glossy honey glaze, holiday greenery around the edges, warm inviting natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pineapple Honey-Bourbon Ham

Honey and bourbon glazed ham with caramelized pineapple rings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in ham 8 lb, fully cooked
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 can pineapple rings drained
  • 12 maraschino cherries

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and place the ham in a roasting pan.
  2. Pin the pineapple rings to the ham with toothpicks and tuck a cherry in each center.
  3. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour 30 minutes.
  4. Simmer the honey, bourbon, and brown sugar until syrupy.
  5. Brush the glaze over everything and bake uncovered 30 minutes, basting often.
  6. Rest before carving.

Notes

Let the bourbon simmer a couple minutes to mellow the bite.

3) Brown Sugar and Dijon Mustard Crusted Ham

a ham with a deeply browned sugar and mustard crust resting on a wooden carving board in a wide horizontal shot, crackly caramelized surface, a carving knife and thyme nearby, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Due to the flavor of the sweet and tangy crust, people come back for a second slice.

a ham with a deeply browned sugar and mustard crust resting on a wooden carving board in a wide horizontal shot, crackly caramelized surface, a carving knife and thyme nearby, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Brown Sugar and Dijon Mustard Crusted Ham

A ham with a thick coating of brown sugar and Dijon that bakes into a crunchy, crackly shell.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in ham 8 lb, fully cooked
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and score the ham.
  2. Bake covered with foil for 1 hour 30 minutes.
  3. Stir the brown sugar, Dijon, vinegar, and cloves into a thick paste.
  4. Pat the paste all over the ham to form a crust.
  5. Bake uncovered 25 minutes until the crust sets and browns.
  6. Rest 15 minutes, then slice.

Notes

If the crust browns too fast, tent it with foil.

4) Spiced Orange Marmalade Ham

a citrus-glazed ham topped with orange slices and cinnamon sticks on a ceramic platter in a wide horizontal shot, shiny amber glaze, scattered cloves and greenery, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Ham evokes memories of Christmas mornings with lively citrus scents and warm spices.

a citrus-glazed ham topped with orange slices and cinnamon sticks on a ceramic platter in a wide horizontal shot, shiny amber glaze, scattered cloves and greenery, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Spiced Orange Marmalade Ham

A glossy ham with a glaze of orange marmalade, cinnamon, and a hint of star anise.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in ham 8 lb, fully cooked
  • 1 cup orange marmalade
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 star anise pods
  • 1/4 cup orange juice

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and set the ham in a roasting pan.
  2. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour 30 minutes.
  3. Warm the marmalade, brown sugar, cinnamon, star anise, and juice until loose and shiny.
  4. Discard the anise and brush the glaze over the ham.
  5. Bake uncovered 30 minutes, basting every ten.
  6. Rest before serving.

Notes

A thick-cut marmalade gives the prettiest glaze.

5) Apple Cider and Cinnamon Ham

an apple cider glazed ham surrounded by roasted apple halves and cinnamon sticks on a rustic platter in a wide horizontal shot, glossy amber surface, cozy autumn table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

As we observe Fall, the kitchen scents are a great comfort as Winter approaches.

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an apple cider glazed ham surrounded by roasted apple halves and cinnamon sticks on a rustic platter in a wide horizontal shot, glossy amber surface, cozy autumn table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Apple Cider and Cinnamon Ham

A succulent ham, lovingly basted in spiced apple cider, creates an appealingly sweet and fragrant glisten.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in ham 8 lb, fully cooked
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and pour 1 cup of cider into the roasting pan with the ham.
  2. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour 30 minutes, basting once.
  3. Simmer the remaining cider, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks, then whisk in the cornstarch to thicken.
  4. Brush the glaze over the ham.
  5. Bake uncovered 30 minutes until shiny and golden.
  6. Rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

The cider in the pan keeps the ham extra moist.

6) Herb Butter Basted Ham

a herb-buttered ham flecked with rosemary and thyme on a white serving platter in a wide horizontal shot, golden glistening surface, sprigs of fresh herbs and garlic cloves nearby, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This is for the people at your table who don't like overly sweet things.

a herb-buttered ham flecked with rosemary and thyme on a white serving platter in a wide horizontal shot, golden glistening surface, sprigs of fresh herbs and garlic cloves nearby, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Herb Butter Basted Ham

A golden and delicious finish to our savory ham is the garlicky herb basting butter.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in ham 8 lb, fully cooked
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and place the ham in a roasting pan.
  2. Mash the butter with the garlic, rosemary, thyme, and pepper.
  3. Rub half the herb butter all over the ham.
  4. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour 30 minutes.
  5. Uncover, baste with the remaining herb butter, and bake 30 minutes more.
  6. Rest, then carve.

Notes

Spoon the herby pan butter over each slice.

7) Apricot and Clove Ham

a clove-studded ham with a golden apricot glaze on a vintage platter in a wide horizontal shot, glossy amber surface, dried apricots and bay leaves alongside, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

I enjoy this ham since the warm clove and sweet apricot bring about a delightful and nostalgic memory from the past.

a clove-studded ham with a golden apricot glaze on a vintage platter in a wide horizontal shot, glossy amber surface, dried apricots and bay leaves alongside, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Apricot and Clove Ham

A ham studded with cloves and glazed with apricot preserves.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in ham 8 lb, fully cooked
  • 1 cup apricot preserves
  • 20 whole cloves
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and score the ham in a diamond pattern.
  2. Press a whole clove into each diamond intersection.
  3. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour 30 minutes.
  4. Warm the apricot preserves, Dijon, and brown sugar into a glaze.
  5. Brush over the ham and bake uncovered 30 minutes, basting twice.
  6. Rest before slicing.

Notes

Remind guests to pull out the cloves before eating.

8) Mustard Brown Sugar Ham

a glossy mustard and brown sugar glazed ham on a simple white platter in a wide horizontal shot, deep golden caramelized surface, a few sprigs of parsley and a carving fork nearby, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

This is my simple, no-fuss recipe for ham that you can make using things from your pantry.

a glossy mustard and brown sugar glazed ham on a simple white platter in a wide horizontal shot, deep golden caramelized surface, a few sprigs of parsley and a carving fork nearby, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Mustard Brown Sugar Ham

A classic ham glazed with a simple glossy blend of mustard and brown sugar.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in ham 8 lb, fully cooked
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and place the ham in a roasting pan.
  2. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour 30 minutes.
  3. Stir the brown sugar, mustard, honey, and pepper into a smooth glaze.
  4. Brush it over the ham.
  5. Bake uncovered 30 minutes, basting halfway, until shiny.
  6. Rest 15 minutes before carving.

Notes

Double the glaze if you like extra to serve on the side.

9) Traditional Holiday Ham with Cherry Sauce

sliced holiday ham fanned on a platter beside a bowl of glossy ruby cherry sauce in a wide horizontal shot, juicy red sauce being spooned over, festive table linens, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Grandma's will be proud of the cherry sauce.

sliced holiday ham fanned on a platter beside a bowl of glossy ruby cherry sauce in a wide horizontal shot, juicy red sauce being spooned over, festive table linens, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Traditional Holiday Ham with Cherry Sauce

A timeless baked ham dish featuring a shiny, red cherry sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in ham 8 lb, fully cooked
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cups cherries pitted
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and rub the ham with brown sugar.
  2. Cover with foil and bake 2 hours, basting with pan juices once.
  3. Simmer the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan until juicy.
  4. Whisk the cornstarch with a splash of water and stir it in to thicken.
  5. Uncover the ham and bake 15 minutes to glaze.
  6. Rest, then serve sliced with the warm cherry sauce.

Notes

Frozen cherries work great here, no need to thaw.

10) Ginger-Peach Glazed Ham

a peach-glazed ham with a shiny golden surface on a wide serving platter in a wide horizontal shot, sliced peaches and fresh ginger alongside, bright cheerful natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sweet peaches and zesty ginger will make you feel like it's a summer day in December with this ham.

a peach-glazed ham with a shiny golden surface on a wide serving platter in a wide horizontal shot, sliced peaches and fresh ginger alongside, bright cheerful natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Ginger-Peach Glazed Ham

A ham that is glazed with peaches, and finished with fresh ginger for a bright, and fruity touch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in ham 8 lb, fully cooked
  • 1 cup peach preserves
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and place the ham in a roasting pan.
  2. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour 30 minutes.
  3. Warm the peach preserves, ginger, brown sugar, and soy sauce into a glaze.
  4. Brush generously over the ham.
  5. Bake uncovered 30 minutes, basting twice, until glossy.
  6. Rest before slicing.

Notes

The splash of soy sauce balances the sweetness beautifully.

11) Cider and Mustard Ham

a cider and mustard glazed ham with visible mustard seeds on a rustic wooden board in a wide horizontal shot, deep golden surface, apples and sage leaves nearby, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

A sweet and savory glaze that is slightly tangy from the mustard and mellow from the cider.

a cider and mustard glazed ham with visible mustard seeds on a rustic wooden board in a wide horizontal shot, deep golden surface, apples and sage leaves nearby, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Cider and Mustard Ham

A ham glazed with cider and grainy mustard for a sweet and savory flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in ham 8 lb, fully cooked
  • 1.5 cups apple cider
  • 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp butter

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and pour 1/2 cup cider into the pan with the ham.
  2. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour 30 minutes.
  3. Simmer the remaining cider, mustard, brown sugar, and butter until slightly thickened.
  4. Brush over the ham.
  5. Bake uncovered 30 minutes, basting often, until burnished.
  6. Rest 15 minutes before carving.

Notes

The grainy mustard gives a lovely texture to the glaze.

12) Pomegranate Molasses and Thyme Ham

a deeply glazed ham scattered with ruby pomegranate seeds and thyme on an elegant platter in a wide horizontal shot, glossy dark-red surface, fresh thyme sprigs around the edge, moody natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Out of all the hams, this one is the most sophisticated. The rich, tangy note of pomegranate paired with the subtle earthiness of thyme deserves to be savored.

a deeply glazed ham scattered with ruby pomegranate seeds and thyme on an elegant platter in a wide horizontal shot, glossy dark-red surface, fresh thyme sprigs around the edge, moody natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Pomegranate Molasses and Thyme Ham

An elegant ham that is glazed with pomegranate molasses and fresh thyme.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bone-in ham 8 lb, fully cooked
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate molasses
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325F and set the ham in a roasting pan.
  2. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour 30 minutes.
  3. Warm the pomegranate molasses, honey, and thyme into a glossy glaze.
  4. Brush it over the ham.
  5. Bake uncovered 30 minutes, basting twice, until deeply lacquered.
  6. Rest, then scatter fresh pomegranate seeds over the top before serving.

Notes

The jewel-like seeds make a gorgeous finishing touch.
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