Festive Holiday Ham: A Delectable Treat for the Season

Ingredients

  • 1 (10 to 12 pound) fully-cooked, bone-in ham
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup whole cloves
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and adjust the oven rack to the lower third position.
  2. Place the ham in a large roasting pan with a rack, fat side up.
  3. Score the ham with a diamond pattern and insert the whole cloves into the intersections of the diamond scores.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and 1 cup of apple cider. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved.
  5. Brush the glaze over the ham.
  6. Place the orange slices and cinnamon stick in the bottom of the roasting pan and pour the remaining apple cider.
  7. Cover the ham tightly with foil and bake for 2 hours.
  8. Remove the foil and baste the ham with the pan juices. Continue baking the ham, basting every 15 minutes for an additional 1 to 1 1/2 hours until the ham is glossy and golden brown.
  9. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use maple syrup or molasses instead of honey in the glaze.
  • Add a tablespoon of mustard powder to the glaze for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Replace the Dijon mustard with spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile.
  • Add pineapple rings or maraschino cherries to the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking for a classic Hawaiian twist.
  • Experiment with different spices in the glaze such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice.
  • Try using a different type of fruit juice, such as pineapple juice or cranberry juice, instead of apple cider.
  • For a smoky flavor, brush the ham with barbecue sauce instead of the honey glaze.
  • Make a crust by coating the surface of the ham with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and melted butter before baking.
  • For a vegetarian alternative, replace the ham with a large roasted cauliflower or a plant-based ham substitute.

Recipe overview

Enjoy the holiday festivities with a mouthwatering centerpiece - our Holiday Ham. This recipe features a fully-cooked, bone-in ham that is delicately glazed with a delectable mix of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard, then baked until glossy and golden brown. Infused with apple cider, and adorned with orange slices and a cinnamon stick, the ham is not just incredibly flavorful, but also beautifully presented. The result? A succulent, sweet, and slightly tangy ham that's packed with festive flavors. With simple preparation steps, this recipe ensures a fuss-free holiday cooking experience. So go ahead and dazzle your loved ones with this show-stopping feast!

Common questions

  1. How long do I need to bake the ham? - The ham should be baked for a total of 3 to 3 1/2 hours, including the initial covered baking time and the additional basting time.
  2. Can I use a boneless ham instead? - Yes, you can use a boneless ham for this recipe. However, the cooking time may be slightly different, so it's recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired internal temperature.
  3. Can I substitute the apple cider with something else? - If you prefer, you can substitute the apple cider with apple juice or even pineapple juice for a different flavor profile.
  4. What can I serve with holiday ham? - Holiday ham pairs well with various side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, or a fresh salad.
  5. How should I store leftover ham? - Store leftover ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Roasting pan with rack - A large roasting pan with a rack is essential for cooking the ham evenly and allowing the juices to collect.
  • Small saucepan - You will need a small saucepan to prepare the glaze for the ham.
  • Basting brush - A basting brush is useful for brushing the glaze onto the ham while it bakes.
  • Foil - Foil is needed to tightly cover the ham during the initial baking period.
  • Carving knife - A sharp carving knife is necessary for slicing the ham before serving.
  • Serving platter - A large serving platter is ideal for presenting the beautifully glazed ham.
  • Serving tongs - Serving tongs come in handy for transferring the sliced ham from the platter to individual plates.

Origin stories

Ham has a deep-seated place in many holiday traditions, particularly Christmas and Easter. The tradition of eating ham on these holidays has its roots in medieval Europe. Pigs were often slaughtered in the fall and the fresh pork that wasn't consumed during the winter months before Lent was cured. The curing process took a long time and the first hams were ready around Easter time, hence the tradition of consuming ham for Easter dinner. This practice was exported to the New World by European settlers and ham became a staple of holiday feasts. Now, no holiday table is complete without a beautifully glazed, aromatic ham at its center!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.