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
Scale
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.
