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Christmas Ham with Orange Pomegranate Glaze Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 129 reviews
  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This classic Christmas Ham recipe features a spiral sliced, bone-in ham glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture of orange juice, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon. The ham is slow-roasted to perfection, then finished with a luscious homemade glaze and garnished with fresh orange zest, pomegranate seeds, and parsley for a festive touch. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this recipe ensures a juicy, flavorful centerpiece that’s both easy to prepare and visually stunning.

Ingredients

Scale

Ham

  • 1 ham (spiral sliced bone-in, 9-12 pounds)

Glaze

  • 2 cups orange juice
  • 2 cups brown sugar
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Garnish

  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1 Tbsp parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) to prepare for roasting the ham.
  2. Prepare the ham: Remove the ham from its packaging, discarding most of the packing liquid but reserving about 1 cup for cooking.
  3. Place the ham in the roasting pan: Position the ham cut side down in a large baking dish or roasting pan, and pour the reserved liquid into the dish to keep the ham moist.
  4. Make the glaze mixture: In a large bowl or measuring cup, combine the orange juice, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon, stirring until well blended.
  5. Apply initial glaze: Pour half of the glaze mixture evenly over the ham, saving the other half for the finishing glaze.
  6. Roast the ham: Place the ham in the oven and cook for 2 to 2 ½ hours, allowing approximately 20 minutes per pound, until fully heated through.
  7. Prepare the glaze during the last hour: While the ham is roasting, pour the remaining glaze mixture into a large pot or deep pan for reduction.
  8. Simmer the glaze: Heat the glaze over medium flame until it reaches a boil, then reduce to medium-low and whisk continuously to prevent boiling over.
  9. Reduce to thick consistency: Allow the glaze to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens into a syrupy texture.
  10. Cool the glaze: Remove the pot from heat and let the glaze cool slightly to thicken further and be ready for glazing.
  11. Remove the ham from oven: Once cooked, carefully take the ham out of the oven and transfer it to a serving dish.
  12. Glaze the ham: Pour the thickened glaze evenly all over the warm ham to coat it with a shiny, flavorful finish.
  13. Add garnishes: Sprinkle the ham with fresh orange zest, pomegranate seeds, and chopped parsley for color, flavor, and festive appeal.
  14. Carve and serve: Slice the ham and serve immediately for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is heated to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for optimal safety and juiciness.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can continue to simmer it longer, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Resting the ham for 10-15 minutes after roasting before glazing can help juices redistribute evenly.
  • Pomegranate seeds add a nice burst of freshness and color but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Leftover ham pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas ham, holiday ham recipe, glazed ham, spiral sliced ham, baked ham, festive ham, holiday main dish

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Find it online: https://isabellavance.com/christmas-ham-with-orange-pomegranate-glaze-recipe/