Welcome to our festive culinary guide, where we explore delicious Christmas ham dishes that are sure to wow your guests.
As the centrepiece of many holiday meals, Christmas ham holds a special place in our hearts and palates.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or an aspiring home cook, this guide will provide you with a collection of mouthwatering recipes and creative ideas to elevate your Christmas dinner.

From classic glazed hams to unique flavour combinations, we have carefully curated a selection of recipes that will leave your guests craving for more.
Each dish has been thoughtfully crafted to capture the essence of the holiday season while showcasing the versatility of this beloved meat.

As you peruse through this culinary guide, you will find step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and suggestions on how to beautifully present these dishes.
I understand that hosting a memorable Christmas dinner can be both exciting and daunting; therefore, I aim to inspire and empower you with my carefully chosen recipes.

So whether you’re looking for traditional favourites or innovative twists on Christmas ham preparations, join me on this gastronomic journey as we explore delightful flavours and create unforgettable memories around the table.
Get ready to impress your guests with these delicious Christmas ham dishes that are sure to make your holiday celebration truly extraordinary.

Introduction: The Tradition of Christmas Ham and Popular Varieties.

The tradition of serving Christmas ham has become an integral part of holiday celebrations around the world.
This delectable centrepiece not only adds a touch of elegance to the festive table, but also holds a rich history and offers a variety of flavours and preparations.

Christmas ham, often referred to as holiday ham, is typically a large cut of pork that is cured or smoked before being cooked.
The process of curing involves preserving the meat with salt or brine, while smoking imparts a distinct smoky flavour.
Once prepared, the ham can be glazed, baked, or even roasted to perfection.

Glazed ham;: One popular variety of Christmas ham is the glazed ham.
This type of ham is coated with a sweet glaze made from ingredients such as brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup.
The glaze caramelizes during cooking, creating a deliciously sticky and flavourful exterior that complements the savoury meat.
Smoked ham;: Another beloved choice is smoked ham.
This variety undergoes a smoking process that infuses it with robust and smoky notes.
The result is a tender and flavourful ham that pairs well with both sweet and savoury accompaniments.
Baked ham;: Baked ham offers yet another delightful option for Christmas feasts.
It involves slow roasting the cured or smoked ham until it reaches an ideal level of tenderness and juiciness.
This method allows the natural flavours to shine through while creating an enticing aroma that fills the air.

Whether it’s glazed, smoked, or baked, Christmas hams continue to captivate taste buds worldwide during this joyous season.
Their versatility in preparation methods ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the holiday table.

Here’s my mouthwatering recipes for Christmas ham:

Classic Glazed Christmas Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze

Shane Lowry

Indulging in a Classic Glazed Christmas Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple Glaze is a delightful tradition cherished by many during the holiday season.

This delectable dish combines the rich flavours of ham with the sweetness of brown sugar and the tanginess of pineapple, creating a harmonious blend that will surely impress your guests.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Course Lunch, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American, International

Servings 1 Christmas ham

Calories 1015 kcal

Equipment

Saucepan
Whisk
Sharp knife
Basting brush
Aluminium foil

Ingredients

1 fully-cooked bone-in ham
1 cup brown sugar packed
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

To commence the cooking process, preheat your oven to oven to 165℃ (325℉).
While the oven is heating up, prepare your glaze by combining 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup pineapple juice, ¼ cup Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a saucepan over medium heat.
Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Next step involves scoring the surface of your 1 fully-cooked bone-in ham in diamond-shaped patterns using a sharp knife.
Place your scored ham on a roasting rack within a roasting pan and Baste it generously with some of the prepared glaze mixture.
Reserve some glaze for later use during cooking.
Cover your ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to cook for 1 hour, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is thickened.
About halfway through cooking time, remove the foil and brush another layer of glaze onto the surface of your ham.
While cooking continues, periodically baste your ham with additional glaze every 20 minutes or so to ensure optimal flavour infusion.
The final result should be an enticingly golden-brown glazed crust enveloping succulent slices of tender Christmas ham.
Once fully cooked, remove your ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving.
The resting period will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and flavourful experience.
Serve your classic glazed Christmas ham with brown sugar and pineapple glaze as a centrepiece to your festive spread, accompanied by traditional holiday sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce.
This timeless dish is sure to be savoured by all, creating lasting memories of joyous celebrations during this special time of year.

Notes

Succulent Honey Mustard Glazed Ham with a Tangy Twist.

Indulge in the delectable flavours of a succulent honey mustard glazed ham with a tangy twist this Christmas.
This recipe promises to elevate your holiday feast to new heights, leaving your guests craving for more.

With a perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and tanginess from the mustard, this glazed ham is sure to become the star of your festive table.

To prepare this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:

A fully cooked bone-in ham
1 cup of Dijon mustard
½ cup of honey
¼ cup of apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
1 teaspoon of ground black pepper

Now, let's proceed with the instructions:

Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F).
Place the ham on a cutting board and score its surface in a crisscross pattern using a sharp knife.
In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and ground black pepper.
Brush half of the honey mustard glaze over the scored surface of the ham using a pastry brush.
Place the glazed ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 15 minutes per 450 grams (1 pound) or until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 60°C (140°F).
Baste occasionally with the remaining glaze during cooking.
Remove from oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm slices drizzled with any remaining glaze as desired.

This tangy glazed Christmas ham will undoubtedly impress your loved ones with its tender texture and irresistible flavour.
The honey mustard sauce adds a delightful zing that perfectly complements the succulent ham.
Enjoy this delightful dish as the centrepiece of your festive celebration and create lasting memories with your family and friends.

Tender Maple-Glazed Ham with a Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Smokiness.

Introducing a delightful recipe that is sure to elevate your holiday feast: the tender maple-glazed ham with a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness.
This delectable dish combines the rich flavours of maple syrup and the savoury essence of a perfectly glazed ham, resulting in a truly memorable culinary experience.

Here's the ingredients you need for Maple-Glazed Ham:

A fully cooked bone-in ham
1 cup maple syrup
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Now let's delve into the instructions for preparing this sweet and smoky glazed ham:

Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F).
Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the fat with a sharp knife.
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Pour the glaze over the ham and bake for 1 hour, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is thickened.
Baste the ham with the glaze every 15 minutes during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This tender maple-glazed ham promises not only an impressive centrepiece for your holiday table but also embodies the harmonious combination of sweet maple syrup and smoky undertones.
Prepare to delight your guests with a dish that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Note: It is essential to adapt cooking times and ingredient quantities according to your specific preferences and dietary requirements.

Savoury Herb-Roasted Ham with Garlic and Rosemary Infusion.

Indulge in the exquisite flavours of a savoury herb-roasted ham infused with the aromatic combination of garlic and rosemary.
This recipe is perfect for your Christmas feast or any special occasion that calls for a centrepiece dish that is both impressive and delicious.

To prepare this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:

One bone-in, fully cooked ham
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let's dive into the instructions for creating this delectable masterpiece:

Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F).
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped rosemary leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Mix well to create a fragrant herb paste.
Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan with the fat side up.
Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife.
Rub the herb paste all over the surface of the ham, ensuring that it gets into all of those delicious crevices created by scoring.
Cover loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Cook for approximately 1 hour or until an internal temperature of 60°C (140°F) is reached when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into thickest part away from bone.
Once cooked to perfection, remove from oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving.

This savoury herb-roasted ham with garlic and rosemary infusion is sure to impress your guests with its tender texture and flavourful aroma.
Serve it alongside your favourite holiday side dishes or use leftovers for sandwiches or salads throughout the week.

Prepare to delight your taste buds as you savour each bite of this delectable holiday centrepiece.

Elegant Bourbon-Glazed Christmas Ham with a Boozy Caramelised Crust.

Indulge in the exquisite flavours of an elegant Bourbon-Glazed Christmas Ham with a Boozy Caramelised Crust.
This delectable recipe combines the rich and smoky taste of bourbon with a sweet and sticky caramelized crust, creating a centrepiece that will leave your guests in awe.

Let us explore the ingredients:

One bone-in, fully cooked ham
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup bourbon
¼ cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Now let's dive into the instructions:

Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F).
Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the fat with a sharp knife.
In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, bourbon, mustard, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Pour the glaze over the ham and bake for 1 hour, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is thickened.
Set the oven to Broil/Grill.
Baste the ham with the glaze and broil for 5 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelised and bubbly.
Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Ideas to Serve Leftover Christmas Ham in Creative Ways.

In this section, we will explore creative ways to serve leftover Christmas ham, providing you with a variety of recipes and ideas to repurpose your holiday meat.

Instead of letting the leftover ham go to waste, we can transform it into delicious dishes that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also add a touch of creativity to your meals.

Here's some ideas for using your leftover ham:

Ham and Cheese Scrambled Eggs:
Dice up some ham and add it to your scrambled Eggs. for a hearty and flavourful breakfast.
You can also add other ingredients like chopped vegetables or cheese.
Ham and Potato Hash:
Leftover ham and potatoes are a match made in heaven.
Chop up some ham, potatoes, and onions, and cook them together in a skillet until the potatoes are golden brown. This is a great dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ham and Cheese Quesadillas:
Spread some shredded cheese on a tortilla, top with diced ham, and fold it in half.
Cook the quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce.
Ham and Vegetable Soup:
This soup is a great way to use up leftover ham and vegetables.
Simply Saute some onions and celery in a pot, add some vegetable broth, and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Add in some diced ham and your favourite cooked vegetables, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ham and Cheese Pasta Bake:
This pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser.
Cook some pasta to al dente according to the package directions.
Drain the pasta and add it to a greased baking dish.
Top with diced ham, shredded cheese, and your favourite pasta sauce.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Ham and Pineapple Salad:
This salad is a light and refreshing way to use up leftover ham.
Combine diced ham, pineapple chunks, celery, and mayonnaise in a large bowl.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve chilled
Ham and Cheese Crepes:
These crepes are a delicious and easy way to use up leftover ham and cheese.
Make your favourite crepe batter and cook the crepes in a skillet.
Spread each crepe with a thin layer of cheese and top with diced ham.
Fold the crepes in half or quarters and serve with a dollop of sour cream.
Ham and Cheese Croissant Sandwiches:
These sandwiches are a perfect way to use up leftover croissants.
Spread some Dijon mustard on the inside of a croissant, top with diced ham and cheese, and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Ham and Cheese Pizza:
This pizza is a quick and easy way to use up leftover ham and cheese.
Make your favourite pizza dough or use a store-bought crust.
Spread the pizza dough with pizza sauce and top with diced ham, shredded cheese, and your favourite toppings.
Bake at 205°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Ham and Cheese Omelette:
This omelette is a hearty and satisfying breakfast or dinner.
Making omelette is easy.
Whisk together some eggs, milk, and salt and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add some butter.
Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook until the bottom is set.
Add in diced ham and cheese and fold the omelet in half.
Cook for an additional minute or two, or until the cheese is melted.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Christmas Feast with these Delicious Ham Dishes.

In conclusion, these delicious ham dishes are sure to elevate your Christmas feast and leave your guests satisfied.
Whether you prefer a classic glazed ham, an elegant Bourbon-Glazed ham, or a flavourful honey mustard glazed ham, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
These dishes not only showcase the versatility of ham but also highlight the festive flavours that make Christmas dining truly special.
So why not try one of these delectable recipes and make this year's Christmas feast one to remember?

Keyword christmas ham dishes, glazed ham recipes

Delicious Christmas Ham Dishes to Wow Your Guests: A Festive Culinary Guide