This ultimate Christmas ham recipe includes a delicious glaze made of brown sugar, honey, unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, and various spices. The ham is scored to allow for the glaze to penetrate the meat and is then roasted for around 15 to 20 minutes per pound. Halfway through the cooking process, more glaze is added to keep the ham succulent. Once cooked, the ham should be allowed to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before being carved and served with the remaining glaze, which has been thickened into a gravy-like consistency.

The Ultimate Christmas Ham Recipe

Introduction

The holiday season is almost here and there is no better way to celebrate than with a scrumptious ham, glazed to perfection. This ultimate Christmas ham recipe brings the perfect combination of flavors, creating a juicy and savory meat, perfect for the festive season. Follow this step-by-step guide and impress your guests with the most delicious ham they have ever tasted!

Ingredients

– 1 (10 to 12 pounds) fully cooked whole bone-in ham
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any plastic or wrappings. Place the ham on a roasting pan, flat-side-down, and let it come to room temperature for at least one hour before cooking.

Step 2: Score the ham

Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a criss-cross pattern, making a series of cuts about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze to penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Make the glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, ground allspice, and ground ginger. Heat until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved.

Step 4: Glaze the ham

Brush the ham with the glaze, making sure to cover every part of its surface. Reserve some of the glaze for later use.

Step 5: Roast the ham

Place the ham in the oven and roast for about 15 to 20 minutes per pound or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham reads 140°F.

Step 6: Add more glaze

Halfway through the cooking process, remove the ham from the oven and brush it with more glaze. Return it to the oven and continue cooking.

Step 7: Let the ham rest

Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and loosely cover with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Step 8: Make the gravy

Pour the remaining glaze into a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a gravy-like consistency.

Step 9: Carve the ham and serve

Using a sharp knife, carve the ham and arrange slices on a large serving plate. Serve with the gravy on the side.

Conclusion

This ultimate Christmas ham recipe will be sure to impress your guests and become a staple for your holiday meals to come. The flavors of the glaze mix perfectly with the meat to deliver a juicy, flavorful ham. Follow these easy steps and enjoy a memorable holiday season full of delicious food and happy guests!