Ham for the holidays is a classic that never fails to impress! These 5 Amazing Holiday Ham Recipes are perfect for serving brunch, lunch, or dinner on a holiday buffet and make terrific leftovers. Each one is easy to make, delicious, and guaranteed to be the star of your table.
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In my family, we have several holiday traditions, and one of the must-make dishes is ham. And, whether I’m planning a get-together with friends at home, need a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or just want something extra delicious for a family dinner, ham is always a good idea. I’ve gathered five of my go-to ham recipes that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
This recipe is even easier with the right equipment! Discover my top slow cooker recommendations and make your cooking effortless.
What’s The Best Type Of Ham To Buy For These Recipes?
I usually go with a spiral-cut, bone-in ham—it’s full of flavor and easy to serve. Bone-in hams stay juicier while cooking, but boneless works just fine if you want something easier to slice.
How Much Ham Do I Need Per Person?
Plan on about ¾ pound per person if it’s bone-in, or ½ pound for boneless. A little extra never hurts—leftovers are the best part!
5 Easy Delicious Ham Recipes
Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham
Get ready to fall in love with this scrumptious brown sugar mustard baked ham! Trust me, after just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish featuring a heavenly combo of whole grain and Dijon mustard, along with the delightful sweetness of Coca Cola.
Copycat Honey Baked Ham Recipe
Honey Baked Ham with a sweet, caramelized glaze is the star of the show on any holiday table! There's no need to spend extra time and money ordering this popular main dish when you can make this delicious, impressive copycat baked ham recipe at home.
Crock Pot Sweet and Savory Ham
With only three ingredients and your crockpot, you can turn a ham into something truly amazing! It’s sweet from an easy-to-make glaze and tender from being cooked low and slow. This Easter, give yourself a break and make this ham in the slow cooker for a show-stopping dish everyone is sure to love.
Orange and Pepper Jelly Glazed Ham
Baked ham slathered with a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze will be the center of attention on your holiday table! Turn any meal into a celebration with this easy recipe for Orange and Red Pepper Jelly Glazed Ham, and watch the rave reviews come in.
Citrus Molasses Glazed Ham
Rich, thick molasses punched up with bright, orange juice is turned into an extraordinary glaze on ham. Once you taste this Citrus Molasses Glazed Ham, it will become your “go-to” recipe and you’ll never have to wait in line for your holiday main dish again.
Tools To Help Make These Recipes
Using the correct kitchen tools for a recipe makes life easy and cooking more enjoyable. These items are ones that I use to make cooking, baking, and glazing a ham easy.
- Nonstick Roasting Pan
- Instant Read Thermometer
- Oven Mitts And Potholders
- Butchers Carving Knife
- Granite Ware Covered Roaster
- Liquid Baster With Brush
- Ham And Meat Lifting Forks
- Large Cutting Board
How To Store And Save Leftovers
Ham is great for leftovers and can even be frozen to enjoy months after you cook it. The key is to make sure to store it properly. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Allow the ham to cool completely, then cut it into small pieces for easy storage.
- Store the ham in an airtight container, ziplock bag, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Don’t forget to label it with the recipe name and date.
- Store the ham in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- You can freeze the ham for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
The Best Recipes For Leftover Ham
More ways to use leftover ham:
- Ham Jam Sandwich
- Ham And Cheese Strata
- Crock Pot Ham And Potato Soup
- Ham And Cheese Quiché
- Slow Cooker Ham And White Bean Soup
Frequently Asked Questions About Ham
Select a ham that’s fully cooked, bone-in ham with a good layer of fat. This will help keep the meat moist, tender, and juicy during cooking.
Bake the ham for about 15–18 minutes per pound at 325 °F, basting every 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham, which should reach 140 °F.
Basting a ham keeps it moist while baking. It’s easy to do with a basting bulb or large spoon.
Once the ham is baked, make sure to let it rest for 15-30 minutes before slicing. Using a shape knife, remove any unwanted fat. Place the ham flat side down on a cutting board and cut the ham into slices until you reach the bone.
What To Serve With Holiday Ham
Southern Pineapple Casserole
Pineapple Casserole has become a classic, southern dish, and for good reason. It's sweet, savory, and has a buttery topping that makes it totally addictive!
Southern Style Green Beans
Get ready to dive into the heart of comfort food with this simple Southern Green Beans recipe. Tender, flavorful, and steeped in tradition, green beans Southern style are a down-home delight you won't want to miss! Fresh green beans cooked with bacon and just the right amount of seasoning is the perfect side dish for any meal.
Classic Cornbread Pudding With Cheese
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of cornbread and creamy, custardy goodness, this Southern Cornbread Pudding is your answer. Rich with two types of corn, this dish has a touch of sweetness, a bit of savory, and a soft, fluffy texture that makes it an irresistible side for any weeknight or holiday dinner.
Classic Waldorf Salad (Crunchy And Fresh)
This Classic Waldorf Salad combines crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts in a smooth, creamy dressing perfect for serving any time of the year. Whether you're making it for lunch, as a side dish, sharing it at a potluck, or during the holidays, this traditional recipe is always a favorite.
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes cooked to perfection in the Air Fryer is a side dish that takes very little effort to make yet yields amazing results! They're tender and creamy on the inside with crispy skin on the outside for sweet potatoes that you'll be craving time and time again.
Best Creamed Spinach Recipe: Fresh and Easy
Creamed Spinach is a quick, comforting, and absolutely delicious homemade side dish. It's easy to make with simple ingredients, whether pulling together a last-minute weeknight meal or hosting unexpected guests. This recipe brings out the classic, rich flavors of creamed spinach in a lighter, fresher way and is perfect for adding a little extra flair to any meal!
Grape Salad
Delicious Grape Salad is amazingly fresh, sweet, and creamy with a crunchy topping that’s irresistible! Served as a side dish or a dessert, this easy-to-make recipe is always a favorite at the holidays, potluck suppers, or when you’re entertaining.
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied yams are a classic holiday side dish that's an outstanding addition to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, but they are also terrific to serve year-round. Sweet potatoes cooked with brown sugar, butter, and warm spices are the star of the show and downright irresistible!
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Super crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are out of this world delicious! With just four simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, this easy to make recipe will be your new favorite way to cook this yummy veggie.
Easy Pimento Cheese Grits
Two Southern classics are combined to make creamy, luscious Pimento Cheese Grits, and the result is outstanding! This recipe is simple, versatile, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a must for any holiday brunch.
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