Nothing says Christmas like the incredible aroma of a glazed ham roasting in the oven! For as long as I can remember, our family’s holiday table has centered around this showstopping ham Christmas dinner perfect festive feast. The moment that sweet-spicy scent fills the air, my kids come running to peek in the oven – just like I did with my grandmother decades ago.
What makes this recipe so special? That magical combination of sticky honey glaze caramelizing over juicy ham, the warmth of cloves and cinnamon mingling through the house, and the way leftovers somehow taste even better the next day (if there are any left!). Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping it cozy, this ham transforms any meal into a celebration.
I’ll never forget the year I tried to improvise with a “fancy” recipe – my dad took one bite and said “Where’s the good old brown sugar glaze?” Lesson learned! Now I stick to this foolproof version that’s become our non-negotiable holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Ham Christmas Dinner Perfect Festive Feast
This isn’t just any holiday ham – it’s the one recipe you’ll come back to year after year. Here’s why:
- Effortless elegance: With just 15 minutes of active prep, you’ll have a stunning centerpiece that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen
- The glaze that wins hearts: That sticky-sweet crust with honey and Dijon makes everyone go back for seconds (and thirds!)
- Leftover magic: From Christmas morning omelets to New Year’s sandwiches, this ham keeps giving deliciously
- Forgiving timing: Unlike fussy roasts, ham stays juicy even if dinner runs late
My favorite part? Watching guests’ faces light up when you bring this golden beauty to the table – pure holiday happiness!
Ingredients for Your Ham Christmas Dinner Perfect Festive Feast
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to holiday magic! Here’s exactly what you’ll need for that perfect glazed ham:
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked ham – Look for “ready-to-eat” or “fully cooked” on the label (bone-in gives more flavor!)
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar – Pack it firmly in the measuring cup for that rich molasses depth
- 1/2 cup honey – I use local wildflower honey, but any variety works beautifully
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – The tang balances the sweetness perfectly
- 1 tsp ground cloves – That warm, festive spice we all love
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon – Just enough to whisper “holidays” without overpowering
Pro tip: Let your ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking – it helps the glaze adhere better and cooks more evenly!
Equipment You’ll Need
You probably have most of these kitchen essentials already, but let’s do a quick check before we start glazing:
- Roasting pan with rack – Lets heat circulate evenly under the ham
- Meat thermometer – The only way to know it’s perfectly heated through
- Silicone basting brush – For that gorgeous, even glaze coating
- Sharp knife – To score those signature diamond patterns
- Small mixing bowl – For whisking up that magical glaze
That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed – just good old reliable tools to make your ham shine.
How to Prepare Your Ham Christmas Dinner Perfect Festive Feast
Now for the fun part – turning that beautiful ham into a glazed masterpiece! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a showstopper that’ll make everyone think you trained under a holiday chef.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Ham
First, crank your oven to 325°F – this gentle heat lets the glaze caramelize without burning. While it warms up, grab your ham and a sharp knife. Place it cut-side down in your roasting pan (the rack helps, but don’t stress if you don’t have one). Now, make those classic diamond cuts: score the fat about 1/4 inch deep in diagonal lines, then go the opposite direction to create little squares. This isn’t just pretty – it lets the glaze seep into every nook!
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together that glorious combo of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves and cinnamon. I like to use a fork to really work out any sugar lumps – you want this silky smooth. Taste it (oh come on, we all do it!) and adjust if needed. More honey for sweetness? A dash more mustard for tang? Make it yours!
Step 3: Bake and Baste
Brush about half the glaze all over your ham – get into those cuts! Pop it in the oven and set your timer for 30 minutes. When it dings, baste with pan juices and add more glaze. Repeat this every 30 minutes until your thermometer reads 140°F when inserted into the thickest part (usually 1.5-2 hours total). The smell will drive you crazy – that’s how you know it’s working!
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Here’s the hardest part – resist cutting immediately! Let your ham rest 15 minutes tented with foil. This lets the juices redistribute so every slice stays mouthwateringly moist. Then present your golden beauty to the oohs and aahs of your guests. Pro tip: Save some glaze to brush on right before serving for extra shine!
Tips for the Perfect Ham Christmas Dinner
After making this ham for more holiday dinners than I can count, I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:
- Thermometer is key: Even “fully cooked” hams need to reach 140°F internally – guessing leads to dry ham or cold centers!
- Glaze to taste: Too sweet? Add mustard. Too tangy? More honey. This glaze forgives adjustments.
- Slice smart: Always cut against the grain – it makes each bite tender instead of stringy.
- Crispy bits: For extra texture, broil the last 2 minutes (watch closely – sugar burns fast!).
My biggest lesson? Don’t stress perfection – a slightly messy glaze tastes just as amazing!
Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Feast
Oh, the joy of arranging that gorgeous ham centerpiece surrounded by all its delicious friends! Here’s what I love serving alongside:
- Creamy scalloped potatoes – The ultimate comfort pairing that soaks up glaze beautifully
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – Their slight bitterness balances the ham’s sweetness
- Homemade cranberry sauce – That tart pop cuts through the richness
- Warm dinner rolls – For making little ham sandwiches at the table (my kids’ favorite!)
Don’t forget the honey mustard for dipping – I always mix extra glaze with a spoonful of mayo for an instant crowd-pleasing sauce!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Let’s be real – leftovers might be the best part! Wrap cooled ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container (I always sneak a few slices for midnight snacks). It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I pop slices in a skillet with a splash of water – just until warm. The microwave works too, but go 30 seconds at a time so it doesn’t dry out. Pro tip: Freeze ham in portion-sized bags for quick soups or omelets later!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutrition per 100g serving: about 250 calories, 18g protein, and that irresistible sweet-spicy glaze adds 15g sugar. Remember – these values are estimates and will vary based on your specific ingredients and glaze thickness. The real nutrition? Pure holiday joy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, I’ve gotten all sorts of ham questions from friends and family – here are the ones that come up most often!
Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
Absolutely! Spiral-cut hams work beautifully – just be extra gentle when glazing so you don’t tear the slices. I like to spoon some glaze between the layers for extra flavor. Watch the baking time though – they sometimes heat faster than whole hams.
How do I prevent drying out?
The secret? Don’t overbake! Stick to that 140°F internal temp, and let it rest properly. Also, keep basting – that glaze acts like a moisture shield. If you’re worried, place a little water in the roasting pan bottom for steam.
Can I make the glaze ahead?
Yes! Mix it up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Just give it a good stir and microwave for 10 seconds to loosen before using. The flavors actually deepen over time!
What sides pair best?
You can’t go wrong with classic holiday sides! My must-haves are scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and buttery cornbread. For something different, try roasted carrots with maple glaze – they echo the ham’s sweetness perfectly.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Slice it first, then freeze in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge – perfect for soups, omelets, or quick sandwiches when holiday cravings hit!
Share Your Festive Feast
Now I want to hear about your holiday ham adventures! Did your family go crazy for that sticky glaze? Any clever twists you added? Leave a comment below or tag me on social – nothing makes me happier than seeing your festive feasts. Happy holidays, and happy ham baking!
Print
Juicy Ham Christmas Dinner: Perfect 10-Lb Festive Feast
- Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A perfect festive ham dinner for your Christmas celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Mix brown sugar, honey, mustard, cloves, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Bake for 1.5-2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Leftovers can be stored for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: ham, Christmas dinner, festive feast, holiday meal