Christmas is the season for joy, family, and delicious food! One centerpiece that always impresses is a perfectly glazed ham. These 14 recipes will not only satisfy your taste buds but also wow your guests. Each glaze brings a unique twist—let’s dive into these delightful options that will make your holiday dinner the talk of the town!
1. Honey-Glazed Ham
A sweet and sticky festive favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully-cooked ham (whole or half)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Cloves, for studding
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the surface of the ham and stud with cloves.
- Mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar in a bowl. Brush the mixture over the ham.
- Bake for about 2 hours, glazing every 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for an adult twist.
2. Maple Mustard Ham
A perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully-cooked ham
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the ham.
- Whisk maple syrup, mustard, and ginger together. Brush generously over the ham.
- Bake for 1.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Swap maple syrup for agave nectar for a lighter option.
3. Orange-Glazed Ham with Cranberries
Bright, fruity flavors for a cheerful touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Score and place ham in a baking dish.
- Combine orange juice, brown sugar, cranberries, and cinnamon in a pot; bring to boil.
- Pour mixture over ham and bake for about 2 hours, basting regularly.
Make it Unique:
- Add zest of two oranges for added citrusy goodness.
4. Pineapple Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Classic flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- Pineapple rings, for garnish
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix brown sugar and pineapple juice to create a glaze. Apply fully to the ham.
- Bake for 1.5 hours, periodically glazing.
Make it Unique:
- Use peaches instead of pineapples for a juicy twist.
5. Spicy Peach Glazed Ham
A sweet and spicy combination that’s sure to thrill.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare the ham.
- Mix peach preserves, sriracha, and vinegar together. Brush over the ham.
- Bake for 1.5 hours, basting frequently.
Make it Unique:
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for added heat.
6. Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham
A sophisticated twist for a delightful taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the ham and place in a baking dish.
- Combine maple syrup and bourbon; pour over the ham.
- Bake for 2 hours, sprinkling pecans during the last 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Replace bourbon with whiskey for a different flavor profile.
7. Soy-Glazed Asian Ham
A unique fusion for adventurous eaters.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the ham.
- Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Glaze the ham and bake for 1.5 hours, glazing every 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Add chili flakes for a spicy touch.
8. Blackberry Glazed Ham
A berry twist that adds color and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham
- 1 cup blackberry jam
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Score and prep the ham.
- Create a mixture of jam, balsamic vinegar, and thyme; apply generously.
- Bake for 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Use raspberry jam for a different berry flavor.
9. Garlic Herb Crust Ham
Savory and aromatic with a touch of elegance.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham
- 1/2 cup garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the ham and place it in a baking dish.
- Mix garlic, olive oil, rosemary, and thyme; rub all over the ham.
- Bake for 2 hours, covering with foil for the first hour.
Make it Unique:
- Add lemon zest for a citrus hint.
10. Cranberry Mustard Glazed Ham
A beautiful blend of tart and sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the ham for baking.
- Mix cranberry sauce, mustard, and brown sugar; spread over the ham.
- Bake for 1.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Add orange juice to the glaze for extra flavor.
11. Honey Chipotle Glazed Ham
A smoky and spicy delight that surprises the palate.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the ham.
- Combine honey, chipotle, and lime juice; brush over the ham.
- Bake for 1.5 hours, glazing every 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Swap honey for agave syrup for a different sweetness.
12. Miso Glazed Ham
A unique umami flare for your holiday feast.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham
- 1/2 cup miso paste
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and score the ham.
- Mix miso paste, maple syrup, and rice vinegar; brush over the ham.
- Bake for 1.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Use tahini in place of miso for a nutty flavor.
13. Pomegranate Glazed Ham
Bright and festive, a showstopper on the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Process:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Score the ham.
- Combine pomegranate juice, honey, and lemon juice; brush over the ham.
- Bake for 2 hours, glazing every 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Add crushed nuts for a crunchy texture.
14. Rosemary Citrus Glazed Ham
A refreshing herbaceous flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1 ham
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
Process:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the ham.
- Mix orange juice, lemon juice, and honey; pour over the ham.
- Bake for 1.5 hours, adding fresh rosemary during the last 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
- Use grapefruit juice for a tart twist.
The holiday season is a time for joy, feasting, and memorable gatherings. With these 14 glazed ham recipes, your Christmas table will be a feast for the senses. Try one—or all!—to make your meal special and warm up your festive celebrations. Happy cooking!