Preparing a Holiday Ham

Get recipe: Glazed Ham with Dijon-Pineapple Sauce

Learn everything you need to know about making your holiday ham. You’ll discover that cooking a holiday ham is a simple task, and one that’s bound to receive a great response. For more ideas for your holiday menu make sure to check our holiday menus & recipes page. And to make sure you remain on schedule why not read through our handy article on the holiday countdown for hosts.

What You Need to Make Your Holiday Ham

• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup maple-flavored or pancake syrup
• 1/4 cup GREY POUPON Dijon Mustard
• 1 whole fully cooked boneless ham (5 lb.)
• Whole cloves
• 12 maraschino cherries, halved
• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

For detailed instructions on cooking holiday ham, please explore our recipe for Glazed Ham with Dijon-Pineapple Sauce.

Tips for Preparing Your Holiday Ham

1. SCORE ham to allow basting sauce or glaze to penetrate the meat, adding flavor. Use a paring knife to make shallow, even slits diagonally across the top of the ham in one direction, then repeat making slits in opposite direction to form diamond shapes.



2. INSERT cloves where the cuts meet. This adds more flavor and a decorative garnish.



3. GLAZE the ham during the last 30 minutes of its cooking time. This allows the flavor to penetrate the ham without burning the glaze, which usually contains some form of sugar.



4. CARVE the shank or butt half first. Cut along the length of bone across to end of ham, using a fork to hold ham as you cut.



5. CUT downwards through top half of roast to make slices. Repeat with remaining roast.

Enjoy and gather around the table with your loved ones and enjoy all the compliments on your great holiday ham presentation.