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Spiced & Glazed Christmas Ham

This Spiced & Glazed Christmas Ham is a juicy, tender holiday centerpiece coated in a glossy, sweet-and-spiced glaze with warm citrus notes. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and perfect for Christmas, New Year’s, or any festive family gathering.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: HOLIDAY DISH, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ham
  • 8 lb bone-in fully cooked ham
Glaze
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup orange juice freshly squeezed if possible
  • 1 tbsp orange zest from 1 orange
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • whole cloves optional, for studding the ham

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Basting brush
  • Small saucepan
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. If using whole cloves, stud the scored ham by inserting the cloves into the cuts for extra flavor and a classic festive look.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Brush the ham generously with the warm glaze, making sure to cover all exposed surfaces and into the scored lines.
  6. 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.
  7. After 1 hour, remove the foil. Brush the ham again with glaze and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Transfer the ham to a cutting board, slice, and serve with any extra pan glaze spooned over the top.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of apple cider or a pinch of nutmeg to the glaze. Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, omelets, casseroles, and soups.