Christmas Ham

5 from 1 vote

This Christmas Ham recipe is a true holiday delight, perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones. It features a tender ham glazed in a sweet and tangy mixture of brown sugar, pineapple juice, and honey, with a touch of Dijon mustard and ground cloves for added zest. Adorned with juicy pineapple rings and vibrant maraschino cherries, this ham not only tastes wonderful but also brings a cheerful and colorful presentation to your table.

Prep Time20

Cook Time1 45

Total Time2 5

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: christmas ham, ham recipe

Servings:

Calories: 632kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

11-inch x 15-inch Roaster with Roasting Rack

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar packed
½ cup pineapple juice
½ cup honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ tablespoon ground cloves
6-8 pounds bone-in ham
20 ounces pineapple rings 1 can
10 ounces maraschino cherries 1 jar

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 5 minutes.
Place the ham in a roasting pan. Pour half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get into all of the slices.
Cover the ham with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Remove the ham from the oven and increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the pineapple rings over the ham, securing them with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring, also securing with a toothpick. Drizzle the remaining glaze over the pineapple and cherries.
Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making for a more flavorful ham.

Notes

Ham Size: If your ham is larger or smaller than the 6-8 pounds specified, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Generally, it's about 15 minutes per pound.
Glaze Tips: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a splash of orange juice or a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze.
Basting: Baste the ham with the glaze a few times during the initial cooking phase to keep it moist and flavorful.
Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Let it Rest: Allowing the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking helps redistribute the juices, making the ham more tender and flavorful.
Serving Suggestion: The typical serving size for ham, especially for a festive or special occasion meal like Christmas, is generally about 6 to 8 ounces per person.

Nutrition