There’s something magical about a Spiced & Glazed Christmas Ham. Juicy, tender, beautifully spiced, and covered in a glossy caramelized glaze — it’s the kind of holiday recipe that fills your home with warmth and your table with excitement. This dish has that irresistible holiday charm that makes everyone stop, stare, and ask, “Who made this?” I still remember the first time I prepared it for a Christmas gathering. I expected a nod or two of approval, but what I got instead was complete silence — everyone was too busy enjoying mouthful after mouthful. That’s when I realized: this recipe is more than delicious… it creates moments.
What makes this Christmas ham even better is how simple it is to make. It looks like a grand holiday centerpiece, yet it requires only a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation. The oven does most of the work while you relax, sip hot chocolate, or prepare a quick side dish. It’s family-friendly, stress-free, and perfect for anyone hosting a holiday dinner, whether it’s your first time or your tenth. If you love crowd-pleasing festive dishes like my Honey Garlic Roast Turkey Breast, then this ham will become your new favorite. Get ready — this Spiced & Glazed Christmas Ham is about to become the star of your holiday menu.
Spiced & Glazed Christmas Ham
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham flat-side down in a large roasting pan. If desired, score the surface of the ham in a crosshatch pattern to help the glaze soak in.
- If using whole cloves, stud the scored ham by inserting the cloves into the cuts for extra flavor and a classic festive look.
- Prepare the glaze: in a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, ground cloves, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and butter.
- Warm the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has dissolved and the butter has melted. The glaze should be smooth, glossy, and slightly thickened.
- Brush the ham generously with the warm glaze, making sure to cover all exposed surfaces and into the scored lines.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the glaze from burning. Roast for 1 hour, basting the ham with more glaze every 20 minutes.
- After 1 hour, remove the foil. Brush the ham again with glaze and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Continue roasting for 30–40 minutes, basting once or twice more, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is deeply caramelized, sticky, and golden-brown.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle so the slices stay tender and moist.
- Transfer the ham to a cutting board, slice, and serve with any extra pan glaze spooned over the top.
Notes
WHAT IS SPICED & GLAZED CHRISTMAS HAM?
A Spiced & Glazed Christmas Ham is exactly what the name suggests: a beautifully roasted ham coated in warm spices and a sticky, flavorful glaze that caramelizes to perfection. But let’s be honest — who came up with this name? Was it a chef trying to impress guests? Or maybe someone who believed that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” and decided to make the name as inviting as possible. Whatever the reason, the name fits perfectly. This ham is sweet, aromatic, festive, and comforting all at once. It smells like Christmas, tastes like a holiday hug, and looks like the centerpiece every table deserves. If you haven’t tried making one yet, now is the perfect time. Tie your apron and let’s bring this classic to life.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS SPICED & GLAZED CHRISTMAS HAM
There are so many reasons this Spiced & Glazed Christmas Ham will become one of your holiday favorites. First, the main highlight is the glaze — a luscious blend of brown sugar, honey, citrus, and spices that transforms into a shiny, sticky coating that is impossible to resist. Every slice is juicy, tender, and filled with warm, sweet, and slightly spicy notes. Second, preparing this ham at home is far more cost-effective than buying a pre-glazed one. You get a large, impressive holiday centerpiece that feeds a crowd without stretching your budget. Third, the toppings and ingredients give the ham layers of flavor — cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, garlic, and mustard create a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
If you enjoy comforting meals like my Maple-Glazed Chicken Thighs, this festive ham will fit right into your holiday cooking routine. Make it once, and you’ll want to bring it back every year. Give it a try — your guests will thank you.
HOW TO MAKE SPICED & GLAZED CHRISTMAS HAM
Quick Overview
This holiday ham is surprisingly easy to make. The glaze mixes in just a few minutes, the ham roasts slowly until glossy and caramelized, and the whole dish takes around 2 hours including roasting. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying to prepare. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe delivers stress-free results.
Key Ingredients for Spiced & Glazed Christmas Ham
Ham (bone-in, fully cooked, 8–10 pounds)
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham flat-side down in a large roasting pan. Score the surface in a crosshatch pattern to help the glaze penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the glaze by combining brown sugar, honey, butter, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Heat gently until smooth and glossy.
- Brush the ham generously with the glaze, making sure to get it into the scored lines. Cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Roast for 1 hour, removing the ham every 20 minutes to baste it with more glaze. This builds the sticky caramelized layer.
- After 1 hour, remove the foil. Brush on the remaining glaze and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Roast for an additional 30–40 minutes or until the outside becomes shiny, caramelized, and richly browned.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle for perfect, tender slices.
WHAT TO SERVE SPICED & GLAZED CHRISTMAS HAM WITH
This festive ham pairs beautifully with a variety of classic holiday sides. Try serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, maple-glazed carrots, roasted Brussels sprouts, or soft homemade dinner rolls. For a fresher touch, pair it with a crisp apple and walnut salad or a citrus fennel salad. If you want something cozy and comforting, mac and cheese or cheesy potato gratin adds richness that complements the glaze perfectly. To complete the meal, serve it with sparkling cranberry punch, hot cider, or even a festive mulled drink.
TOP TIPS FOR PERFECTING SPICED & GLAZED CHRISTMAS HAM
Score the ham deeply enough for the glaze to seep in, but not so deep that the slices fall apart.
Warm the glaze before brushing — warm glaze sticks better and caramelizes beautifully.
Baste frequently, every 20 minutes, for a glossy finish.
Add whole cloves to the ham for added aroma and a classic holiday look.
If the glaze gets too thick, add a splash of orange juice to loosen it.
Cover the ham with foil during the first part of roasting to avoid burning.
Let the ham rest before serving to ensure juiciness.
STORING AND REHEATING TIPS
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice the ham and freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, cover the ham with foil and warm it at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes, or heat individual slices in a skillet until warm. Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, omelets, casseroles, and hearty soups. This recipe keeps its flavor beautifully, even after reheating.