Christmas Ham Recipes - The Best Recipes for the Holidays

No big occasion is complete without a roasted ham on the table and especially when it is Christmas how can we forget to purchase ham from the store? It is the time of year when everyone is excited about the holiday and preparing for the celebrations with their family and loved ones! Amidst all the arrangements that need to be taken care of, food is a vital factor, how can you end up with a burnt ham? Of course, we will not let you be disappointed during the holidays, and hence here are some tips and Christmas ham recipes exclusively for you.

Useful tips while making ham for Christmas 

1. First let's begin with choosing the right kind of ham-

You can't make a juice meat recipe if the meat itself is not good enough! So what shall be done first? Yes, indeed! Choose a quality of meat, here, in this case, ham, to ensure that your recipe turns out well! There are different options like city ham, country ham, and so on!

Depending on your preference, you need to make your choice. Country ham is simple but it is cured with seasoning like salt, and richness of other spices. If the ham is cured or smoked then it is already pre-cooked.

2. Let's understand the ham and water content ratio-

This is a major blender that you can make if you are not careful! For example, some of companies will inject ham meat with enough water to increase their weight! As a customer, you will think that you are making a fair deal with solid weight but it does not turn out to be of any use.

Once the water oozes out it is observed that the meat turns small and dry while roasting! Fair enough to say that you made a loss. If the label says only ham then it is all about the meat but when the label mentions hams and added juice, expect to have 10% water in the meat.

3. What is the concept of bone-in ham?

Although many of us might consider this to be a hassle, we will definitely say otherwise! Boneless meat tends to dry up quickly in the absence of the bones which are like succulents that hold onto the extra moisture. And ham bones are not completely useless!

So what can we do about it? Of course! You need some bones for the soup as well. Whether you are making a broth or a soup, these bones are great while roasting the ham but at the same time when you are serving the meat, simply remove them with the aid of a knife! Later on, you can go for using the bone to brew up a broth.

4. How much ham is needed at the Christmas party?

This is rather a very valid question in our opinion! What can we do about the portion of ham that needs to be cooked? Sometimes, you may fall short, sometimes there will be excess leftovers! Oh, what trouble! How do we make the perfect measurement that it is just enough? Here is the solution! Take about one pound of meat per person in the bone-in and you are good to go.

Even for the parties you must be maintaining a guest list and will be aware of how many of them are going to show up! Plan the quantity of roast accordingly. However, the measurement reduces to half when it comes to boneless variety! So for example, if you have twelve guests then you should cook twelve pounds of ham in bone-in form, otherwise 6 pounds in boneless variety.

5. There is no need for you to marinate the ham-

Although it depends on your choice whether you wish to opt for a marinade, in the case of ham meat, you do not need to mandatorily add some marinade. Seasonings are optional as most of them are already cured, smoked, and pre-cooked! However,  it is your discretion if you wish to escalate the taste of the meat or not! A non-marinated ham roast is good enough as well. So if you lack time, you can jolly well skip this process.

6. Add some fruits and veggies to the platter-

A ham roast without any sides will seem so dull no matter how tasty you cook your dish! It is the vibrancy of the platter which draws the attention of the spectators more. The best part is that you can have any sort of veggies, greens, and fruits added to the tray! As we say, the more the better! But make sure you have some spreads on the side too! Then all you need to do is dip and enjoy to your fullest and in no time, the ham will be gone.

7. You must preheat the oven first- 

There is another thing that goes a great way to ensure that your ham turns out perfect! Begin with preheating the oven first. This will set the oven at the desired temperature and the internal environment will already be at the required temperature for the ham to start processing the moment the ham is put on the tray!

When an oven is present at 40-140°F, the raw meat can be attacked by the microbes! So preheating the oven is absolutely necessary, which you simply can't skip! All it takes is about ten minutes to do the job.

8. Score the ham-

What do we mean by scoring the ham? Here is something that you need to learn if you are roasting or cooking a ham for the first time! Diagonal lines are engraved on the surface of the meat which is called scoring! You must have seen pictures of perfectly cooked ham!

This is exactly how they look after scoring is done. The engravings allow the glaze, juice, and seasoning to trickle down the surface and enter the deep layers of the meat. So if you have made the extra effort to glaze your ham, do not miss out on scoring! What is the point of glazing if all the juices and seasoning are only present on the surface of the meat?

9. Now make sure you cover the ham with foil-

If you have always noticed that your meat turns dry then the only way to prevent that from happening is the aid of ham being covered in a foil( similar for all kinds of meat). Wrapping in foil prevents over-roasting and the ham gets dried up. This way you can also get a crispy layer outside and succulent meat layers inside.

Delicious Christmas Ham Recipes: The Best Holiday Dishes for the Festive Season

1. Baked ham with brown sugar glaze

The brown sugar glaze for ham meat is rather a traditional idea that has been emulated year after year! So if you are aiming for something nice and crisp, there is nothing better than the baked ham recipe right here.

2. Perfect brown sugar mustard glazed ham recipe

If you are looking for a method to enhance the flavor of your ham then the glazed mustard and brown sugar meat recipe is simply the best! Delicious and perfect in every sense.

3. Brown sugar pineapple crock pot ham

The combination of pineapple and brown sugar has always been our favorite and if you are in the mood to surprise your family then quickly get this one! And since you are making it in a crock pot, the time and effort required is minimal.

4. Copycat honey-baked ham with caramelized edges

Oh, what a succulent and irresistible recipe to indulge in this season! As the honey-glazed ham sits on the tray with the caramelized edges, you will find it very tough to resist.

5. Slow cooker honey and brown sugar ham

Ah, the brown sugar and the honey ham is simply outstanding and you should give it a try for sure. Ready in a jiffy, there is no way you can resist yourself from hogging down the whole.

6. Brown sugar pineapple glazed ham

The beautifully adorned ham with pineapple slices is a treat to the eyes as well as the taste buds. If you are in the mood for something enriching and smooth, then go for this one right away! Shall we then?

7. Bourbon mustard glazed ham ( with orange)

Ah, the combination of three renders one simply speechless! The sharp mustard and the bourbon essence are palpable in every bite! Glazed with orange further, there are no words to describe its blissful taste. Go for it right away!

8. Brown sugar mustard glazed ham

Did you purchase fresh ham from the store this morning as a couple of guests are coming over? Then you should give a try to the brown sugar mustard glazed ham which is simply incredible! Everyone will definitely ask for more.

9. Your ultimate guide to Christmas ham

The Christmas ham is lovely and if you are in the mood for something rich and succulent then do not miss out on this opportunity to indulge in the wonderful Christmas ham recipe. Shall we try it then?

10. Bourbon honey-baked ham

The bourbon honey-baked ham takes the game of ham to the next level. Delicious and gooey, the baked Christmas ham recipe is outstanding and flavored with the goodness of great taste! Sweet and savory, are you ready to experience its magnificence?

11. Show stopped maple glazed ham

When we came across the maple glazed ham we knew that you ought to give this one a try! Sweet and savory, this recipe is wonderful and flooded with awesome taste. If you don't make it now, you will regret it later.

12. Old-fashioned holiday ham

No matter how many new recipes come and go, the old ones will always outshine the others! We have brought you this old-fashioned holiday ham that tastes so brilliant! Gorgeous and gooey, this is the best for seasonal celebrations and grand meals.

13. Sensational peach glazed ham

The peach glazed ham is another gorgeous recipe and there is a reason why it is called sensational! Delectable and fancy, you are going to fall in love with the meaty dish at the very first bite! No wonder it is called the show-stopper of the event.

14. The ultimate crock pot ham with brown sugar

If you are in the mood for something sweet and succulent, there is no better recipe than the crock pot ham with brown sugar! Smooth, juicy, and one of a kind.

15. Glazed hams for the holiday season

Served with cherries and leaves on the platter, the glazed ham is ideal if you are looking for an easy-peasy dish to prepare this season. You will definitely come back to us, expressing gratitude for the great suggestion.

16. Honey-baked ham recipe

Smooth and juicy, are you wondering whether glazed ham is a good idea or not? Well, let us tell you, it is the best indeed. And to find out, you need to explore this recipe first. Sweetened with honey, the ham tastes divine.

17. Baked ham with pineapple brown sugar glazed

The duo of pineapple and brown sugar never fails us and to prove the statement right we have got this recipe of glazed ham exclusively for you. Seasoned with herbs, the meat tastes so good.

18. Oven-roasted cranberry dijon glazed ham recipe

Here is a complete gluten-free dish that you must try out this season! Drizzled with cranberry juice and the sharp essence of Dijon mustard, the glazed ham simply does wonders. So go for this recipe already before the holidays are over!

19. Slow cooker honey glazed ham

The wonderful honey-glazed ham is yet another recipe that will convey a sense of contentment in every bite. The guests will also not leave the table before uttering a few words of appreciation for the excellent choice.

20. Crockpot Christmas ham Recipe

How can you organize the grand meal for Christmas and forget about the ham? In case you did, here is a recipe that will enable you to get it done in a jiffy! Check it out quickly as time is running out.

Frequently asked questions associated with making ham for Christmas

1. What is the secret to baking the best ham in the world?

If you want your ham to turn out rich and succulent then the key is to cook them low and slow! Then enables the meat to tenderize slowly and imbibe all the juice. Many recipes ask you to bake or roast at 375°F but ideally, ham should be cooked between 325-350°F.

2. What are the ways to make your ham taste better?

If you want your ham to taste better then you need to apply some glaze or seasoning to the meat! This includes hot pepper jelly, maple syrup, peaches, and so on.

3. Should you bake your ham or should you roast it?

Roasting is the common method that is used for making ham as this gives the perfect crispy touch to the texture outside and makes it succulent inside.

4. Is there a way to make your ham moist?

Often roasting or baking can turn your ham meat dry especially if you are going for the boneless version of the meat. But it can still be prevented with the aid of an aluminum foil cover.

5. How long should you ideally roast or cook ham?

Ham should be cooked for about 35-40 mins/lb and at the ideal temperature of 300-325°F.

6. Do you need to soak ham before you cook them?

Depending on the way the ham was cured before you purchased it from the shop, the ham needs to be soaked for about twenty-four hours.

Bottom Line:

These delicious Christmas ham recipes offer something for everyone; from sweet honey-glazed hams to smoky, spicy hams. With these recipes, you can be sure of enjoying a delicious, holiday meal with your family. Not only are these recipes delicious, but they are also easy to make. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, you're sure to find the perfect recipe here.

In conclusion, Christmas ham recipes are varied and delicious, and they can be easily prepared for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a sweet honey-glazed ham, a smoky and spicy ham, or a traditional classic, this selection of recipes will provide you with creative ideas for an unforgettable holiday feast. So, this year, make your Christmas celebration even more special with the best recipes for the holidays.

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