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Best Christmas Ham Recipe: A Michelin Chef’s Guide

Christmas wouldn't be complete without a colorful ham on the table. As a Michelin chef, I can assure you that this Christmas ham recipe is the best. In this guide, I'll share my tips for making a juicy and flavorful Christmas ham that will impress even the pickiest of guests. And, it's so easy to make... shhh, don't tell anyone how easy it actually is - that way you can make a big splash at Christmas!

Christmas Ham Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole bone-in ham (8-10 pounds), smoked and ready to cook
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Whole cloves (for studding the ham)
  • 1 cup apricot preserves
  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon orange juice (freshly squeezed)
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Equipment:

How to Make Christmas Ham?

Ready to dive into making that Christmas ham? Picture the delicious smell filling the kitchen, the beautiful golden-brown crust, and the joy of slicing into that perfectly tender meat!

Step 1: Score the ham. Preheat you oven to 325°F (165°C). Take the ham out of its packaging and rinse it under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the surface in a diamond pattern, about a half-inch deep. After that, place whole cloves at the points where the diamonds meet. Trust me, this adds a beautiful aroma and a subtle flavor that compliments the sweetness of the glaze.

Score the Ham

Step 2: Make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, ground cloves, cinnamon, ground mustard, apple cider vinegar, and water. Heat it over medium, whisking until the sugars melt and it starts to simmer gently.

Step 3: Brush the glaze. Place the ham in a large roasting pan and pour 2 cups of the glaze over the top. Keep the leftover glaze for basting later. Pour the rest of the water into the bottom of the pan to help keep the ham juicy while it cooks.

Step 4: Insert wireless meat thermometer. This is where my favorite piece of equipment comes into play - the wireless meat thermometer. Just insert the probe into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. Once it's connected to your smartphone, you can monitor the meat temperature and set alerts for when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Compared to traditional kitchen thermometer, it is more convenient and practical.

Insert Wireless Meat Thermometer


Step 5: Roast the ham. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast it for about 2 hours, taking off the foil for the last 30 minutes so the glaze can caramelize nicely. Every 20-30 minutes, baste the ham with the leftover glaze using the basting brush. As the internal temperature nears your target, keep an eye on the alert from your wireless meat thermometer. Once it reaches 140°F, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy slices.

Step 6: Make the sauce. While the ham rests, use the drippings at the bottom of the pan to create a quick sauce. Pour them into a small saucepan, then mix in some apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and fresh orange juice. Heat it up and whisk everything together for a tasty sauce to go with your ham.

Slice the Ham

FAQs

How much ham per person?

When planning your holiday feast, a solid rule of thumb is to allocate about ½ pound of bone-in ham per person, or about ⅓ pound for boneless ham. If you’re serving other proteins at the Christmas gathering or have a lot of side dishes, you can scale back a bit. Also, consider the age and appetite of your guests.

How long do you cook glazed ham?

The cooking time for a glazed ham varies depending on its size and whether it’s fully cooked or uncooked. Typically, a pre-cooked ham needs to be heated to an internal temperature of 140°F, while an uncooked ham should reach 145°F. As a rough guide, you can plan for about 10-15 minutes of cooking time per pound at 325°F.

To make this process easier, consider investing in a wireless thermometer. You can insert it in the ham before you start cooking, and it lets you monitor the temperature remotely. You’ll get alerts when it reaches the desired temperature, so you ham turns out just right.

What to serve with Christmas ham?

Pairing your glazed ham with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal to new heights. Traditional sides often include roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and carrots, which provide a beautiful color contrast on the plate. A creamy potato dish—like scalloped potatoes or a classic potato gratin—works wonderfully with the savory flavors of ham.

Don't forget about the sweetness! Pineapple or apple-based sides harmonize beautifully with the glaze on the ham. A refreshing salad, perhaps with mixed greens, cranberries, and a tangy vinaigrette, can also balance the richness of the dish. For those looking for comfort, homemade bread rolls or cornbread can be a lovely addition to soak up the juices.

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