If you’re looking to impress your guests with a centerpiece that sings holiday cheer, look no further than this Festive Orange Glazed Holiday Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe. It’s a dazzling combination of sweet, tangy, and warm spices nestled in beautifully tender meat, finished with jewel-like pomegranate seeds that add a burst of freshness and color. This ham is not only a feast for the eyes but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table for a joyful celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this ham right is all about simplicity and letting each ingredient shine. The balance of sweet and citrusy elements with a hint of spice makes the glaze unforgettable, while the pomegranate seeds add that perfect touch of texture and festive flair.
- Spiral sliced bone-in ham (9 to 12 pounds): The star of the show, pre-sliced for easy serving and extra glaze absorption.
- Orange juice (2 cups): Adds bright, natural citrus sweetness that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Brown sugar (2 cups): Brings rich, deep caramel notes essential for that sticky, luscious glaze.
- Honey (1 cup): Offers a smooth sweetness and a beautiful shine to the glaze.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): A warm spice that complements the orange and elevates the holiday spirit.
- Orange zest (from one orange): Fresh zest adds aromatic oils and vibrant color right before serving.
- Pomegranate seeds (1 cup): Jewel-like seeds that add tartness, crunch, and a festive pop of red.
- Parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): A fresh sprinkle for color contrast and a touch of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Festive Orange Glazed Holiday Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ham
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F to get the perfect slow-cook environment for tender, juicy ham. Carefully remove the ham from its packaging, and be sure to save about a cup of the liquid for roasting, as this helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
Step 2: Set the Ham in Place
Place the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan. Pour in the reserved liquid to the bottom of the pan; this keeps your ham flavorful and prevents drying out as it roasts.
Step 3: Mix the Glaze
In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon. This is the heart of the Festive Orange Glazed Holiday Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe—each component blending to make a sweet and spicy glaze that will coat the ham beautifully.
Step 4: Apply the First Half of the Glaze
Pour half of your glaze mixture evenly over the ham, letting the liquid seep into the crevices of the spiral slices. Save the other half for later to create an irresistible thick glaze.
Step 5: Roast the Ham
Place the ham into your preheated oven and roast for 2 to 2 ½ hours, allowing roughly 20 minutes per pound. The slow roasting ensures the ham becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender and lets those flavors penetrate deeply.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze Reduction
During the final hour of baking, pour the remaining glaze mixture into a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat and whisk constantly to prevent burning or bubbling over. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens into a luscious syrup ready to coat your ham.
Step 7: Glaze and Garnish the Ham
Once the ham is perfectly roasted, transfer it to a serving dish and drizzle the thickened glaze all over it. Sprinkle generously with fresh orange zest, pomegranate seeds, and chopped parsley for that iconic, festive look that also adds layers of freshness and crunch.
How to Serve Festive Orange Glazed Holiday Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect garnish can elevate this ham from delicious to unforgettable. Freshly grated orange zest brightens up the dish with its citrus oils, while the pomegranate seeds provide bursts of tartness and a stunning ruby color that screams holiday cheer. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a fresh green contrast that’s both pretty and palate-refreshing.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sweet cranberry sauce. For a refreshing twist, consider a crisp apple and fennel salad or honey-glazed carrots to complement the glaze’s sweetness. These sides enhance the festive theme without competing with the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly show-stopping presentation, serve your ham on a large wooden board surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme. Scatter some extra pomegranate seeds and thin slices of fresh oranges around the edges for a vibrant, rustic look. You can even carve the ham tableside to create an interactive experience that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly sealed, it will stay juicy and flavorful for up to 4 days, perfect for quick sandwiches or adding to salads later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the goodness longer, slice the ham and freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen ham will remain delicious for up to 2 months, making it a handy treat for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your ham gently in the oven at 275°F, covered loosely with foil to maintain moisture. You can brush on some reserved or fresh glaze while warming to refresh that magical Festive Orange Glazed Holiday Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! While bone-in hams tend to have more flavor and moisture, boneless hams will also work perfectly for this recipe. Just adjust your cook time slightly as boneless hams may cook faster.
Is it necessary to use spiral sliced ham?
Using a spiral sliced ham is convenient because it’s pre-sliced for serving and allows the glaze to penetrate deeper. However, a whole ham can also work if you score the surface lightly to allow the flavors to soak in.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just rewarm it gently before glazing the ham. This is a great time-saver on the big day.
Are the pomegranate seeds just for decoration?
Far from it! The pomegranate seeds add a fresh, tart bite that balances the sweetness of the glaze while adding a beautiful festive color and delightful crunch.
What kind of orange juice works best?
Freshly squeezed orange juice offers the brightest flavor, but high-quality store-bought orange juice works well too. Avoid anything with added sugars or preservatives to keep the glaze natural and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of bright citrus, warm spices, and the jewel-like glisten of pomegranate seeds that makes the Festive Orange Glazed Holiday Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe a holiday favorite in the making. Whether you’re serving a small family gathering or a big celebration, this ham brings warmth and joy to every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make some magical memories of your own!
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Festive Orange Glazed Holiday Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Christmas Ham recipe features a spiral-sliced bone-in ham glazed with a sweet and tangy orange, brown sugar, and honey mixture, accented by warm cinnamon and garnished with fresh orange zest, pomegranate seeds, and parsley. Slow-roasted to perfection, this festive ham is a centerpiece for holiday gatherings with its moist, flavorful meat and beautifully caramelized glaze.
Ingredients
Ham and Glaze
- 1 spiral sliced bone-in ham (9 to 12 pounds)
- 2 cups orange juice
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Zest of one orange
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for roasting the ham.
- Prepare Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and discard most of the liquid, but save approximately 1 cup of it for cooking.
- Arrange Ham in Pan: Place the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Add the reserved packaging liquid to the dish to keep the ham moist during cooking.
- Make Glaze Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon, mixing thoroughly.
- Glaze Half the Ham: Pour half of the orange juice glaze mixture evenly over the ham, reserving the other half for later.
- Roast Ham: Place the roasting pan into the oven and cook the ham for 2 to 2½ hours (about 20 minutes per pound) until heated through and well-glazed.
- Prepare Glaze Sauce: In the last hour of baking, pour the remaining glaze mixture into a large pot.
- Boil and Simmer Glaze: Heat the glaze over medium heat until it boils, then reduce to medium-low and whisk constantly to prevent boiling over.
- Thicken Glaze: Allow the glaze to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Remove Ham from Oven: Carefully take the ham out of the oven and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Glaze Ham: Pour the thickened glaze generously over the hot ham to enhance flavor and appearance.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the ham with fresh orange zest, pomegranate seeds, and chopped parsley to add vibrant color and freshness. Carve and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cooking time varies depending on the weight of the ham; plan approximately 20 minutes per pound.
- Keeping the ham cut side down helps retain moisture during roasting.
- Constant whisking during glaze preparation prevents burning and ensures a smooth sauce.
- Use fresh pomegranate seeds for the best texture contrast and visual appeal.
- Leftover ham and glaze can be refrigerated and reheated gently for delicious sandwiches or meals.
