Name: Slow-Roasted Christmas Ham with Citrus Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Cuisine: American

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The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious, slow-roasted Christmas ham? I remember my grandmother's famous ham, perfectly glazed and roasted to perfection, being the centerpiece of our family gatherings. It was a tradition I looked forward to every year, and one that I've carried on with my own family. This recipe for slow-roasted Christmas ham with citrus glaze is a twist on that classic tradition, with a sweet and tangy glaze that adds a burst of citrus flavor to the rich, savory ham. As I grew older, I began to experiment with different glaze recipes, trying to recreate the magic of my grandmother's ham. After years of trial and error, I finally landed on the perfect combination of citrus and spices that elevates this dish to new heights. The slow-roasting process ensures that the ham is tender and juicy, while the citrus glaze adds a beautiful sheen and a depth of flavor that's simply irresistible. I'm excited to share this recipe with you, in the hopes that it becomes a new tradition for your family as well. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress your loved ones and become a staple of your holiday gatherings.

Why You'll Love This slowroasted christmas ham with citrus glaze for family holiday dinners

Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple, with a short list of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
Impressive Presentation: The citrus glaze adds a beautiful sheen to the ham, making it a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
Flavorful and Moist: The slow-roasting process ensures that the ham is tender and juicy, while the citrus glaze adds a burst of flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different citrus combinations and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
Perfect for Large Gatherings: This recipe makes a generous amount of ham, perfect for feeding a crowd.
No Special Equipment Needed: You can make this recipe with just a few basic kitchen tools, including a roasting pan and a whisk.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: This recipe is free from common allergens, making it a great option for guests with dietary restrictions.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredients for slowroasted christmas ham with citrus glaze for family holiday dinners

The key ingredients in this recipe are the ham, citrus juices, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices. The ham is the star of the show, and I recommend using a high-quality, bone-in ham for the best flavor and texture. The citrus juices - a combination of orange, lemon, and lime - add a bright, tangy flavor to the glaze, while the brown sugar and Dijon mustard provide a rich, depth of flavor. The spices - including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves - add a warm, aromatic flavor that's perfect for the holiday season. When selecting your ingredients, be sure to choose a ham that's nicely marbled, as this will help to keep it moist and flavorful during the roasting process. You can also experiment with different types of citrus, such as grapefruit or tangerine, to create a unique flavor profile.

How to Make slowroasted christmas ham with citrus glaze for family holiday dinners

Preheat Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C), and position the rack in the lower third of the oven.

Prepare the Ham:

Remove the ham from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Score the fat layer in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep.

Make the Citrus Glaze:

In a small saucepan, combine the orange, lemon, and lime juices, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly.

Roast the Ham:

Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat side up. Roast the ham for 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the citrus glaze every 20 minutes, beginning after the first 30 minutes of roasting.

Increase the Heat:

After the ham has roasted for 2/3 of the total cooking time, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Continue to baste the ham with the citrus glaze every 20 minutes, until it's nicely caramelized and golden brown.

Let it Rest:

Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices to redistribute, making the ham even more tender and flavorful.

Tips for Perfect Results

Use a Meat Thermometer:

A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring that your ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding any fat or bone.

Don't Overcrowd the Roasting Pan:

Make sure to leave enough space between the ham and the sides of the roasting pan, as this will help the glaze to cook evenly and prevent the ham from steaming instead of roasting.

Baste the Ham Regularly:

Basting the ham with the citrus glaze every 20 minutes will help to create a beautifully caramelized crust and add flavor to the meat. Make sure to use a spoon or brush to baste the ham, as this will help to distribute the glaze evenly.

Let it Rest:

Letting the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing will help the juices to redistribute, making the ham even more tender and flavorful. This is an essential step, as it will help to ensure that your ham is juicy and delicious.

Use a Sharp Knife:

Using a sharp knife to slice the ham will help to prevent the meat from tearing and make it easier to slice thinly. Make sure to slice the ham against the grain, as this will help to create a more tender and flavorful slice.

Experiment with Different Citrus Combinations:

Feel free to experiment with different citrus combinations, such as using grapefruit or tangerine instead of orange or lemon. This will help to create a unique flavor profile and add variety to your recipe.

Add Some Aromatics:

Adding some aromatics, such as onions or carrots, to the roasting pan will help to add flavor to the ham and create a delicious sauce. Make sure to slice the aromatics thinly and distribute them evenly throughout the pan.

Use a Glaze with a High Sugar Content:

Using a glaze with a high sugar content, such as honey or brown sugar, will help to create a beautifully caramelized crust and add flavor to the meat. Make sure to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, as this will help to prevent the glaze from becoming too sweet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Ham: What goes wrong: Overcooking the ham can make it dry and tough. Fix: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature, and avoid overcooking it.
Not Basting the Ham Regularly: What goes wrong: Not basting the ham regularly can prevent the glaze from cooking evenly and creating a beautifully caramelized crust. Fix: Baste the ham with the citrus glaze every 20 minutes, beginning after the first 30 minutes of roasting.
Not Letting the Ham Rest: What goes wrong: Not letting the ham rest can cause the juices to run out, making the ham dry and tough. Fix: Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing, to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax.
Using a Low-Quality Ham: What goes wrong: Using a low-quality ham can result in a less flavorful and less tender final product. Fix: Choose a high-quality, bone-in ham for the best flavor and texture.

Variations & Substitutions

Grapefruit and Rosemary Glaze:

Replace the orange and lemon juices with grapefruit juice, and add some chopped rosemary to the glaze for a fragrant and herbaceous flavor.

Honey and Mustard Glaze:

Replace the brown sugar with honey, and add some whole-grain mustard to the glaze for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Spicy Citrus Glaze:

Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.

Bourbon and Brown Sugar Glaze:

Replace the citrus juices with bourbon, and add some brown sugar to the glaze for a rich and indulgent flavor.

Orange and Ginger Glaze:

Add some grated ginger to the glaze for a warm and spicy flavor.

Lemon and Thyme Glaze:

Replace the orange and lemon juices with lemon juice, and add some chopped thyme to the glaze for a bright and herbaceous flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temp:

The cooked ham can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's recommended to refrigerate or freeze the ham to prevent bacterial growth.

Refrigerator:

The cooked ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

Freezer:

The cooked ham can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to serve, thaw the ham overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.

What type of ham is best for this recipe?

I recommend using a high-quality, bone-in ham for the best flavor and texture. You can use a smoked or unsmoked ham, depending on your preference.

Can I use a different type of citrus?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different citrus combinations, such as using grapefruit or tangerine instead of orange or lemon. This will help to create a unique flavor profile and add variety to your recipe.

How do I prevent the ham from drying out?

To prevent the ham from drying out, make sure to baste it regularly with the citrus glaze, and don't overcook it. You can also cover the ham with foil during the last 30 minutes of roasting to prevent it from getting too brown.

Can I serve this with other dishes?

Yes! This slow-roasted Christmas ham with citrus glaze is perfect for serving with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or rolls for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, thaw the ham overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! You can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply place the ham in the slow cooker, pour the citrus glaze over it, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Baste the ham regularly with the glaze to prevent it from drying out.

What are some variations of this recipe?

Some variations of this recipe include using different types of citrus, such as grapefruit or tangerine, or adding some spices or herbs to the glaze. You can also try using a different type of ham, such as a smoked or unsmoked ham, or adding some brown sugar or honey to the glaze for a sweeter flavor.