The Best Christmas Ham Recipes for the Holidays
The Best Christmas Ham Recipes for the Holidays
The best holiday celebration starts with a top tier ham. A great recipe or stellar cooking skills can’t make up for a subpar ham. Order a Snake River Farms Kurobuta ham to lift your Christmas dinner to the next level.
The best Christmas ham recipes create a tradition you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Already have a tried-and-true holiday recipe? We recommend you keep using it. Whether you want a complex or simple preparation, the main goal is having a beautifully finished ham you and your guests will enjoy. Some of our favorite recipes are listed below.
For more holiday ham inspiration, check out our Best Ham for Thanksgiving guide — it’s packed with tips and recipes you can adapt for Christmas too.
What Cut of Meat is a Christmas Ham?
Every ham is cut from the hind leg of the hog and is available as bone-in or boneless. Both options will provide a great Christmas ham. Here is a video where we cover the differences between the two types of hams.
Snake River Farms offers different sized hams including whole hams and half hams. A half ham is as simple as it sounds - a whole ham that has been cut in half. Snake River Farms offers Kurobuta ham in whole and half hams with the bone left in place or with the bone removed.
Visual learner? Watch our short video and learn about all of the different Snake River Farms Kurobuta Hams and how to choose the perfect one for your occasion.
Make Your Ham Shine
A beautiful glaze or creative recipe is only part of the story. The real secret to an unforgettable holiday ham is in the preparation. From thawing and scoring to heating and carving, the right techniques ensure your ham is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. If you want a step-by-step refresher, explore our Guide: How to Cook a Ham. It covers everything you need to know so your Christmas centerpiece comes out picture-perfect every time.
Our Favorite Christmas Ham Recipes
When it comes to ham recipes, there are many options to meet your personal flavor preference. Some people like sweet, some people like spicy. Below we have our top three recipes that are enjoyed by all here at SRF.
Baked Honey Glazed Ham
Our baked honey glazed ham is a simple and classic recipe that appeals to most dinner guests. Simply score the ham and apply about ¾ of the glaze over the entire ham. Heat the ham in the oven at 325°F until it reaches 140°F internal temperature. Every 20 minutes, baste the ham with the remaining glaze until it is gone. Rest the ham for a few minutes after it is done, then slice, serve, and enjoy! > Learn More
Smoked Peach-Pomegranate Glazed Ham
The Peach-Pomegranate glaze gives ham a balanced flavor highlighting both sweet and smokey notes. The glaze recipe is simple - 1 cup peach preserves, 1/2 cup honey powder, 2 tbsp. pomegranate balsamic vinegar, and 4 tbsp. of unsalted butter. Heat all in a saucepan over medium low heat until the honey powder is completely dissolved. Keep the glaze warm! Next, heat the smoker to 300F and place the ham directly on the smoker. Smoke until it reaches about 135F, then brush the ham with the glaze and let it set for 5 minutes. Repeat the glazing until the glaze is gone or the ham reaches 140F. Allow the ham to rest for a few minutes, then slice, serve, and enjoy! > Learn More
Ginger Ale, Brown Sugar and Rum Glazed Kurobuta Ham
This easy recipe creates a startling, delicious ham that's cause for celebration. Ginger ale adds sweet and spice while rum adds a warm depth of flavor to this simple, but mouth-watering recipe. The piquant glaze works beautifully with the savory and smoky characteristics of Kurobuta ham. > Learn More
Start with the Best Ham
The most memorable holiday meals begin with exceptional ingredients. That’s why our Kurobuta hams are crafted from heritage-breed pork, prized for its rich marbling, deep flavor, and naturally tender texture. Whether you’re roasting, glazing, or smoking, the quality of the ham makes all the difference. Shop Snake River Farms Kurobuta Hams and create a Christmas dinner your family and friends will talk about long after the last slice is gone.
