Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want to add a touch of holiday cheer to your dining table, a beautifully glazed Christmas ham is a classic centerpiece that never fails to impress. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create a succulent and flavorful Christmas ham that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s get started with our “Christmas Ham Recipes All About Christmas.”
Ingredients:
– 1 spiral-cut ham (about 8-10 pounds)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Whole cloves (for garnish)
– Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down.
2. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern, making sure not to cut too deeply.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well combined.
4. Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into the scored areas.
5. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour.
6. After the first hour, remove the foil and baste the ham with the glaze from the bottom of the pan. Add a few whole cloves on top for a decorative touch.
7. Continue to bake the ham uncovered for an additional 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes, until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
8. Once the ham is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
9. Garnish the ham with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch and serve warm.
This Christmas ham is a true showstopper that will have your guests coming back for seconds and thirds. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the aromatic spices, is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and fill your home with the inviting scents of the holiday season. Whether you serve it as the main course for a gathering or as a special treat for your family, this delicious ham is sure to make your Christmas memorable and delicious. Enjoy the warmth and joy of the holidays with this delightful recipe!
