If you are craving a show-stopping centerpiece that combines festive flair with irresistible flavor, you simply must try this Orange Glazed Christmas Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe. This dish brings a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes wrapped around tender, juicy ham that melts in your mouth. The vibrant pomegranate seeds scattered atop add a burst of color and a delightful pop of freshness, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a treasured holiday tradition you can’t wait to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the foundation for an unforgettable dish. Each component plays a special role, from the rich aroma of cinnamon to the natural sweetness of honey and the bright zing of fresh orange zest, creating layers of texture, color, and flavor that complement the ham perfectly.
- Spiral sliced bone-in ham (9 to 12 pounds): Choose a high-quality ham with bone-in for maximum flavor and moistness.
- Orange juice (2 cups): The citrus tang balances the sweetness of the glaze and adds brightness.
- Brown sugar (2 cups): Provides a deep, caramelized sweetness that complements the ham.
- Honey (1 cup): Adds a smooth, natural sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): Offers a warm, aromatic spice that elevates the flavor profile.
- Orange zest of one orange: Delivers a fresh burst of citrus oil, intensifying the orange flavor.
- Pomegranate seeds (1 cup): Adds a jewel-like crunch and tart contrast, perfect for holiday flair.
- Parsley, chopped (1 tbsp): Brings a touch of herbaceous color and freshness to finish the dish.
How to Make Orange Glazed Christmas Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F. This moderate temperature allows the ham to cook evenly and stay juicy throughout the long roasting time.
Step 2: Ready the Ham
Remove the spiral sliced bone-in ham from its packaging. Discard most of the liquid in the package, but make sure to save about one cup—you’ll add this to the roasting pan to infuse the ham with warmth and additional moisture.
Step 3: Position the Ham
Place the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Pour in the reserved cup of liquid, which will help keep the ham tender as it roasts in the oven.
Step 4: Make the Orange Glaze Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon. This simple yet flavorful mixture is the heart of your glaze and will create that beautiful caramelized coating on your ham.
Step 5: Glaze the Ham Before Baking
Pour half of the orange glaze mixture evenly over the ham, ensuring every crevice is molasses kissed. Save the remaining half for later—this glaze will be thickened and poured on after baking.
Step 6: Roast the Ham
Place the ham in the oven, allowing it to cook for about 2 to 2½ hours, roughly 20 minutes per pound. Slow and steady roasting lets the flavors deepen while the spiral slices soak up the glaze, making each bite flavorful and tender.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze for Serving
During the last hour of baking, pour the reserved orange glaze into a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Then reduce to medium-low, whisking constantly to prevent boiling over, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the glaze thickens into a luscious syrup.
Step 8: Finish and Garnish
Once the ham is cooked, transfer it to a serving dish. Pour the thickened orange glaze all over the top, allowing it to cascade between the slices. Finally, sprinkle with fresh orange zest, a generous handful of vibrant pomegranate seeds, and chopped parsley for that irresistible festive look.
How to Serve Orange Glazed Christmas Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
The pomegranate seeds on this ham aren’t just for show—they provide a sweet-tart crunch that complements the rich, sugary glaze and tender meat beautifully. Fresh orange zest scattered on top adds brightness, while parsley brings a fresh herbal contrast, making every plate pop with color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, or a vibrant green bean almondine. If you want to add a touch of sweetness, roasted carrots with a drizzle of honey will echo the flavors in the glaze perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve the ham on a platter lined with fresh orange slices and garnished with extra pomegranate seeds and sprigs of parsley. You can also create individual servings by placing a slice of ham on salad greens topped with pomegranate seeds and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing holiday starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days—perfect for enjoying sandwiches and salads later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the ham for longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the ham and place pieces in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. The ham will keep well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the ham wrapped in foil in a low oven (about 275°F) until warmed through to maintain juiciness. You can brush on some reserved orange glaze or a little melted honey to refresh the flavor and shine.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless ham instead of a bone-in ham?
Absolutely! Bone-in hams often offer more flavor and moisture, but boneless works fine if that’s what you have. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as boneless hams can cook a bit faster.
Is it necessary to use pomegranate seeds?
While pomegranate seeds add fantastic color and a unique tart crunch, they can be swapped for other festive toppings like dried cranberries or fresh cherries if preferred.
Can I prepare this ham a day ahead?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare the ham and glaze up to a day before serving. Just keep the ham covered tightly in the fridge and reheat gently with extra glaze to refresh the flavors.
How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?
Cooking time is about 20 minutes per pound at 325°F. Your ham will be ready when it’s heated through and the glaze has caramelized on top. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be precise—the internal temperature should reach around 140°F.
Can I make the glaze without honey?
If you don’t have honey or prefer not to use it, you can substitute with maple syrup or additional brown sugar in equal amounts to maintain the sweetness and glossy finish.
Final Thoughts
This Orange Glazed Christmas Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe transforms a simple holiday ham into a dazzling masterpiece packed with flavor and visual appeal. It’s a dish made not just to fill plates, but to fill hearts and holiday memories. Give it a try this season—you’ll soon find it hard to imagine Christmas dinner without it!
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Orange Glazed Christmas 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: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Ham recipe features a succulent spiral-sliced bone-in ham perfectly glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture of orange juice, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon. Enhanced with bright notes of orange zest, pomegranate seeds, and fresh parsley, this dish offers a festive centerpiece that’s both flavorful and visually appealing, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 spiral sliced bone-in ham (9 to 12 pounds)
Glaze
- 2 cups orange juice
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Zest of one orange
Garnish
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for roasting the ham evenly.
- Prepare Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging, discarding most of the liquid but reserving about 1 cup to enhance moisture during cooking.
- Place Ham in Roasting Pan: Position the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan or baking dish and pour the reserved 1 cup of liquid into the dish to keep the ham moist.
- Make Initial Glaze Mixture: In a large bowl, combine orange juice, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon, mixing until well blended.
- Apply Half of Glaze: Pour half of this mixture evenly over the ham, reserving the rest for thickening later.
- Roast Ham: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 2½ hours, roughly 20 minutes per pound, allowing the flavors to infuse and the ham to heat through.
- Prepare Glaze: During the last hour of baking, pour the remaining orange juice mixture into a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
- Thicken Glaze: Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk constantly, preventing boiling over, simmering for 10 to 15 minutes until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Remove Ham from Oven: Once cooked, take the ham out of the oven and transfer it to a serving dish to prepare for glazing and garnishing.
- Glaze Ham: Pour the thickened glaze all over the ham, ensuring an even coating to enhance sweetness and moisture.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the ham with freshly grated orange zest, vibrant pomegranate seeds, and chopped parsley for added flavor and festive appearance.
- Carve and Serve: Carve the ham into slices and serve warm, making it the centerpiece of your holiday feast.
Notes
- Cooking time is approximately 20 minutes per pound; adjust accordingly if your ham is lighter or heavier.
- Reserve some of the juices from the ham packaging for added moisture during roasting.
- The glaze can be made ahead and reheated gently before glazing the ham.
- Use a roasting pan with a rack if possible to allow even heat circulation.
- Leftover ham pairs well with mustard or cranberry sauce for added flavor.
