Ham has long been a staple of festive feasts, particularly during Christmas. Its versatility, rich flavor, and ability to complement a variety of side dishes make it a beloved centerpiece for holiday celebrations. Whether you prefer a traditional glazed ham or a unique twist on this classic dish, there are countless ways to create a memorable Christmas dinner with ham as the star. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of recipes and ideas to help you craft a delicious and satisfying holiday meal.
Choosing the Perfect Ham
Before diving into recipes and side dishes, it’s important to select the right ham for your Christmas dinner. There are several types of ham to choose from, each offering its own unique flavor and texture.
Types of Ham
- Whole Ham: This includes both the butt and shank portions. It is a large cut, often weighing between 15-20 pounds, making it ideal for large gatherings.
- Half Ham: You can choose either the butt end, which is more tender and fatty, or the shank end, which is leaner and easier to carve.
- Spiral-Cut Ham: Pre-sliced for convenience, this ham is easy to serve and perfect for those who prefer uniform slices.
- Boneless Ham: Easier to carve and typically more uniform in shape, boneless hams are a great option for smaller gatherings or those who prefer convenience.
Selecting the Best Ham
When selecting your ham, consider factors such as the number of guests, your preferred flavor profile, and whether you want a bone-in or boneless option. Pay attention to labels indicating whether the ham is fully cooked or needs additional cooking time.
Glazing the Ham
A well-glazed ham is the highlight of any Christmas dinner. The glaze not only adds a beautiful, shiny finish but also imparts a delicious flavor to the meat. Here are a few classic and innovative glaze recipes to elevate your ham.
Classic Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze
This traditional glaze combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the tanginess of mustard, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking, basting every 10 minutes for a beautiful, caramelized finish.
Honey and Pineapple Glaze
This tropical-inspired glaze adds a sweet and tangy twist to your Christmas ham.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, pineapple juice, brown sugar, and ground ginger.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking, basting every 10 minutes.
Maple and Bourbon Glaze
For a rich and slightly smoky flavor, try this maple and bourbon glaze.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking, basting every 10 minutes.
Side Dishes to Complement Ham
A well-rounded Christmas dinner features a variety of side dishes that complement the flavors of the ham. Here are some classic and contemporary side dishes that pair perfectly with your holiday ham.
Traditional Side Dishes
1. Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the potatoes and onions in a greased baking dish, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper.
- Pour the heavy cream over the potatoes and top with shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
2. Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the fried onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
SEE ALSO: What Is a Good Roast for Christmas Dinner?
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with chopped bacon and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the bacon is crispy.
Contemporary Side Dishes
1. Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil and add the quinoa. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Pour over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Sweet Potato and Kale Gratin
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the sweet potatoes and kale in a greased baking dish, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper.
- Pour the heavy cream over the sweet potatoes and top with shredded Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
3. Caramelized Carrots with Honey and Thyme
Ingredients:
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the carrots and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they begin to caramelize.
- Drizzle the honey over the carrots and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and glazed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Desserts to End the Meal
No Christmas dinner is complete without a sweet ending. Here are some dessert ideas that pair perfectly with your ham-centric feast.
Classic Desserts
1. Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the pie cool before serving with whipped cream.
2. Pecan Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves and pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the pie cool before serving with vanilla ice cream.
Contemporary Desserts
1. Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the peppermint extract.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set. Let the cheesecake cool before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
- Before serving, sprinkle the top with crushed peppermint candies.
2. Cranberry Orange Trifle
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cake, cut into cubes
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Instructions:
- In a large trifle dish, layer the pound cake cubes, cranberry sauce, and orange marmalade.
- Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used.
- Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped fresh mint.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Conclusion
Creating a memorable Christmas dinner with ham as the centerpiece is both enjoyable and rewarding. By selecting the perfect ham, choosing a delicious glaze, and pairing it with complementary side dishes and desserts, you can craft a festive meal that will delight your guests. Whether you stick to traditional recipes or explore contemporary twists, the key is to infuse your holiday feast with love and creativity. Happy cooking and Merry Christmas!
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