20 Festive Christmas Ham Recipes

Updated: Apr. 22, 2024

Is a Christmas ham the showstopper at your dinner table? Step it up this holiday with these memorable Christmas ham recipes.

Taste Of Home's Contest Winning Mother’s Day Ham RecipeTMB STUDIO

Ham isn’t just for Easter! This holiday season, switch things up a bit and serve one of these mouth-watering Christmas ham recipes. Here you’ll find rich hams glazed with citrus and spices, cranberry, apple cider and even root beer! Each and every recipe is guaranteed to please your family and look spectacular among your Christmas spread.

Round out your meal with our picks for the best Christmas side dishes, Christmas appetizers, Christmas cocktails and, of course, Christmas desserts!

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Sugar-Glazed Ham

This old-fashioned ham glaze gives a pretty, golden brown coating—just like Grandma used to make. The mustard and vinegar complement the brown sugar which adds a tangy flavor to this glazed Christmas ham recipe. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Carol Strong Battle, Heathville, Virginia

Go to Recipe

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Festive Ham Glaze

My glaze dates back to shortly after my husband (of 23 years now) and I were married. I cooked a Christmas ham with this glaze—and I’ve done it that same way from then on.

Hosting a smaller celebration this year? Try this ham steak recipe that serves just 6.

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Contest-Winning Holiday Glazed Ham

I like to serve this juicy, mouthwatering Christmas ham recipe with mashed potatoes and colorful vegetables. The apricot glaze is delicious, and the pineapple and cloves assure a truly lovely presentation. —Diane Freeman, Falkland, British Columbia
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Sweet-Spicy Ham

I serve this Christmas ham every year. The sweet-spicy glaze turns a plain ham into a mouthwatering sensation. Everyone who tries it loves this juicy main dish! —Jessica Eymann, Watsonville, California
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Baked Ham with Pineapple

I first learned the technique for baked ham with pineapple for a themed dinner my husband and I hosted. Since it is widely known as the symbol of hospitality, pineapple was the star ingredient on our menu and on this lovely baked ham. —JoAnn Fox, Johnson City, Tennessee
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Apricot-Glazed Ham

Glaze a bone-in ham with apricot jam for a Christmas entree that’s beautiful and delicious. Any leftovers will make meal planning a breeze later in the week. —Galelah Dowell, Fairland, Oklahoma
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Apple Cider-Glazed Ham

When I wanted to try something new with our Christmas ham, I created this cider glaze. It’s slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
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Root Beer Glazed Ham

For a unique spin on the traditional glazed ham recipe, try this southern specialty where the secret ingredient is root beer! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Orange-Glazed Ham

This delicious Christmas ham looked like a sparkling jewel on the table when my mom served it for our holiday dinner. The flavor of the spice rub penetrates through every tender slice. Even its enticing aroma while baking can’t match the wonderful taste. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
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Baked Ham with Cherry Sauce

There’s nothing I’d rather serve for Christmas dinner or another special occasion than succulent baked ham. My recipe features a rub that adds flavor to the meat plus a delicious cherry sauce with a hint of almond. —Lavonn Bormuth, Westerville, Ohio
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Spiral Ham Recipe

This is my favorite spiral ham recipe. It will feed a crowd, or use what’s remaining in two recipes. No one groans about ham leftovers when these items are on the menu. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
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Baked Ham with Honey-Chipotle Glaze

Your Christmas celebration will be so simple to orchestrate with this sweet, smoky ham recipe at your fingertips. It feeds a crowd and the baked ham glaze tastes fantastic. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Honey-Glazed Ham

Here’s an easy solution for feeding a large group. The simple honey ham is perfect for Christmas dinner, where time in the kitchen is as valuable as space in the oven.—Jacquie Stolz, Little Sioux, Iowa
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Cranberry Glazed Ham

That show-stopping entree you've been hoping for is right here, and it only takes five ingredients to make. The sweet and tangy cranberry glaze pairs beautifully with succulent ham. —Joni Peterson, Wichita, Kansas
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Bourbon-Glazed Ham

Smoky and sweet flavors come through in every bite of this Kentucky-style Christmas ham. Since I found this recipe, it’s the only ham I make. —Sue Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
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Baked Spiral Ham

This is my favorite spiral ham recipe. It will feed a crowd, or use what’s remaining in two recipes. No one groans about ham leftovers when these items are on the menu. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
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Apple Cider-Glazed Ham

When I wanted to try something new with our holiday ham, I created this cider glaze. It’s slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
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Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

This pineapple ham glaze is straightforward and simple—just what you’re looking for in a Christmas main dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Maple-Peach Glazed Ham

This is one of my husband's favorite recipes. He makes it regularly for his group of friends on the weekends because it's so good and easy. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin