Holiday Ham: Simple Recipes and Tips for a Festive Feast
Thinking about the centerpiece for your holiday table? A good ham can do the trick without a lot of fuss. Below you’ll find easy ways to pick, prepare, and serve a ham that feels special but isn’t a nightmare to make.
Choosing the Right Ham
First, pick a ham that matches your crowd. A whole bone‑in ham gives a classic look and lots of flavor. If you’re short on oven space, a half‑ham works just as well. Look for a ham that’s already cured and smoked – you’ll save time on seasoning. The label will say “fully cooked”; that means you only need to heat it up, not cook it from raw.
Check the weight and aim for about ½ pound per person. That gives generous slices plus a bit for leftovers. If you love a sweet glaze, choose a ham with a natural glaze already on it – it will soak into the meat during heating.
Easy Holiday Ham Recipes
Here’s a no‑fail method for a caramel‑glazed ham that takes under an hour.
Ingredients: a 6‑lb fully cooked bone‑in ham, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, a pinch of ground cloves.
Steps: Preheat oven to 325°F. Score the ham in a diamond pattern – shallow cuts about ¼ inch deep. Mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, and cloves into a sticky glaze. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan, brush on half the glaze, and cover with foil.
Bake for 15 minutes per pound, basting with the remaining glaze every 20 minutes. Remove foil for the last 15 minutes to let the glaze caramelize. Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing.
If you want a savory spin, swap honey for maple syrup and add a splash of apple cider. The glaze still caramelizes, but you get a richer, slightly tangy flavor.
Side dishes that pair well with ham are simple: roasted carrots, green beans almondine, or a light salad with citrus dressing. All of these balance the sweet‑savory notes of the ham without stealing the spotlight.
Got leftovers? Slice the ham thin and toss it into a sandwich with lettuce, mustard, and a slice of cheese. Or chop it up for a quick fried‑rice or pasta bake. The caramel glaze adds a subtle sweet layer that makes leftovers taste fresh.
Remember, the key to a great holiday ham is not overcooking. Since it’s already cooked, you only need to warm it through and let the glaze set. Keep an eye on the oven and use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should hit 140°F.
With these tips, you can serve a tasty ham that looks impressive but stays stress‑free. Grab a ham, follow the simple glaze, and enjoy a festive meal that everyone will love.
How do you cook your holiday ham?
During the holidays, I love cooking a delicious ham for my family and friends. First, I choose a high-quality, bone-in ham and preheat the oven to 325°F. I then score the ham in a diamond pattern and brush it with a flavorful glaze made of brown sugar, honey, and mustard. Next, I bake the ham for about 20 minutes per pound, basting it with the glaze every 30 minutes. Once it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, I let it rest for a few minutes before carving and serving it to my loved ones.
