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40 Mouthwatering Christmas Ham Recipes for Your Holiday Dinner

Give your entrée a juicy makeover this year.

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christmas ham recipes
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Thanksgiving might be all about the turkey, but Christmas dinner definitely revolves around that delicious glistening ham. While the actual ham itself doesn't really change from year to year, the way you prepare it definitely can. There are dozens of ways you can glaze, rub, and roast your Christmas ham that range from citrusy to sweet to smoky, and the best Christmas ham recipes explore them all. If you're looking to take your holiday ham game to the next level this year, then these recipes will help get you started.

It doesn't matter whether you prefer a bone-in ham (which tends to be moist and rich) or a boneless ham (which tends to be easier to carve), or whether you're planning on getting a spiral-cut ham (which comes fully cooked) for less prep time. There are great recipes out there for every type of ham, as well as for every taste preference, from sweet-and-spicy cola glazes to maple-pomegranate glazes. You can even find slow cooker and Instant Pot recipes that'll make your holiday cooking easier than ever. Get ready for all of your guests to go back for a second (and third and fourth) slice of these delicious hams.

1

Ham with Bee Sting Glaze

christmas ham recipes
Kate Sears

Honey and cayenne are the secret ingredients that give this ham its "bee sting" flavor.

Get the Ham with Bee Sting Glaze recipe.

2

Balsamic Honey Mustard Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
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Pair black peppercorns with honey, whole-grain mustard, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar for a ham that provides a tasty kick.

Get the Balsamic Honey Mustard Glazed Ham recipe.

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3

Smoked Spiral Ham with Pineapple and Dried Cherry Glaze

christmas ham recipes
EzumeImages//Getty Images

Since smoked spiral-sliced hams are already thoroughly cooked, all you have to do is make the glaze and warm this ham up before your guests arrive.

Get the Smoked Spiral Ham with Pineapple and Dried Cherry Glaze recipe.

4

Maple Pomegranate Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
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This sweet and flavorful ham glaze is made by boiling down pomegranate juice and cornstarch, then stirring in maple syrup and coarse-grain mustard.

Get the Maple Pomegranate Glazed Ham recipe.

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5

Apricot Raspberry Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
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A fun and fruity twist on classic glazed ham, this succulent recipe involves just a few brushes of apricot and raspberry preserves and Dijon mustard as your ham roasts.

Get the Apricot Raspberry Glazed Ham recipe.

6

Cranberry Ginger Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
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Cranberries aren't just for Thanksgiving, and this rich cranberry glaze (which includes the secret ingredient of soy sauce) is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Get the Cranberry Ginger Glazed Ham recipe.

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7

Orange Marmalade Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
IgorDutina//Getty Images

Add some zest to your Christmas ham by brushing it with sweet orange marmalade before it bakes.

Get the Orange Marmalade Glazed Ham recipe.

8

Ginger Honey Mustard Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
LauriPatterson//Getty Images

Marmalade, brown sugar, and honey mustard make for an unexpectedly tasty glaze for your bone-in ham.

Get the Ginger Honey Mustard Glazed Ham recipe.

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9

Apple Ginger Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
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The unique apple jelly glaze offsets the smoky flavor of your ham in this easy-to-make recipe.

Get the Apple Ginger Glazed Ham recipe.

10

Ham with Fruit Glaze

christmas ham recipes
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Made with both fresh and dried fruits, this smoky baked ham is sure to be a hit (even among those who claim they don't like fruit).

Get the Ham with Fruit Glaze recipe.

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11

Pecan Baked Ham

christmas ham recipes
thyegn//Getty Images

You'd be nuts not to love this pecan baked ham, which is smothered in brown sugar, butter, spices, and — of course — nutty pecans.

Get the Pecan Baked Ham recipe.

12

Orange-Red Pepper Jelly and Orange Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
ALEXANDRA ROWLEY

The sweet yet tangy citrus flavor of the orange and red pepper jelly glaze makes this ham really pop.

Get the Orange-Red Pepper Jelly and Orange Glazed Ham recipe.

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13

Apricot Glazed Smoked Ham

christmas ham recipes
IAIN BAGWELL

Switch up your traditional ham recipe this year with a smoky ham glazed in fruity apricot.

Get the Apricot Glazed Smoked Ham recipe.

14

Pineapple Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
Kana Okada

Pineapple and ham is a classic combination, so why not turn it into a glaze?

Get the Pineapple Glazed Ham recipe.

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15

Apricot and Spice Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
CHARLES MASTERS

Made of apricot jam, apple juice, and ginger, this glaze will flavor your ham with a sweetness that everyone will love this season.

Get the Apricot and Spice Glazed Ham recipe.

16

Mango Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
Woman's Day

Put a tropical twist on your ham this Christmas by seasoning it with fresh mangoes.

Get the Mango Glazed Ham recipe.

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17

Sweet and Spicy Cola Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
Andrew Purcell

Bring some sweetness from the cola and some spice from red pepper flakes for a perfectly balanced bite of ham.

Get the Sweet and Spicy Cola Glazed Ham recipe.

18

Brown Sugar and Mustard Glazed Ham

christmas ham recipes
Alexandra Rowley

This three-ingredient glaze is so simple to make but packs a serious flavor punch.

Get the Brown Sugar and Mustard Glazed Ham recipe.

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19

Root Beer Glazed Ham

christmas ham root beer glazed ham
Dana Gallagher

Root beer may not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the perfect ham glaze, but it provides a subtle sweetness to the other strong ingredients, like Dijon mustard and cider vinegar.

Get the Root Beer Glazed Ham recipe.

20

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Spiral Ham

christmas ham recipes
Alexandra Rowley

Glazed with lime, cilantro, and garlic, you won't be able to have just one serving of this spiral ham.

Get the Sweet and Spicy Glazed Spiral Ham recipe.

Headshot of Corinne Sullivan

Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé. 

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