7 Ham Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas With Perfect Sides

As I plan my Christmas dinner, I can’t help but think about how ham can elevate the festive meal. With so many possibilities, choosing the right glaze and sides is essential for a memorable feast. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there’s a combination that will suit your table. Let’s explore some enticing options that might just inspire your menu this holiday season.

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Glazed Honey-Baked Ham With Roasted Brussels Sprouts

festive ham with brussels sprouts

Glazed Honey-Baked Ham with Roasted Brussels Sprouts is a deliciously festive dish perfect for a Christmas dinner. The sweet and savory glaze on the ham creates a beautiful caramelized crust, while the roasted Brussels sprouts add a crunchy texture and vibrant color to your plate. This combination not only tantalizes the taste buds but also brings a warm, holiday spirit to your table.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in ham 8-10 pounds
Honey 1 cup
Brown sugar 1 cup
Dijon mustard 1/4 cup
Whole cloves 20 pieces
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Brussels sprouts 1.5 pounds
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ham:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
    • Place the ham on a large roasting pan, flat side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to seep in. Insert whole cloves into the intersections of the scores for added flavor.
  2. Make the Glaze:
    • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger until well combined.
  3. Glaze the Ham:
    • Brush the glaze generously over the scored surface of the ham. Reserve some glaze for later basting.
  4. Roast the Ham:
    • Cover the ham with aluminum foil (shiny side facing in) and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for about 15-18 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), basting with the reserved glaze every 30-45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of roasting to allow the glaze to caramelize.
  5. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
    • While the ham is roasting, rinse the Brussels sprouts and cut off the ends. Halve any larger sprouts.
    • In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
  6. Roast the Brussels Sprouts:
    • Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place them in the oven during the last 30-35 minutes of the ham’s roasting time. Roast until they are golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through.
  7. Serve:
    • Once the ham has reached the proper temperature and the glaze has caramelized, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
    • Serve the sliced honey-baked ham alongside the roasted Brussels sprouts for a festive and flavorful Christmas dinner that your guests will love.
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Pineapple-Glazed Ham With Sweet Potato Casserole

pineapple glazed ham recipe

Pineapple-Glazed Ham with Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful centerpiece for any Christmas dinner. The sweet and tangy pineapple glaze elevates the savory flavors of the ham while the creamy sweet potato casserole, topped with crunchy pecans, adds a festive touch to your holiday table. This winning combination is sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in ham 8-10 pounds
Pineapple juice 1 cup
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Dijon mustard 1/4 cup
Whole cloves 15 pieces
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Fresh pineapple rings 1 can (20 ounces)
Sweet potatoes 4 large
Milk 1/2 cup
Butter 1/4 cup
Maple syrup 1/4 cup
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Pecans (chopped) 1 cup
Mini marshmallows (optional) 1 cup
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ham:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
    • Place the ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and insert whole cloves into the scores.
  2. Make the Pineapple Glaze:
    • In a medium-sized saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cinnamon. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
  3. Glaze the Ham:
    • Brush the glaze generously over the ham. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
  4. Roast the Ham:
    • Cover the ham with aluminum foil (shiny side facing in) and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for about 15-18 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste with the reserved glaze every 30-45 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes of roasting to allow the glaze to caramelize.
  5. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
    • While the ham is roasting, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  6. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
  7. Transfer to a Casserole Dish:
    • Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with chopped pecans and mini marshmallows if using.
  8. Bake the Casserole:
    • Place the sweet potato casserole in the oven during the last 30 minutes of the ham’s cooking time. Bake until golden brown and heated through.
  9. Serve:
    • Once the ham reaches the proper temperature and the sweet potato casserole is ready, remove them from the oven and let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the sweet potato casserole on the side for a perfect holiday meal!
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Maple Mustard Glazed Ham With Garlic Mashed Potatoes

maple mustard glazed ham

Maple Mustard Glazed Ham with Garlic Mashed Potatoes is a flavorful and festive dish that takes a classic holiday ham to the next level. The sweet and tangy maple-mustard glaze caramelizes beautifully as the ham cooks, providing a mouthwatering contrast to the rich, creamy garlic mashed potatoes. This hearty meal is perfect for Christmas gatherings, making it a favorite for both family and friends alike.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in ham 8-10 pounds
Pure maple syrup 1/2 cup
Dijon mustard 1/4 cup
Brown sugar 1/4 cup
Whole cloves 10 pieces
Ground black pepper To taste
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Fresh garlic (minced) 4 cloves
Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet) 4 large
Butter 1/4 cup
Milk 1/2 cup
Salt To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ham:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
    • Place the ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and insert whole cloves into the scores.
  2. Make the Maple Mustard Glaze:
  3. Glaze the Ham:
    • Brush the glaze generously over the surface of the ham, ensuring it’s well-coated. Reserve some glaze for basting later during cooking.
  4. Roast the Ham:
    • Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil (shiny side facing in) and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for about 15-18 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste with the reserved glaze every 30-45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of roasting to allow the glaze to caramelize.
  5. Prepare the Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
    • While the ham is roasting, peel and cut the potatoes into small chunks for even cooking. Place them in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  6. Mash the Potatoes:
    • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add minced garlic, butter, milk, and salt to taste. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
  7. Serve:
    • Once the ham has finished roasting, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve the sliced ham alongside a generous portion of garlic mashed potatoes for a delightful holiday meal!
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Brown Sugar-Crusted Ham With Green Bean Almondine

brown sugar ham recipe

Brown Sugar-Crusted Ham with Green Bean Almondine is a delightful and festive dish that perfectly complements any holiday gathering. The sweetness of the brown sugar crust enhances the flavor of the savory ham, while the green beans sautéed with almonds provide a revitalizing, crunchy contrast. This dish is sure to impress your family and guests, making it a memorable centerpiece for your Christmas dinner table.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in ham 8-10 pounds
Brown sugar 1 cup
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Whole cloves 10 pieces
Dijon mustard 1/4 cup
Soy sauce 1/4 cup
Fresh green beans 1 pound
Sliced almonds 1/2 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Ground black pepper To taste
Lemon (for zest) 1

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ham:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
    • Place the ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and insert whole cloves into the scores.
  2. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze:
    • In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce. Mix well until you have a thick paste.
  3. Glaze the Ham:
    • Generously apply the brown sugar glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated.
  4. Roast the Ham:
    • Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 15-18 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of roasting to allow the crust to caramelize.
  5. Prepare the Green Bean Almondine:
    • While the ham is roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add fresh green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.
  6. Sauté the Green Beans:
    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the blanched green beans and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Add sliced almonds and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the almonds are golden brown.
  7. Season the Green Beans:
    • Season the green bean almondine with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon zest. Toss everything together before serving.
  8. Serve:
    • Once the ham is done roasting, let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve the slices of brown sugar-crusted ham alongside the sautéed green bean almondine for a festive and flavorful Christmas dinner. Enjoy!
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Herb-Crusted Ham With Creamed Spinach

festive herb crusted ham dish

Herb-Crusted Ham with Creamed Spinach is a festive and flavorful dish perfect for a Christmas dinner. The herb crust adds a wonderful aromatic touch to the savory ham, while the creamed spinach brings a rich and creamy texture that complements the dish beautifully. This combination is not only visually appealing but also offers a delightful balance of flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in ham 8-10 pounds
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary) 1 cup, chopped
Dijon mustard 1/4 cup
Olive oil 1/4 cup
Garlic cloves 3, minced
Salt To taste
Ground black pepper To taste
Fresh spinach 1 pound
Heavy cream 1 cup
Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup, grated
Nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ham:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
    • Place the ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down. Score the surface in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about an inch apart.
  2. Make the Herb Crust:
    • In a medium bowl, combine freshly chopped herbs, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until well combined to form a paste.
  3. Coat the Ham:
    • Rub the herb mixture generously over the scored surface of the ham, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
  4. Roast the Ham:
    • Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 15-18 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of roasting to allow the crust to brown and crisp.
  5. Prepare the Creamed Spinach:
    • While the ham is roasting, wash and trim the spinach. In a large saucepan, bring a few inches of water to a boil and blanch the spinach for about 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain and rinse under cold water, then chop finely.
  6. Cook the Creamed Spinach:
    • In the same saucepan, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve:
    • Once the ham has finished roasting, allow it to rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve the slices of herb-crusted ham alongside the creamed spinach for a beautiful and delicious holiday meal. Enjoy!
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Baked Ham With Cranberry-Rice Pilaf

festive ham with pilaf

Baked Ham with Cranberry-Rice Pilaf is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of glazed ham with a sweet and tangy cranberry-rice side. This festive recipe is perfect for a Christmas dinner, infusing your holiday meal with vibrant colors and flavors. The pilaf provides a fluffy and aromatic base that pairs beautifully with the tender, baked ham.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in ham 8-10 pounds
Brown sugar 1 cup
Honey 1/2 cup
Whole cranberry sauce 1 cup
Dijon mustard 1/4 cup
Cooked rice (white or brown) 2 cups
Chicken broth 2 cups
Dried cranberries 1/2 cup
Chopped pecans (optional) 1/2 cup
Green onions 1/4 cup, sliced
Salt To taste
Ground black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ham:
    • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
    • Place the ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down. Using a sharp knife, score the surface in a diamond pattern by making shallow cuts about an inch apart.
  2. Make the Glaze:
    • In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, whole cranberry sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir until well combined to create a thick glaze.
  3. Glaze the Ham:
    • Rub the glaze generously over the scored surface of the ham, making sure that it penetrates the cuts for best flavor.
  4. Bake the Ham:
    • Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-18 minutes per pound. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a beautiful golden color.
  5. Prepare the Cranberry-Rice Pilaf:
    • In a medium saucepan, combine cooked rice with chicken broth and heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a simmer. If you’re using white rice, make sure it’s cooked beforehand; brown rice will need to be cooked separately according to package instructions.
  6. Add Ingredients to Pilaf:
    • Stir in dried cranberries, and season the rice with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the cranberries to plump up with the broth.
  7. Incorporate Optional Ingredients:
    • If desired, mix in chopped pecans for a delightful crunch and garnish with sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
  8. Serve:
    • Once the ham is ready, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve slices of the baked ham alongside a hearty portion of cranberry-rice pilaf, and garnish everything as desired. Enjoy your festive Christmas dinner!
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Spicy Apricot Ham With Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

spicy apricot glazed ham

Spicy Apricot Ham with Mediterranean Quinoa Salad is a unique twist on the traditional holiday ham that incorporates bold flavors and bright ingredients. The sweet and spicy apricot glaze enhances the succulence of the ham, while the Mediterranean quinoa salad offers a invigorating and nutritious side dish, making it a delightful addition to your Christmas dinner table.

Ingredients Quantity
Bone-in ham 8-10 pounds
Apricot preserves 1 cup
Dijon mustard 1/4 cup
Red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon
Soy sauce 2 tablespoons
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Cooked quinoa 2 cups
Cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup
Cucumber, diced 1 medium
Red onion, diced 1/2 small
Fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup
Feta cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup
Salt To taste
Ground black pepper To taste

Cooking Instructions: