Elevate your holiday table with this incredibly succulent Orange Dijon Glazed Ham. Each slice is brushed with a vibrant, sweet, and tangy glaze, then roasted to perfection, creating an irresistible caramelized outer layer that guests will adore.

The Easiest & Most Flavorful Orange Dijon Glazed Ham for Your Holiday Table

Hosting a holiday celebration often comes with the pressure of preparing a show-stopping meal, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. A grand baked ham is one of the most effortless yet impressive dishes you can serve. Not only is it surprisingly economical, especially if you snag a ham on sale the week before the holidays, but a single half-ham can generously feed a large gathering, often leaving delicious leftovers for days to come.

The true beauty of a fully cooked ham lies in its simplicity. Unlike other holiday roasts that demand meticulous attention, a pre-cooked ham primarily needs to be heated to a safe serving temperature and, of course, adorned with a magnificent glaze. With just about 10 minutes of active prep time, you can transform a humble ham into an unforgettable culinary masterpiece. It’s the perfect solution for busy hosts who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more quality moments with family and friends.

The Magic of the Orange Dijon Glaze

Roasting a ham with a captivating glaze is a time-honored tradition that never fails to impress. This particular Orange Dijon glaze offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that will have your family and friends raving. The sweetness of orange marmalade beautifully complements the pungent, savory notes of Dijon mustard, while a splash of fresh orange juice brightens the entire profile. As the ham roasts, this glaze caramelizes into a glistening, irresistible crust, locking in moisture and infusing every bite with incredible taste.

While this Orange Dijon glaze is a personal favorite, the world of ham glazes is vast and exciting! Some popular alternatives include classic brown sugar and pineapple, maple-bourbon, or even a spicy apricot variation. Don’t hesitate to experiment and discover your own signature glaze. Do you have a beloved ham glaze recipe you swear by? Share it in the comments below – I’m always eager to learn new ways to enhance this holiday staple!

Ham vs. Turkey: Why Not Both?

The age-old debate of turkey versus ham for holiday feasts often sparks lively discussions. For large families or those who simply can’t choose, making both is a fantastic option that caters to all tastes. However, if you’re looking for a simpler approach or saving your turkey efforts for Thanksgiving, this succulent Orange Dijon Glazed Ham is the perfect star for your upcoming Christmas dinner or any festive gathering throughout the year.

I genuinely love to entertain, and there’s nothing more rewarding than opening my home to friends and family, especially during the holidays. Sharing a delicious meal, engaging in board games, enjoying casual conversations, and simply spending quality time with loved ones are the moments that truly make the season bright. A beautifully prepared ham, like this one, allows you to create those cherished memories without being tied to the kitchen.

For this recipe, I used a Hormel Cure 81 Bone-in Cherrywood flavor ham, which I sourced from my local Walmart. I was thoroughly impressed with its quality, flavor, and the ease of preparation. It cooked up beautifully and received rave reviews from everyone at my table, making it a reliable choice for your own celebrations.

A Centerpiece That Saves You Time

Whether your holiday celebration is an intimate family affair or a bustling gathering with friends and neighbors, this Orange Dijon Glazed Ham recipe is a definite keeper. It presents stunningly on any holiday table, immediately elevating the festive atmosphere. What’s more, its straightforward roasting process means you spend less time fussing in the kitchen and more precious moments enjoying the company of your guests and creating lasting memories.

Transforming your baked glazed ham into a captivating centerpiece is surprisingly simple. Arrange fresh, vibrant salad leaves on a large platter or plate, then nestle the beautifully roasted ham in the center. Surround it with colorful fruits like bright red cranberries, juicy grapes, or segmented clementines for a pop of seasonal cheer. This effortless arrangement will make your holiday table look incredibly festive, vibrant, and inviting.

Tips for Success: Perfecting Your Glazed Ham

To ensure your Orange Dijon Glazed Ham turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a “fully cooked” or “ready-to-eat” ham. Spiral-cut hams are particularly convenient as the pre-cut slices absorb the glaze beautifully and make serving a breeze. Bone-in hams often offer more flavor and a richer texture, while boneless hams are easier to carve.
• Room Temperature is Key: Allowing your ham to come to room temperature for 1-2 hours before baking promotes even heating and helps prevent it from drying out.
• Don’t Skimp on Glaze: The glaze is what gives your ham its signature flavor and caramelized crust. Apply an initial layer, then re-glaze halfway through baking to build up that delicious coating. Reserve some glaze for serving!
• Moisture is Your Friend: Adding a cup of water or even a splash of fruit juice to the bottom of the roasting pan helps create a moist environment, preventing the ham from drying out and steaming it gently as it heats.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The most accurate way to ensure your ham is perfectly heated is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. For a fully cooked ham, you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 120-130°F (49-54°C).
• Resting Period: Just like any good roast, letting the ham rest for 15-20 minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Making the Most of Leftover Ham

One of the best perks of a holiday ham is the promise of delicious leftovers! Don’t let a single slice go to waste. Here are some fantastic ideas for transforming your leftover Orange Dijon Glazed Ham:

• Ham Sandwiches: Classic and comforting, perfect with a dollop of Dijon mustard or a slice of Swiss cheese.
• Ham and Bean Soup: A hearty and warming soup, especially if you used a bone-in ham for the broth.
• Breakfast Burritos or Omelets: Dice the ham and add it to eggs for a savory start to your day.
• Ham and Cheese Quiche or Frittata: Elevate your brunch game with a rich quiche featuring savory ham.
• Ham and Scalloped Potatoes: A creamy, cheesy casserole that’s pure comfort food.
• Ham Salad: Finely chop the ham, mix with mayonnaise, celery, and a touch of the leftover glaze for a unique twist.

With so many options, you might even find yourself looking forward to the leftovers as much as the main meal!

Orange Dijon Glazed Ham Recipe

By: Neli Howard

Succulent spiral ham is brushed with a sweet and tangy orange Dijon glaze, then roasted until perfection, creating a delicious caramelized outer layer that will be the star of your holiday meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Yields: 20 servings

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked ham (such as Hormel Cure 81 bone-in ham Cherrywood flavor)

Orange Dijon Glaze

• ½ cup orange marmalade
• 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Juice of 1 orange

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Remove the ham from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours before baking.
2. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, and fresh orange juice until well combined. This is your luscious glaze.
3. Place the ham face-down in a sturdy roasting pan that has been lined with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Brush a generous amount of the prepared glaze evenly over the surface of the ham.
4. Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This creates moisture in the oven, helping to keep the ham succulent. Cover the baking pan securely with aluminum foil or use a roasting pan with a lid.
5. Bake the ham according to the package directions. A common guideline is 12 minutes per pound for a fully cooked ham. Bake until the internal temperature of the ham reaches approximately 120-130°F (49-54°C) using an instant-read meat thermometer. Remember to re-glaze the ham halfway through the baking time, uncovering it briefly to apply more glaze, then re-covering.
6. Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven. Keep it covered with aluminum foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.
7. Serve the ham with any remaining glaze on the side for guests to drizzle over their slices, enhancing the sweet and tangy flavor.

Nutrition (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 992 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 86g
• Fat: 67g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Cholesterol: 248mg
• Sodium: 4769mg
• Potassium: 1149mg
• Sugar: 4g
• Vitamin A: 5 IU
• Vitamin C: 0.4mg
• Calcium: 32mg
• Iron: 3.5mg

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary with ingredients, brands, and portion sizes. For accuracy, please use your preferred nutrition calculator.

We hope this Orange Dijon Glazed Ham becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and minimal effort can yield truly spectacular results, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: gathering around the table with those you love. Give this recipe a try this holiday season, and prepare for a chorus of compliments!

If you loved this recipe, please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. We always enjoy hearing from you and learning about your favorite holiday dishes!