Honey and Rosemary Roasted Christmas Ham for a Festive Centerpiece

Introduction

Honey and Rosemary Roasted Christmas Ham is a classic holiday dish that brings warmth, aroma, and celebration straight to the table. For me, this is the kind of recipe that instantly signals the start of Christmas festivities. The combination of sweet honey and fragrant rosemary creates a glaze that feels both traditional and refined, coating the ham in a glossy, flavorful crust. I have prepared this ham for family gatherings more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress, even though the process itself is wonderfully straightforward.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its balance of flavors. The sweetness of the honey is gently offset by the savory herbs and the natural saltiness of the ham. As it roasts, the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that sets the mood long before the meal begins. Whether served as the main event on Christmas Day or enjoyed as leftovers in sandwiches, this ham is comforting, festive, and deeply satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas ham is easy to prepare, visually stunning, and packed with festive flavor. It feeds a crowd effortlessly and works just as well for a formal holiday dinner as it does for relaxed family celebrations.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked bone-in ham
A fully cooked bone-in ham provides rich flavor and stays juicy during roasting. The bone also helps distribute heat evenly.

Honey
Honey is the star of the glaze, adding sweetness and a beautiful shine to the finished ham. I prefer a mild, floral honey that does not overpower the herbs.

Fresh rosemary
Rosemary adds a piney, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with pork and balances the sweetness of the honey.

Dijon mustard
Dijon mustard adds gentle sharpness and depth, preventing the glaze from tasting overly sweet.

Brown sugar
Brown sugar enhances caramelization and adds a subtle molasses flavor to the glaze.

Garlic cloves
Garlic brings savory warmth and rounds out the sweet and herbal elements of the dish.

Olive oil
Olive oil helps the glaze spread evenly and keeps the surface of the ham from drying out.

Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and complexity without overpowering the glaze.

Cloves
Whole cloves provide a traditional holiday aroma and infuse the ham with subtle spice as it roasts.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven to 170°C. Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it cut-side down in a large roasting pan.

Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a shallow crisscross pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate and creates an attractive presentation. Insert whole cloves into the intersections of the scored lines if desired.

In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and black pepper. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until smooth and well combined.

Brush a generous layer of the glaze over the ham, making sure it settles into the scored cuts. Cover the ham loosely with foil and roast for about 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes with the pan juices.

Remove the foil for the final 20 to 30 minutes of cooking, brushing with additional glaze to encourage caramelization. Once the ham is heated through and beautifully glossy, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 10 to 12 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a roasting time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the size of the ham.

Storage/reheating

Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, cover slices with foil and warm gently in the oven, or reheat smaller portions in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying.

Variations and Customizations

This honey and rosemary ham is a flexible recipe that welcomes small adjustments. For a citrus note, add orange zest or a splash of fresh orange juice to the glaze. I have tried this variation, and it adds a bright, festive aroma that works especially well for Christmas.

If you prefer deeper spice, ground cinnamon or allspice can be added in small amounts to the glaze. For a slightly smoky flavor, a touch of smoked paprika complements the sweetness beautifully.

You can also experiment with different herbs. Thyme or sage can replace part of the rosemary for a more earthy profile. If honey is not your preference, maple syrup works as an excellent substitute and creates a similarly glossy finish. Each variation maintains the holiday spirit while allowing you to tailor the ham to your family’s tastes.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish is high in protein and provides essential minerals such as iron and zinc. The glaze adds sugars and fats, making this a celebratory meal best enjoyed in moderation. It is naturally gluten-free.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Score the ham properly
Shallow cuts help the glaze penetrate without drying out the meat.

Baste regularly
Frequent basting keeps the ham moist and flavorful.

Rest before slicing
Resting allows the juices to redistribute for cleaner slices.

Use fresh herbs
Fresh rosemary delivers a brighter, more aromatic flavor.

FAQs

Should I remove the skin from the ham?

Yes, remove the skin but leave a thin layer of fat for moisture and flavor.

Is the ham already cooked?

Most Christmas hams are fully cooked and only need reheating.

Can I make the glaze in advance?

Yes, the glaze can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.

How do I know when the ham is ready?

It should be heated through, reaching an internal temperature of about 60°C.

Can I use dried rosemary?

Fresh is best, but dried can be used in smaller amounts.

Do I need to add water to the roasting pan?

A small amount can help prevent burning and create pan juices for basting.

Can I freeze leftover ham?

Yes, sliced ham can be frozen for up to two months.

What can I serve with this ham?

Roasted vegetables, potatoes, and festive salads pair well.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Yes, reduce the honey slightly and increase mustard for balance.

Is this recipe suitable for Easter as well?

Absolutely, it works beautifully for any holiday meal.

Conclusion

Honey and Rosemary Roasted Christmas Ham is a timeless holiday centerpiece that combines ease, elegance, and festive flavor. With its glossy glaze, aromatic herbs, and juicy texture, it brings both tradition and warmth to the table. This is a recipe that creates lasting memories and deserves a place in your holiday cooking repertoire.

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