What is the best Christmas ham? I know it can be intimidating. Is it easier to cook a perfectly Glazed Ham than you think? *totally* worth the effort. Think of it like the Thanksgiving turkey of Christmas – the star of the show, the centerpiece that makes the meal. Everyone gathers around. If you’re used to a simple weeknight roast chicken, get ready to level up your holiday game! And when it comes to what’s best to do, it isChristmas ham recipe.I have a family favorite that I’m just bursting to share.
What is Christmas Ham?
Christmas ham, at its heart, is a cured pork leg that’s been smoked, brined, or both. It’s essentially the festive, holiday-ready version of your everyday deli ham, but on a much grander (and tastier) scale. Think of it as the queen of the Christmas dinner table – savory, rich, and usually slathered in some kind of sweet and tangy glaze. The origins of ham as a holiday staple likely trace back to its preservation qualities, making it a perfect centerpiece for winter celebrations. It’s essentially holiday comfort food elevated, offering a delicious balance of salty and sweet that just screams “Christmas!”
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good Christmas ham recipes? First, the flavor is out of this world! The glaze, oh,the glaze! Is this a perfect blend of sweet brown sugar, tangy Dijon mustard, and just .a hint of spice? How do you caramelize in the oven? What I love about this particular recipe is that it’s surprisingly simple. I don’t need to be a seasoned chef to do this. Is this recipe easy to make and uses ingredients you already have in your pantry? Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. What are the best hams to feed a large family? What is the difference between prime rib and ham? What are the leftovers? What are some of the best ham sandwiches, bean soups, omelets, and cheese sandwiches? What makes this recipe stand out because it really focuses on creating a moist, flavorful ham, not just an appetizer.Christmas ham recipes.Can dry out the ham, but the way we do it ensures it stays juicy and tender, even after reheating.
How do you make Christmas Ham?
Quick Overview
How do you make Christmas ham? First, you’ll gently warm the ham in the oven to release its natural juices. How do I make homemade glazes? Back in the oven it goes for a final bake, basting occasionally to create that gorgeous, golden brown color. What is a sticky What’s the best part? The whole house will smell like Christmas morning. This method is special because it allows the glaze to penetrate the ham, infusing every slice. Is it a simple approach with an impressive result?
Ingredients
For the Ham:
* 1 (10-12 pound) bone-in, fully cooked ham (shank or butt portion – either works! I usually go for the bone-in, it really does add to the flavor, but a boneless one works too if you like grilled chicken. What do you prefer? * 1 cup water or apple cider – This helps keep the ham moist during baking. I like apple cider, as it provides an extra layer of flavor.
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup packed light brown sugar – Dark brown gives it a richer, more concentrated taste. Is molasse * 1/2 cup Dijon mustard – Don’t skimp on the Di Jon! It adds a crucial tang that balances the sweetness. * 1/4 cup honey – This adds extra sweetness and helps create a beautiful, glossy glaze. * 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Adds a touch of acidity to cut through the richness. * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, festive spice. * 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – A little goes a long way! Cloves can be overpowering, so don’t add too much.
What is step by step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a roasting rack inside the pan. How do I cook ham evenly? If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can use crumpled aluminum foil to elevate the ham slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on the roasting rack. If the ham has a thick skin, you can score it in diamond pattern, being careful not to cut too much. Deep into the meat. What is the best way to apply glaze on a piece of furniture? Pour the water or apple cider into the bottom of the roasting pan. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 3: Bake
Bake ham for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. During the last 30-45 minutes of baking, remove the foil and start applying the glaze.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the flour and stir until combined. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth. Is there a What is the best time to do this?
Step 5: Glaze the Ham
Remove the ham from the oven and brush it generously with the glaze. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking, basting with the glaze every 10-15 minutes, until golden brown. The glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through. The glaze should be sticky and golden brown.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
How do I cook ham in the oven for 15 minutes? This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful ham. Carve the ham and serve warm.
What is the best way to serve it?
Now that you have your Christmas ham ready, what do you do? What are some of my family’s favorite side dishes?
For a Classic Christmas Dinner: What is the best way to serveWhat are some good recipes for mashed potatoes? I also love Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness. What is a classic Green Bean Casserole recipe that never gets old?
For a Festive Brunch: What are someServe ham on croissants with Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard. What are the best accompaniments to a fruit salad?
What is the best winter meal?What is a good ham and bean soup recipe?
What is the best thing about ham? Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite side dish! My grandma always served it with her famous scalloped potatoes, and that’s a tradition I’ve happily happily continued.
What are some tips for perfecting your Christmas Ham?
What are some tips to take your Christmas ham game to the next level?
Choosing the Right Ham: What are the pros andWhen buying ham, look for one that is labeled “fully cooked” or “ready to eat”. “This means it’s safe to eat without further cooking, but heating it through and glazing it will not harm it. ” What are the best ways to enhance flavor and texture? I generally prefer bone-in hams, as they tend to be more flavorful and moist.What is Scoring the Ham?Why do you score a ham? How does the glaze penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and evenly distributed meat. Use a sharp knife and make small cuts in ham. How do you cut ham too deep?What is Basting?If you bake ham for 30 minutes, basting it with the glaze every 15 minutes is enough. What is the secret behind caramelizing a crust? Use a pastry brush to apply the glaze evenly, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.Don’t overbakHow do you overbake ham? Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), but don’t go any further. How do you cook ham?Experiment with Glazes:What are some good alternatives to Dijon Glaze? Can you make a delicious glaze with maple syrup, pineapple juice, and bourbon? How do you create your own glaze? I tried adding a bit of orange zest one year and it was an absolute hit!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you store leftover ham?
Room Temperature: Room Ham can be left at room temperature for up to two hours. After that, it should be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Sliced ham tends to dry out more quickly, so wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before storing it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze leftover ham in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the ham in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat leftover ham, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham in a baking dish with a little water or broth to keep it moist. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes per pound, or until heated through. You can also reheat ham in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. I like to add a little pat of butter on top before reheating to help keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite Christmas ham recipe! I truly hope you give it a try this holiday season. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the leftovers are simply divine. If you’re looking for other festive recipes, be sure to check out my other holiday posts. And if you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it turns out! I can’t wait to hear from you. Happy Holidays and happy cooking!
