A glazed ham gives Christmas dinner a familiar centerpiece, whether you are setting a large table or keeping the meal small. These Christmas ham recipes include cranberry and orange, honey mustard, apple cider and maple, and the classic pairing of brown sugar with pineapple.
There are oven recipes for a glossy finish, slow cooker options that leave room for sides, and grilled ham steaks for individual portions. Choose the flavor your family enjoys, then check the ham size and cooking method before shopping. A few simple sides, such as potatoes, green beans, and rolls, can round out the meal.
1. Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham
Whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, and fresh zest give this spiral ham a bright, sweet-tart glaze. Brown sugar, Dijon, cinnamon, and cloves round out the flavor. The ham warms under foil before several coats of glaze build a glossy finish. It is a colorful centerpiece for a Christmas meal.
Serve this cranberry orange glazed ham with your favorite sides.
2. Grilled Honey Bourbon Glazed Ham Steaks
Fully cooked smoked ham steaks offer individual portions without heating a whole roast. Honey, bourbon, brown sugar, and a pinch of cloves make a glossy coating. Add the glaze near the end of grilling so the sugar does not scorch. The bourbon glaze retains some alcohol after its brief simmer.
Try these honey bourbon ham steaks for a smaller gathering.
3. Honey Mustard Glazed Spiral Ham
Honey, brown sugar, butter, and Dijon make a smooth glaze with a mustard tang. This spiral ham stays covered for most of its oven time, helping protect the thin slices. A short, hotter finish turns the glaze golden around the edges. Mashed potatoes and green beans make simple partners.
Bring this honey mustard spiral ham to your Christmas dinner table.
4. Crockpot Brown Sugar and Honey Glazed Ham
Dark brown sugar and honey melt into a soft glaze with Dijon mustard and ground cloves. The fully cooked spiral ham heats in the crockpot, leaving your oven free for sides. Its sauce stays loose and glossy rather than forming a crisp crust. Check that the lid closes fully.
Prepare this crockpot brown sugar and honey ham for holiday dinner.
5. Apple Cider Maple Glazed Ham
Apple cider and pure maple syrup bring fruity sweetness to a fully cooked boneless ham. Dijon, cider vinegar, butter, and cinnamon balance the glaze. Gentle covered heating comes first, followed by three thin coats during the uncovered finish. Rest the ham before cutting slices for serving with simple vegetables.
Choose this apple cider maple glazed ham for your Christmas centerpiece.
6. Baked Ham with Brown Sugar and Pineapple
Pineapple rings sit over a fully cooked bone-in ham brushed with brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, and Dijon. Cloves and cinnamon add warm spice to the sweet glaze. Baking and basting give the outside a glossy finish, while the fruit brings a holiday look. Spoon extra pan juices over slices.
Bake this brown sugar pineapple ham for a traditional meal.
7. Cranberry Burgundy Glazed Ham
Whole berry cranberry sauce, Burgundy wine, brown sugar, and yellow mustard make a tart glaze for an unsliced bone-in ham. Whole cloves season the scored fat and are removed before carving. Reserve clean sauce for serving alongside the roast. This briefly simmered wine glaze still contains some alcohol.
Explore this cranberry Burgundy glazed ham for a festive Christmas dinner centerpiece.
8. Slow Cooker Apple Glazed Ham
Apple jelly melts into brown sugar, Dijon, and apple cider around a fully cooked spiral ham. Cinnamon and cloves give the sauce a flavor that suits Christmas dinner. The slow cooker handles the heating while you prepare sides. Spoon the apple glaze and cooking juices between the slices before serving.
Make this slow cooker apple glazed ham for your gathering.
Final Thoughts
The best Christmas ham recipes fit both your taste and your kitchen plans. Choose cranberry or citrus for a brighter glaze, honey and mustard for sweet tang, or apple and maple for a softer fruit flavor. Ham steaks are useful when you want smaller portions, while a whole ham gives a larger gathering a shared centerpiece.
Read the chosen recipe before buying your ham, since the cut and size vary across this list. Plan your sides around the cooking method and allow time for resting before serving. Keep the menu manageable so you can enjoy the meal with your guests.