Christmas Ham

This baked festive ham is easy to make, tender and incredibly delicious. Christmas Ham is topped with a sweet sticky orange glaze that will bring your holiday meal to the next level.

This scrumptious glazed ham is perfect to serve for Christmas dinner or even on Christmas eve. It’s unforgettable and classic main course that everyone loves. The delicious glaze adds incredible flavor and makes it that much more memorable.

It even smells like Christmas day as the mouthwatering scents of a baked ham waft through your home. Everyone will be salivating as they wait to dig in and enjoy every last bite!

Even the presentation has holiday vibes with the colors of orange zest, pomegranate seeds and parsley. It’s the perfect addition to your holiday dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Ham

• It’s the best Christmas ham recipe with it’s sweet glaze and beautiful presentation
• Serves a crowd of 15 to 18 people for your Christmas celebration
• A delicious addition to your Christmas buffet if you offer a variety of recipes
• If you don’t eat it all, you can enjoy all the amazing leftover ham recipes
• Can be made in your slow cooker if you prefer
• Simple recipe with easy to find ingredients

Ingredients

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The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Spiral Sliced Bone-in Ham – Look for a fresh ham about 9 to 12 pounds.
• Orange juice – With pulp or without, it’s your preference.
• Brown sugar – Dark or light brown sugar will work.
• Honey
• Cinnamon
• Orange zest
• Pomegranate seeds
• Fresh parsley

How to Make Christmas Ham

• Step One: Preheat oven to 325°F. 
• Step Two: Remove the ham from its packaging and discard most of the liquid from the packaging, saving about 1 cup.
• Step Three: Place your ham cut side down in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Add the cup of reserved liquid to the dish.
• Step Four: In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, brown sugar, honey and cinnamon.
• Step Five: Pour half of this mixture all over the ham, reserving the other half.
• Step Six: Place the ham into the oven to cook for 2 to 2 ½ hours (20 minutes per pound).

Orange Brown Sugar Glaze

During the last hour of baking, prepare the glaze.

• Step One: In a large pot, pour the remaining orange juice mixture. 
• Step Two: Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium low. Whisk constantly making sure it does not bubble over. 
• Step Three: Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Set aside to cool slightly.

Finishing Up

• Step One: When the ham is finished cooking, remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish.
• Step Two: Pour the thickened glaze all over the ham.
• Step Three: Sprinkle the ham with orange zest, pomegranate seeds and parsley. Carve and serve.

Equipment Needed

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• Roasting pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester
• Mixing bowl

What to Serve with Christmas Ham

Serve a variety of Christmas sides with this delicious recipe.

• Cranberry Relish
• Crockpot Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
• Candied Sweet Potatoes
• Christmas Salad
• Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Cranberries and Bacon

What Type of Ham Is The Best for Christmas Ham?

I like the bone-in ham because they are the most flavorful and also opt for a ham that is spiral cut. They are already cut around the bone so you don’t have to carve the ham yourself. 

Spiral hams also don’t have a rind so that’s another step you won’t have to deal with. If there is a rind on the ham, you’ll want to remove it before eating.

These are hams you have to cook before eating. 

Variations and Substitutions

• If you don’t want to use a bone-in spiral cut ham, you can try another kind of ham like a boneless ham. They are usually pre-cooked and only require reheating. You will need to adjust the cooking time and amount of glaze used since they are usually smaller.
• Switch out the honey for maple syrup in the glaze.
• If you can’t find pomegranate seeds, don’t stress. You can leave them out. The ham will still taste delicious.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Make sure there is no plastic cap on the bone on the cut side of the ham before you put it in the oven. 
• For a more rich caramelized flavor, add the glaze to the ham within the final 30 minutes of baking time and place the ham back in the oven.
• Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of the liquid in the packaging that ham comes in. You’ll need to add this to the roasting dish. If you forget or throw it out by accident, you can use 1 cup of water.
• Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure if the ham is properly cooked. Hams typically bake for about 20 minutes per pound. You’ll want the internal temperature to be 145°F.
• When making the glaze, whisk it constantly and make sure it does not bubble over. This isn’t a step you can walk away from.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Christmas ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

Can I Freeze?

Yes, you can freeze this ham recipe! Store leftover ham in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can I Make Christmas Ham in the Slow Cooker?

Yes! Grab your Crockpot and slow cook this divine holiday recipe! Cook the ham on LOW for 4 hours. Then remove and glaze as the recipe directs.

How Much Ham to Serve Per Person

You should aim to serve about ½ pound per person. Some will eat more, some less, but on average, that’s typically what you should plan for when serving ham.

Leftover Ham Recipes

• Ham, Asparagus and Swiss Biscuit Cups
• Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Hash
• Creamy Cabbage Soup
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
• Scrambled Egg Casserole

You’ll also like this Christmas Lasagna.

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