Christmas Baked Ham

Prep: 720 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

A festive glazed ham infused with pineapple and orange juices, spices, and cloves, perfect for holiday gatherings and family celebrations with rich, fruity, and warm flavors.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 c. pineapple juice, unsweetened
  • 1 c. orange juice, unsweetened
  • 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 Tbsp. wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp. dry mustard
  • 3/4 tsp. ground cloves
  • 3/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1 fully cooked ham, sliced thick
  • parsley (optional)
  • cherries (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, vegetable oil, vinegar, dry mustard, cloves, and ginger; mix well.
  2. Place the fully cooked ham in a glass dish.
  3. Pour the mixture over the ham, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
  4. Drain the ham, reserving the liquid.
  5. Place the ham in a shallow baking pan.
  6. Bake the ham according to instructions, basting every 10 minutes with the reserved liquid.
  7. Before serving, garnish with parsley and cherries if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more flavorful ham, consider using a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in addition to the spices. You can substitute the unsweetened juices with light soda or ginger ale for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a sweet glaze, add brown sugar or honey to the marinade. This recipe can also be adapted for smaller hams. For a hearty side, try pairing it with Trio Baked Beans Casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Christmas Baked Ham alongside traditional sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a festive touch, garnish with parsley and cherries before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with Mrs. Totts Salad for a refreshing complement. Consider offering a selection of mustards and sauces on the side to enhance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover baked ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze portions, ensuring to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, basting with reserved liquid to keep it moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Christmas Baked Ham contains roughly 261 calories, with 12g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (117% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), and potassium (48% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 29g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

261 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.6g 23% DV
Total Fat 9.8g 13% DV
Carbs 52.8g 19% DV
Fiber 28.7g 100% DV
Sugar 3.1g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 276.9mg 12% DV
Potassium 2246.6mg 48% DV
Cholesterol 0.7mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 15.3mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 42mg 47% DV
Calcium 430.2mg 33% DV
Iron 21.1mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any fully cooked ham such as spiral-cut or bone-in, but cooking times may vary. Ensure that the ham is heated to an internal temperature of 140°F. Adjust the basting frequency accordingly based on the size of the ham you choose.

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the marinade and soak the ham the night before, as indicated in the recipe. After marinating, you can bake the ham and refrigerate it. Reheat the ham on the day of serving, basting with the reserved marinade to maintain moisture and flavor.

What can I serve with Christmas Baked Ham?

This ham pairs well with a variety of sides like roasted seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a vibrant green salad. For a hearty option, consider serving it with Eliza'S Hamburger Macaroni, which offers a comforting contrast to the ham's sweetness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Pork recipes → All recipes →