Festive Orange Glazed Christmas Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe

The Festive Orange Glazed Christmas Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe is a true holiday showstopper that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas while delivering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This ham combines the citrusy brightness of fresh orange juice and zest with the jewel-like crunch of pomegranate seeds, creating a colorful and festive centerpiece that tastes as amazing as it looks. Whether you’re hosting a family feast or bringing a dish to a holiday party, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to achieving that unforgettable mouthwatering taste and beautiful presentation. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to enhance the flavor, texture, and festive appeal of your ham without overcomplicating the process.

• Ham (spiral sliced bone-in 9-12 pounds): Choose a good quality spiral ham to ensure tender, juicy slices that are easy to carve.
• Orange juice (2 cups): Freshly squeezed works best to give a bright, natural citrus flavor that lifts the glaze.
• Brown sugar (2 cups): Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the ham.
• Honey (1 cup): Provides a rich, fragrant sweetness and helps to create a glossy, sticky glaze.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): Infuses warm spice notes that complement the orange and balance the sweetness.
• Orange zest of 1 orange: Delivers a burst of fresh citrus aroma and enhances the visual appeal.
• Pomegranate seeds (1 cup): Adds a pop of tartness and color, making the dish vibrant and festive.
• Parsley (1 Tbsp chopped): A touch of green freshness to brighten the final presentation.

How to Make Festive Orange Glazed Christmas Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees. This moderate heat ensures the ham warms through gently, keeping it moist and tender.

Step 2: Ready Your Ham

Remove the ham from its package and carefully discard most of the liquid, but save about a cup of it. This reserved liquid adds flavor and moisture during baking.

Step 3: Place Ham in Roasting Pan

Put the ham cut side down in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Pour the reserved liquid into the bottom of the pan to keep things juicy as it cooks.

Step 4: Mix the Glaze Base

Combine orange juice, brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon in a large bowl. This mixture will provide the sweet, tangy flavor and caramelized glaze that makes this ham shine.

Step 5: Glaze the Ham Initially

Pour half of the orange glaze mixture evenly over the ham, letting it soak in as the ham starts cooking.

Step 6: Bake the Ham

Place the ham in the oven and bake for 2 to 2 ½ hours, which is about 20 minutes per pound, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to form a beautiful crust.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze Reduction

During the final hour of baking, take the remaining half of the glaze mixture and pour it into a large pot or deep pan to reduce.

Step 8: Bring the Glaze to a Boil

Heat the glaze over medium heat until it boils, then lower the heat to medium-low to allow it to simmer gently.

Step 9: Thicken the Glaze

Stir the glaze constantly with a whisk, making sure it doesn’t boil over, until it thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 10 to 15 minutes. This will intensify the flavors and give it that perfect sticky shine.

Step 10: Let the Ham Rest and Glaze

Once the ham is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving dish.

Step 11: Final Glaze and Garnish

Pour the thickened orange glaze all over the ham, letting it cascade down the sides. Sprinkle liberally with fresh orange zest, vibrant pomegranate seeds, and a scattering of chopped parsley for that extra festive elegance.

Step 12: Carve and Enjoy!

Finally, carve the ham into slices and serve while still warm to enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite of this holiday masterpiece.

How to Serve Festive Orange Glazed Christmas Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe

Garnishes

Decorating your ham with fresh orange zest, jewel-like pomegranate seeds, and chopped parsley not only adds bursts of color but also layers of fresh flavor that contrast beautifully with the rich glaze.

Side Dishes

This ham pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. Each side complements the sweet and tart notes of the ham.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning table display, arrange the ham slices on a large serving platter, sprinkle extra pomegranate seeds around, and add sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also serve with small bowls of extra glaze for guests to spoon on as they wish for that added wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover ham slices in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay tender and flavorful for up to 4 days, making for easy holiday lunches or dinners after the big feast.

Freezing

If you want to store the ham for longer, wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing much of its deliciousness.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the ham slices with foil and warm in the oven at 275 degrees until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can brush a bit of the reserved glaze over the slices to keep them moist and flavorful during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pomegranate seeds instead of frozen or pre-packaged ones?

Absolutely! Fresh pomegranate seeds offer the best flavor and crunch. Just be sure to remove any white membranes, which can be bitter.

Is it necessary to use a spiral sliced ham for this recipe?

While spiral sliced ham makes carving easier and ensures even cooking, you can use a whole bone-in ham and slice it yourself after baking.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and gently reheat before glazing the ham.

How sweet is the glaze? Can I reduce the sugar?

The glaze is pleasantly sweet and balanced by citrus and cinnamon. You can reduce the brown sugar by half if you prefer a less sweet glaze, but the glaze might be less sticky and caramelized.

What other fruits can I use instead of pomegranate seeds?

If pomegranate isn’t available, dried cranberries or fresh cherries can add a similar tartness and festive color to this dish.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Festive Orange Glazed Christmas Ham with Pomegranate Seeds Recipe that makes your holiday gatherings extra special. Its brilliant colors, delightful flavors, and easy preparation make it a recipe worth sharing year after year. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a new holiday favorite in your home.

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