17+ Succulent Christmas Ham Recipes

Christmas dinner isn’t complete without a beautifully glazed ham taking center stage on your holiday table. Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, a Christmas ham can be the star of your festive meal, impressing family and friends alike. From classic honey-glazed hams to spicy, savory, or fruit-infused versions, there’s a recipe for every taste and tradition.

Preparing a ham for Christmas might seem intimidating, but with the right tips and recipes, it’s actually quite simple and rewarding. The aroma of a slow-roasted ham filling your home is instantly comforting and adds a festive charm to your kitchen.

Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, and you have a meal that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a large family gathering or a small intimate celebration, these Christmas ham recipes make the holiday meal feel extra special, delicious, and memorable.

Christmas Ham Recipes

Brown Sugar Bourbon Ham

Sweet and boozy, this ham is glazed with brown sugar and bourbon for a rich holiday flavor.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Brown sugar

• Bourbon

• Dijon mustard

• Ground cloves

Steps to Make Brown Sugar Bourbon Ham

• Score ham and place in roasting pan

• Mix brown sugar, bourbon, mustard, and cloves

• Brush glaze and bake until caramelized

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350
Carbs: 21g
Sugar: 15g
Fat: 16g
A decadent, boozy glaze that’s perfect for festive dinners

Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham

Tart cranberries and orange juice create a tangy-sweet glaze that brightens the ham beautifully.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Fresh cranberries

• Orange juice

• Brown sugar

• Honey

Steps to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham

• Score ham and place in roasting pan

• Blend cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and honey

• Pour glaze over ham and bake until caramelized

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 330
Carbs: 20g
Sugar: 16g
Fat: 14g
A fruity, festive flavor that’s perfect for Christmas brunch

Apple Cider Glazed Ham

Apple cider adds a sweet, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory ham.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Apple cider

• Brown sugar

• Dijon mustard

• Ground cinnamon

Steps to Make Apple Cider Glazed Ham

• Score ham and place in roasting pan

• Mix cider, sugar, mustard, and cinnamon

• Brush over ham and roast until golden

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 325
Carbs: 19g
Sugar: 15g
Fat: 14g
A cozy, apple-inspired glaze perfect for holiday meals

Garlic Herb Christmas Ham

Savory garlic and fresh herbs give this ham a flavorful, aromatic twist.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Garlic cloves

• Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Garlic Herb Christmas Ham

• Score ham and rub with olive oil, garlic, and herbs

• Roast until golden and aromatic

• Baste occasionally with pan juices

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310
Carbs: 5g
Sugar: 2g
Fat: 15g
A savory, herbaceous ham perfect for traditional Christmas dinners

Honey Mustard Ham

Sweet honey and tangy mustard create a simple yet irresistible glaze.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Honey

• Dijon mustard

• Brown sugar

• Ground cloves

Steps to Make Honey Mustard Ham

• Score ham and place in roasting pan

• Mix honey, mustard, and brown sugar

• Brush glaze and bake until caramelized

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320
Carbs: 18g
Sugar: 14g
Fat: 15g
A sweet and tangy classic that never goes out of style

Maple Dijon Ham

Source: Pinterest

Maple syrup and Dijon mustard create a rich, flavorful glaze with the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Maple syrup

• Dijon mustard

• Brown sugar

• Ground cloves

Steps to Make Maple Dijon Ham

• Score ham and place in roasting pan

• Mix maple syrup, mustard, and brown sugar

• Brush over ham and bake until caramelized

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 330
Carbs: 20g
Sugar: 16g
Fat: 14g
A sophisticated glaze that’s ideal for holiday celebrations

Spiced Rum Ham

Rum adds warmth and depth to a sweet, spiced ham glaze.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Brown sugar

• Spiced rum

• Ground cinnamon

• Ground cloves

Steps to Make Spiced Rum Ham

• Score ham and place in roasting pan

• Mix brown sugar, rum, and spices

• Brush glaze and bake until golden

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 340
Carbs: 22g
Sugar: 16g
Fat: 15g
A bold, boozy ham perfect for festive dinners

Mustard Herb Glazed Ham

Source: Pinterest

A zesty mustard glaze combined with fresh herbs for a fragrant holiday ham.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Dijon mustard

• Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage

• Brown sugar

• Olive oil

Steps to Make Mustard Herb Glazed Ham

• Score ham and rub with olive oil, mustard, and herbs

• Sprinkle brown sugar and bake until caramelized

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320
Carbs: 18g
Sugar: 13g
Fat: 14g
A bright, herby glaze perfect for traditional holiday dinners

Brown Sugar Clove Ham

A sweet, spiced glaze with whole cloves studded for festive presentation.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Brown sugar

• Whole cloves

• Dijon mustard

• Honey

Steps to Make Brown Sugar Clove Ham

• Score ham and stud with cloves

• Mix brown sugar, mustard, and honey for glaze

• Brush over ham and roast until golden

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 330
Carbs: 20g
Sugar: 15g
Fat: 15g
Sweet, aromatic, and visually stunning for holiday tables

Cherry Glazed Ham

 

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A fruity, slightly tart cherry glaze gives this ham a festive flair.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Cherry preserves

• Brown sugar

• Dijon mustard

• Apple cider vinegar

Steps to Make Cherry Glazed Ham

• Score ham and place in roasting pan

• Mix cherry preserves, sugar, mustard, and vinegar

• Brush over ham and bake until caramelized

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 340
Carbs: 22g
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 14g
A sweet and fruity ham perfect for a Christmas feast

Cranberry Honey Ham

A sweet and tangy glaze with fresh cranberries adds color and flavor to your holiday ham.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Fresh cranberries

• Honey

• Brown sugar

• Orange juice

Steps to Make Cranberry Honey Ham

• Blend cranberries with honey, sugar, and orange juice

• Score ham and brush glaze over it

• Bake until golden and juicy

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 335
Carbs: 21g
Sugar: 17g
Fat: 14g
A bright, flavorful ham perfect for festive gatherings

Apple Brown Sugar Ham

 

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Apple slices and brown sugar glaze create a sweet, aromatic ham ideal for holiday dinners.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Apple slices

• Brown sugar

• Honey

• Cinnamon

Steps to Make Apple Brown Sugar Ham

• Arrange apple slices over scored ham

• Mix brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon for glaze

• Brush over ham and bake until caramelized

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 330
Carbs: 20g
Sugar: 16g
Fat: 15g
A cozy, apple-scented ham perfect for Christmas meals

Garlic Honey Ham

A sweet honey glaze with roasted garlic adds depth and aroma to the ham.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Honey

• Garlic cloves

• Brown sugar

• Dijon mustard

Steps to Make Garlic Honey Ham

• Roast garlic cloves until soft

• Mix roasted garlic, honey, mustard, and sugar

• Score ham, brush glaze, and bake until golden

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 325
Carbs: 19g
Sugar: 15g
Fat: 14g
Sweet, aromatic, and full of holiday flavor

Spiced Orange Ham

Orange juice and warm spices make a festive, flavorful glaze perfect for Christmas dinners.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Orange juice

• Brown sugar

• Ground cloves

• Cinnamon

Steps to Make Spiced Orange Ham

• Mix orange juice, sugar, and spices for glaze

• Score ham and brush glaze over it

• Roast until golden and caramelized

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 330
Carbs: 20g
Sugar: 16g
Fat: 14g
A bright, citrusy ham that brings holiday cheer to the table

Honey Glazed Christmas Ham

Sweet honey glaze gives this ham a perfect golden-brown finish. It’s juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, making it the centerpiece of your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Honey

• Dijon mustard

• Brown sugar

• Cloves

Steps to Make Honey Glazed Christmas Ham

• Score the ham and place in roasting pan

• Mix honey, mustard, and brown sugar for glaze

• Brush glaze over ham and bake until caramelized

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320
Carbs: 18g
Sugar: 14g
Fat: 15g
A sweet and savory classic that’s always a hit at Christmas

Maple Brown Sugar Ham

Rich maple syrup and brown sugar create a caramelized glaze that’s sticky, flavorful, and irresistible.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Maple syrup

• Brown sugar

• Dijon mustard

• Ground cloves

Steps to Make Maple Brown Sugar Ham

• Score ham and place in roasting pan

• Combine maple syrup, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves

• Brush generously and bake until golden

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 330
Carbs: 20g
Sugar: 16g
Fat: 14g
A cozy, sweet glaze perfect for holiday celebrations

Pineapple Glazed Ham

Tangy pineapple juice and rings make this ham both visually appealing and bursting with tropical sweetness.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Pineapple juice

• Pineapple rings

• Brown sugar

• Maraschino cherries

Steps to Make Pineapple Glazed Ham

• Score ham and arrange pineapple rings

• Mix pineapple juice and brown sugar for glaze

• Bake until caramelized and juicy

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 340
Carbs: 22g
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 14g
A tropical twist that brightens up your holiday table

Spicy Mustard Ham

A bold mustard-spiced glaze gives this ham a kick without overpowering its natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Dijon mustard

• Brown sugar

• Cayenne pepper

• Apple cider vinegar

Steps to Make Spicy Mustard Ham

• Score ham and place in roasting pan

• Mix mustard, sugar, cayenne, and vinegar

• Brush over ham and bake until caramelized

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 325
Carbs: 17g
Sugar: 13g
Fat: 15g
A flavorful twist for those who enjoy a little heat

Orange Glazed Ham

Citrus and sweetness combine for a light, refreshing glaze that complements the richness of the ham.

Ingredients:

• Whole ham

• Orange juice

• Brown sugar

• Honey

• Ground cloves

Steps to Make Orange Glazed Ham

• Score ham and place in roasting pan

• Mix orange juice, brown sugar, honey, and cloves

• Brush over ham and roast until golden

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320
Carbs: 18g
Sugar: 14g
Fat: 14g
A zesty, festive flavor perfect for holiday brunch or dinner

FAQ

What is the best ham for Christmas?

A bone-in, fully cooked ham is ideal for Christmas. It stays juicy, absorbs glazes well, and serves a crowd. Spiral-cut hams are convenient for easy serving.

How do I glaze a Christmas ham?

Mix ingredients like honey, brown sugar, mustard, fruit juice, or spices to create a glaze. Brush it over the ham during the last 30–60 minutes of roasting for a caramelized finish.

Can I prepare a Christmas ham ahead of time?

Yes! Fully cooked hams can be prepared a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then reheat with glaze before serving.

How long should I cook a Christmas ham?

Cook according to the package instructions. Generally, a fully cooked ham should be heated at 325°F (163°C) for 10–15 minutes per pound until warmed through.

Can I make a sugar-free or low-sugar glaze?

Absolutely! Substitute sugar or honey with low-calorie sweeteners or natural fruit juices to reduce sugar while keeping flavor.