Holiday Ham

Cook: 180 min Cuisine: American

A sweet and savory holiday ham glazed with brown sugar, cherry filling, and pecans, perfect for festive gatherings and family celebrations.

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Ingredients

  • liquid brown sugar for basting
  • 1 (3 to 5 lb.) ham
  • 1 can prepared cherry pie filling
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Baste the ham with liquid brown sugar before baking.
  2. Bake the ham at 350°F (175°C) for 1/2 hour per pound.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the cherry pie filling. If you don’t have liquid brown sugar, you can substitute with a mixture of regular brown sugar and a little water. Keep an eye on the ham while baking to prevent it from drying out; basting every 20 minutes helps maintain moisture. This recipe pairs beautifully with Patio Baked Beans.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Holiday Ham with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a festive meal. It's perfect for holiday gatherings and can be sliced for sandwiches the next day. Pair it with a light salad for balance or serve with Party Mini Sandwiches for a fun twist at your next gathering.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices, but be careful not to overcook.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Holiday Ham contains roughly 823 calories, with 11g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

823 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.3g 23% DV
Total Fat 80g 100% DV
Carbs 26.5g 10% DV
Fiber 9.9g 35% DV
Sugar 10.5g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 151.7mg 7% DV
Potassium 459.7mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 5.6mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.1mcg
Vitamin C 1.2mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 120.3mg 9% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Tree nuts

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 fruit filling?

Yes, you can use other fruit fillings such as apricot or peach if you prefer. Just adjust the lemon juice and cinnamon to balance the sweetness. Experimenting with flavors can lead to delightful variations that suit your taste.

How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham; it should reach at least 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing to ensure juices are retained for a moist bite.

Can I prepare the ham in advance?

Absolutely! You can baste and bake the ham a day ahead. Just let it cool, then refrigerate. Reheat it the next day, covered, in the oven before your meal. This saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully.

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).

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