7 Christmas Dinner Ideas Using Ham as the Star With All the Right Sides

As the holidays approach, I often find myself pondering the perfect Christmas dinner centerpiece, and ham always comes to mind. Its versatility pairs beautifully with myriad sides, each bringing a unique flavor that enhances the meal. Whether you’re considering a honey-glazed option or something more adventurous, there are plenty of delightful combinations to explore. Let’s uncover some festive ideas that could transform your holiday gathering into a memorable culinary experience.

Honey-Glazed Ham With Roasted Root Vegetables

Honey-glazed ham is a star dish for any holiday feast, celebrated for its sweet and savory flavor profile. When paired with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, this dish creates a hearty and visually appealing spread. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, enhancing the ham’s richness, while the roasted vegetables add a delicious earthy note, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Christmas dinner.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This will ensure that your ham cooks evenly and the glaze caramelizes beautifully.
2. Prepare the Ham: Place the ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern to help the glaze seep in during cooking.
3. Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved, forming a sticky glaze.
4. Apply the Glaze: Brush half of the honey glaze over the scored surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the cuts for maximum flavor. Reserve the other half for later use.
5. Roast the Ham: Place the ham in the oven and roast for about 1.5 hours, basting with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
6. Prepare the Vegetables: While the ham is roasting, peel and chop your root vegetables into uniform pieces. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
7. Add the Vegetables to the Oven: Once the ham has been in the oven for 1.5 hours, remove it briefly to add the root vegetables around it in the roasting pan. Make sure to place them around, not on top of the ham.
8. Continue Roasting: Return the roasting pan to the oven and roast for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are fork-tender. Baste the ham one more time with the remaining glaze during this time.
9. Rest and Serve: Once the ham is fully cooked and the vegetables are roasted, remove the pan from the oven. Let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve alongside the roasted root vegetables for a festive and delicious Christmas dinner. Enjoy!

Maple-Dijon Glazed Ham With Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Maple-Dijon glazed ham is a beautiful centerpiece for any festive gathering, combining the rich, savory flavor of ham with the sweet, tangy notes of maple syrup and Dijon mustard. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, creating a mouthwatering aroma that fills your home during the holidays. Paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, this combination is sure to please your family and friends.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is ideal for evenly roasting the ham.
2. Prepare the Ham: Place the ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about an inch apart. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat.
3. Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, ground ginger, and ground black pepper. Whisk together until all ingredients are well blended and the sugar is dissolved.
4. Glaze the Ham: Brush half of the maple-Dijon glaze generously over the scored surface of the ham, ensuring the glaze goes into the cuts.
5. Roast the Ham: Place the ham in the oven and roast for about 1.5 hours, basting with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
6. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: While the ham is roasting, peel and chop the potatoes into uniform pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
7. Cook the Potatoes: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.
8. Mash the Potatoes: Add butter, heavy cream, and minced garlic to the pot of drained potatoes. Mash everything together until creamy and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
9. Finish Roasting the Ham: When the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.
10. Serve: Slice the ham and serve alongside a generous scoop of garlic mashed potatoes. Garnish the potatoes with chopped chives for a fresh touch. Enjoy your festive meal!

Pineapple-Bourbon Ham With Green Bean Almondine

Pineapple-bourbon ham is a delightful twist on the traditional holiday ham, infusing the meat with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor profile, thanks to the combination of pineapple and bourbon. This dish not only provides a succulent centerpiece for your Christmas dinner but also brings a festive vibe with its bright flavors. Paired with green bean almondine, it’s a complete meal that will leave everyone at the table satisfied and cheering for more.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C), allowing the ham to cook evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Ham: Place the ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Score the ham in a diamond pattern by making shallow cuts about an inch apart. This scoring will help the glaze absorb into the meat.
3. Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, mix together the pineapple juice, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and the sugar is dissolved.
4. Glaze the Ham: Brush the glaze generously over the scored surface of the ham, ensuring the mixture seeps into the cuts for maximum flavor. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
5. Add Pineapple Rings: Arrange the pineapple rings over the surface of the ham. You can secure them with toothpicks if desired.
6. Roast the Ham: Place the ham in the oven and roast for approximately 1.5 hours. Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the reserved glaze to keep it moist and flavorful. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Prepare the Green Beans Almondine: While the ham is roasting, begin preparing the green beans. Trim the ends off the green beans and set them aside.
8. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes, until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.
9. Sauté the Green Beans: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the blanched green beans and sauté for about 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the sliced almonds during the last minute of cooking to toast them slightly.
10. Serve: Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve the ham alongside the green bean almondine for a beautiful and delicious holiday dinner. Enjoy!

Spicy Brown Sugar Ham With Cranberry Sauce and Brussels Sprouts

Spicy Brown Sugar Ham with Cranberry Sauce and Brussels Sprouts is a festive and flavorful dish that brings a delightful combination of sweetness and heat to your holiday table. The brown sugar glaze creates a caramelized outer layer, while the spicy kick enhances the depth of flavor in the ham. Served alongside a vibrant cranberry sauce and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, this dish will be a standout centerpiece for your Christmas dinner.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is ideal for ensuring that the ham heats evenly and remains moist.
2. Prepare the Ham: Place the ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with shallow cuts to help the glaze penetrate the meat effectively.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Mix in the honey until a thick paste forms. This glaze will provide a sweet and spicy coating to the ham.
4. Glaze the Ham: Generously brush the glaze over the scored surface of the ham, making sure to cover it evenly. Reserve some glaze for later basting.
5. Roast the Ham: Place the ham in the oven and roast it for approximately 1.5 hours. Baste the ham with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor. Check the internal temperature, aiming for 140°F (60°C) before it’s done.
6. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries and orange juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes). You may add a little sugar to taste if desired. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: While the ham is roasting, trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven (you can do this during the last 30 minutes of the ham’s cooking) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly crispy, tossing halfway through for even cooking.
9. Serve the Dish: Once the ham reaches the desired temperature and the Brussels sprouts are roasted, remove both from the oven. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve the ham with a generous side of cranberry sauce and the roasted Brussels sprouts for a vibrant, festive meal.

Herb-Crusted Ham With Scalloped Potatoes

Herb-Crusted Ham with Scalloped Potatoes is a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for a festive Christmas dinner. This recipe features a succulent ham coated with a flavorful herb crust, providing a savory and aromatic element to the meal. Complemented by creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests during the holiday season.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will allow the ham to heat thoroughly while creating a golden crust.
2. Prepare the Herb Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Mix until well combined to form a paste-like herb mixture.
3. Prepare the Ham: Place the fully cooked ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Score the surface in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts to help the herb crust adhere better.
4. Coat the Ham: Generously spread the herb mixture over the scored surface of the ham, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Press the bread crumbs onto the herb mixture for added texture.
5. Prepare the Scalloped Potatoes: In a separate baking dish, layer the thinly sliced potatoes. Pour heavy cream over the potatoes, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle with minced garlic, shredded Gruyère cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Bake the Ham and Potatoes: Place the ham in the oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), basting the ham with its juices halfway through. Simultaneously, bake the scalloped potatoes for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove both the ham and scalloped potatoes from the oven. Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve the herb-crusted ham alongside the creamy scalloped potatoes for a delightful holiday feast.

Apricot-Glazed Ham With Wild Rice Pilaf

Apricot-Glazed Ham with Wild Rice Pilaf is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of apricots with the savory flavors of a beautifully cooked ham. The glaze adds a caramelized finish that enhances the ham’s natural juices, while the wild rice pilaf provides a hearty and nutritious accompaniment. This dish is perfect for a festive Christmas dinner, offering a balance of flavors that are sure to impress your guests.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature allows the ham to cook through evenly while developing a rich glaze.
2. Prepare the Apricot Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Ham: Place the fully cooked ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This scoring will help the glaze penetrate and flavor the meat.
4. Glaze the Ham: Brush the apricot glaze generously over the scored surface of the ham. Be sure to coat it evenly to get maximum flavor and a beautiful caramelized finish.
5. Bake the Ham: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 20-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is caramelized.
6. Prepare the Wild Rice Pilaf: While the ham is baking, rinse the wild rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Cook the Rice: Add the rinsed wild rice to the saucepan and stir for a few minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, add salt, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
8. Add Cranberries: Once the wild rice is cooked, stir in the dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and color. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve the glazed ham alongside the wild rice pilaf, and enjoy your delightful Christmas dinner!

Traditional Baked Ham With Honey Butter Biscuits

Traditional Baked Ham with Honey Butter Biscuits is a classic holiday dish that brings warmth and comfort to any Christmas dinner. The succulent ham, glazed in honey and spices, is complemented perfectly by fluffy homemade biscuits that are rich with honey butter. Together, they create a wholesome and festive meal that can feed a crowd, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday festivities.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is ideal for baking the ham evenly while allowing it to caramelize beautifully.
2. Prepare the Ham Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved and the blend is smooth. Remove from heat once combined.
3. Prepare the Ham: Place the fully cooked ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only decorates the ham but also allows the glaze to infuse flavor throughout.
4. Glaze the Ham: Brush the honey glaze generously over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored areas for better flavor and caramelization.
5. Bake the Ham: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Baste the ham with the glaze every 20-30 minutes. It’s done when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) and has a nice caramelized appearance.
6. Prepare the Biscuit Dough: While the ham is baking, make the biscuits. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
7. Incorporate Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8. Add Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough. The mixture should be slightly sticky.
9. Shape the Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter or a glass. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake the Biscuits: About 20-25 minutes before the ham is finished, put the biscuits in the oven. Bake them until golden brown on top, about 12-15 minutes.
11. Finish the Biscuits: Once the biscuits are out of the oven, brush them with warm honey to add extra sweetness and flavor.
12. Serve: Once the ham is done, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve the glazed ham alongside the honey butter biscuits for a delicious holiday feast. Enjoy!