This year, go ham for the holidays with the only recipe you'll ever need.
How to Make a Christmas Ham
Updated on Dec. 07, 2022
Salty, smoky and glistening with glaze, nothing in the world beats ham for the holidays. But how do you choose the right size ham for your guest list? Should it be bone-in or boneless? And, most importantly, exactly what Christmas ham recipe should you use?
Here’s all you need to know to bake up your best holiday ham recipe yet.
How to Choose a Christmas Ham
How much ham do you need?
For bone-in ham, allow about 1/2 pound per person. Going with boneless? Buy 1/3 pound of ham per person. So, for a party of 12, you’d need a 6-pound bone-in ham or 4 pounds of boneless.
Should you get boneless or bone-in ham?
We prefer bone-in. The ham bone contributes moisture and flavor as the meat bakes, but it does make the ham a bit tricky to carve. (We’ll show you how to master this technique later, so keep reading.) Find out more differences between the main types of ham: bone-in, boneless and spiral ham.
What are the different cuts of ham?
Bone-in full hams are the largest, consisting of the butt (upper portion) and shank (leg) halves. Shank half hams are smaller than butt half hams, and they give you a meaty, flavorful bone ideal for making bean soup. Coming from a larger cut, butt half hams weigh more and yield large slices. Center-cut ham steaks and packaged ham slices sold in the store come from the butt half. The different cuts taste similar, so choose based on your preferred size and brand.
How much does Christmas ham cost?
Many stores offer Christmas ham as a loss leader, so you’re sure to find one that fits your budget. To take off some stress, our Test Kitchen says these holiday hams are definitely worth the price.
One year, my parents splurged on a magnificent spiral-sliced bone-in ham from Nueske’s (one of our favorite ham brands), which was a joy for me to carve and an absolute delight for the family to eat. You can find very good hams for an eighth of this price, and everything in-between, during the holiday season.
Our Christmas Ham Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7 to 9 pounds)
Glaze:
- 1/2 cup grapefruit juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
Directions
Step 1: Prep the ham
Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Using a sharp knife, score surface of ham with 1/4-in.-deep cuts in a diamond pattern. This helps the yummy glaze soak into and infuse the ham with flavor.
Step 2: Bake it
Cover and bake until a thermometer reads 130°, 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours.
Test Kitchen Tip: Whole bone-in fully cooked hams need about 15 to 18 minutes per pound. If you’re using a boneless fully cooked ham, plan on baking for 18 to 20 minutes per pound. (Partially cooked and uncooked hams, which are less common, should bake to 145°, so allow a bit of extra time for these.)
Step 3: Prep the glaze
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine grapefruit and orange juices. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 12 to 15 minutes.
Step 4: Brush on the glaze
When a thermometer reads 130°, remove ham from oven. Brush with 1/3 cup of glaze. Bake, uncovered, basting occasionally with the remaining glaze, until a thermometer reads 140°, 15 to 20 minutes longer.
Step 5: Carve your Christmas ham
With a carving knife, cut off one boneless section of ham at a time. Then slice each section. Carve and slice the bone-in section last. For specifics, check out or step-by-step tutorial on carving a ham.
Christmas Ham FAQs
Should I use cloves on my Christmas ham?
Cloves are optional, but they add a lovely aroma as the ham bakes, as well as an old-fashioned appearance. If you like the idea, insert a whole clove into each diamond point of the ham before baking. The cloves also make handy hooks for adorning the meat with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries (if you’re looking for a retro holiday ham recipe).
What other ham glazes could I use?
We think you’ll love the citrus-molasses glaze in this Christmas ham recipe, but there’s lots of room for flavor experimentation here. Make your ham glaze of choice, then brush it on as directed above.
- Sugar Glaze: Combine 1 cup packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons prepared mustard and 1 to 2 tablespoons cider vinegar.
- Bourbon Glaze: Stir up 2/3 cup bourbon, 2 cups packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground mustard, 1 tablespoon orange marmalade and 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander.
- Cranberry Glaze: In a pot, simmer 1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup cider vinegar and 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons ground mustard.
How long does leftover Christmas ham last?
Sliced ham lasts three to four days in the fridge, while a hunk of ham will last up to five. If you don’t think you’ll use it up in time, follow our guide on how to freeze ham, on or off the bone.
What can I do with leftover ham?
We love leftover ham layered on grilled cheese, scrambled with eggs, stirred into mac and cheese—even doused with sriracha for a bedtime snack (don’t judge). For more inspiration, try these fabulous leftover ham recipes.
Have Leftover Ham? Make These Next!
Buttermilk Biscuit Ham PotpieThis potpie is probably the coziest way to rework leftovers. The addition of fresh fennel, tarragon and homemade biscuits really takes this dish to the next level. If you don't have time to make homemade biscuits, use our pick for the best store-bought biscuits.
Ham & Egg PocketsFrom Christmas ham to the morning after, this six ingredient recipe is a quick breakfast that can be made while the kids are still asleep. Essentially a homemade Hot Pocket, you can eat these on the go.
Ham PotpieThis cozy ham potpie recipe, made with a homemade flaky pie crust and a gravy-like filling, will use up your leftovers and feed a crowd. Mixed with hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots and celery, it's an easy meal that doesn’t need side dishes
Creamy Ham & PotatoesThis cozy entree has all the staples; cheese, potatoes and ham. This dense and creamy dish is exactly what will get you through the cold winter months.
Ham & Cheese SconesThe sweet and spicy sauce that's paired with these cheesy scones will make you want to cook a ham just for the leftovers! Light and moist, the scones make a wonderful appetizer or snack.
Jambalaya Rice SaladThis cold rice salad has a bit of kick to it with red, green and cayenne peppers. Colorful and festive, it can also be served warm.
Ham and Cheese PocketsRather than using crescent rolls, these ham and cheese pockets are made with frozen bread dough. This gives them more of a rounded pocket shape.
Mac ‘n’ Cheese DinnerThis customizable macaroni and cheese makes use of leftover veggies, too. With peas and cheese, you'll finish your plate with ease.
Grilled Cheese, Ham and Apple SandwichHam and cheese sandwiches are pretty commonplace, but have you ever considered adding apple to the mix? The crunch and tartness make for an unforgettable combination.
Quick Hawaiian PizzaThe age-old debate of whether pineapple belongs on pizza is solved with this quick and simple dish. The homemade sauce is made by combining barbecue sauce with marinara for some sweetness.
Apple Butter Biscuit Breakfast BakeThis recipe is great for the holiday season, as it combines the warm winter flavors of ham and apple butter. This is a leftovers dream and will quickly become a tradition for years to come.
Ham & Veggie CasseroleCasseroles are a gift to slow days, and this one is no exception. With broccoli and cauliflower, this can offset a traditionally sweet ham for a more savory and cheesy dish.
Chicken Cordon Bleu PastaChicken cordon bleu is thin breaded chicken wrapped around ham and cheese. This dish reimagines the concept by taking all those ingredients and mixing them with pasta, onion and garlic for a creamy and indulgent meal.
Priscilla’s Vegetable ChowderPanera's bread bowls really changed the game for soups. This broccoli, carrot, celery and potato chowder is comfortable and homey with the added surprise and texture of ham.
Southwestern Breakfast Slow-Cooker CasseroleThis slow cooker breakfast can be prepared right when you wake up and eaten in the later hours of a winter morning. The smell alone will lull you back to sleep while you wait for the delicious end result.
Fiesta Ham SoupChowders are a scrumptious way to warm the spirits during the holidays. This festive soup is brimming with ham, green chiles, potatoes and corn.
Loaded Baked Potato CasseroleYou might have leftover ham but you won't have any leftover casserole. If anything, you'll have arguments over who gets the last plate.
Ham & Potato-Rutabaga ChowderPotatoes and rutabagas are usually presented as side dishes to a ham dinner. This chowder combines them to make the ultimate comfort meal.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent RingThis wonderfully presented take on chicken cordon bleu uses crescent rolls in the shape of a ring. This makes for a portable, hand-held treat for any party.
Early-Riser Oven OmeletThis fluffy breakfast omelet is packed with tomato, onion, broccoli and ham. It's a simple but hearty meal that'll set the tone for the rest of the day.
Ham & Chicken RollsThese ham and chicken sandwich rolls can be served any time of day for a fast meal. They can even be refrigerated in advance for an event or trip.
Ham & Cheese Grits CasseroleThis cheesy, omelet-adjacent casserole highlights one of the most underrated breakfast dishes. Grits offer a nice and smooth texture for a meal that melts in your mouth.
Ham & Broccoli PastaThis one-pan dish relies on one ingredient: chive and onion cream cheese. The cream cheese works wonderfully in this pasta creates a creamy consistency and complements the ham and broccoli.
Scrambled Egg BreadYou've heard of avocado toast and egg sandwiches, but let's meet somewhere in the middle for this scrambled egg bread. This fun breakfast takes a traditional omelet and turns it into something new with ease.
Slow Cooker Split Pea SoupThis recipe is recommended as a dip for bread. Comforting and warm, this soup has all the fixings for a cold night.
Green Bean and Cauliflower CasseroleAdding cauliflower and ham to the traditional green bean casserole creates new flavors and textures that really complement this dish. Perfect for the day after Christmas, it can be a side dish or the main event.
Ham & Swiss Baked PenneThis is the pasta equivalent of a ham and Swiss sandwich. The crunchy breadcrumb topping is so divine over the creamy pasta that you'll be happy you had leftover ham in the fridge.
Truly Tasty Turnips with GreensThese slow cooker greens are a wonderful way to bring people together. Your kitchen will smell heavenly throughout the day.
Ham and Broccoli CornbreadGive your leftover ham and veggies the perfect home in this cornbread. Easy and accessible, these can make a great breakfast or appetizer for a group.
Sweet Potato and Ham HashA lot of breakfast recipes fail to utilize sweet potatoes, but this is not one of them. This recipe offers a fresh take on breakfast and gives you the option of what to serve it with.
Chicken Marsala LasagnaThis chicken marsala dish serves 12 people. This is not a rushed recipe, but the time and effort put in will really shine through in this lasagna remix.
Ham & Jack Pudgy PieThis is a very straightforward recipe for a quick lunch. These spicy sandwiches are surprisingly well-rounded while also being gooey and delicious.
Mustard Ham StrataStrata are a group of layered casseroles, usually for brunch, with cheese, eggs and bread as the base. This strata has mustard, ham and green onion.
Grilled Ham BurgersGive your leftover ham new life with these delicious grilled burgers. With crushed pineapple, these burgers are sweet and smokey
Potato Ham Omelet PieThis pie is great to make when you have an abundance of leftover ham you want to get rid of. It contains layers of potato, ham and cheese and makes for a lovely breakfast or lunch.
Linguine with Ham & Swiss CheeseThis pasta uses leftover and pantry staples to make a filling meal. If you're not crazy about canned cream of mushroom soup, try your hand at making homemade cream of mushroom soup
for this recipe.
Ham & Cheese ZitiThis versatile dish is a crowd-pleaser and easy to whip up with your leftover ham. Don't be afraid to change the cheeses or veggie to make the most of what you have on hand.
Grilled Pesto, Ham and Provolone SandwichesPrepared pesto, basil and pickled cherry peppers add a ton of flavor and brightness to a standard ham sandwich. Serve these sammies with minestrone or a crisp salad for a complete lunch.
