Why You’ll Love This Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham!

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new go-to holiday showstopper! This Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham! isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, and here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

Effortlessly Juicy & Tender: Thanks to the magical oven bag and slow roasting, your ham will be unbelievably moist and melt-in-your-mouth tender, every single time. Forget dry ham – this is pure perfection!
Sweet, Tangy, & Irresistible Glaze: The vibrant cherry glaze is a game-changer! It perfectly balances sweet brown sugar with tart cherry juice and a hint of spice, creating a sticky, caramelized crust that will have everyone asking for seconds.
A Healthier Holiday Choice: We’ve designed this recipe with your well-being in mind. By choosing a lean cut of ham and suggesting low-sugar preserves, you can enjoy all the festive flavors without guilt. It’s truly a healthy holiday ham!
Impressive Yet Simple: You’ll look like a culinary genius with minimal stress. The instructions are straightforward, making this complex-tasting dish surprisingly easy to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities!

Unwrap the Magic: Your Ultimate Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham Awaits!

The scent of cinnamon and cloves, the sparkle of festive lights, the joy of gathering with loved ones… Christmas is a time for magic, and what better way to celebrate than with a show-stopping centerpiece that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat? Forget complicated recipes and kitchen chaos! This year, we’re bringing you the easiest, most flavorful, and undeniably elegant main course that will have everyone singing carols of praise: our incredible Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham!.

Imagine a perfectly golden, spiral-sliced ham, glistening with a vibrant cherry glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and kissed with warming spices. Each slice promises a tender, juicy bite, elevated by a delectable, pourable sauce made from its own savory pan juices. Whether you’re a seasoned holiday host or tackling your first festive feast, this recipe is designed to make you shine. It’s healthy, easy, and promises to be the shining star of your holiday table. Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable, one delicious slice at a time!

Ingredients for Your Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham!

Gather your festive ingredients and let’s get ready to create some holiday magic!

🍖 8-10 pound spiral-sliced bone-in half ham, defrosted (choose a lean cut for a healthier option!)
➡️ 1 large plastic oven bag (for perfectly juicy ham!)
🍒 ½ cup pure cherry juice
🍷 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
🍯 1 cup packed light brown sugar (you can reduce this slightly if you prefer less sweetness!)
🥄 ½ cup cherry preserves (look for low-sugar preserves if possible)
🌶️ 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
🍂 ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
🌰 ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

Step-by-Step Directions: Crafting Your Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham!

Follow these easy steps to create a show-stopping Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham! that will impress everyone!

Get Your Ham Ready for Roasting!
Start by moving your oven rack to the lowest position and preheating your oven to a gentle 250°F (120°C). Unwrap your defrosted ham and remove any small plastic disk that might be covering the bone. Carefully place the ham, with its cut-side down, into a large oven bag. Then, put the bag and ham into a roasting pan. Snip 3 small slits into the top of the oven bag to allow steam to escape while cooking. Bake the ham until an instant-read thermometer, inserted into the center (not touching bone), reaches 100°F (38°C). This usually takes about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes.
Prepare the Delicious Cherry Glaze!
While your ham is baking, pour the cherry juice and red wine vinegar into a small saucepan. Cook this mixture over medium heat, letting it simmer gently until it reduces down to about 2 tablespoons. This should only take about 4-6 minutes. Whisk in the brown sugar, cherry preserves, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. Continue to cook, whisking often, until the glaze thickens and reduces to about 1 cup. This step typically takes 7-10 minutes. Once thickened, set your amazing glaze aside.
Glaze and Finish Baking!
Once your ham reaches that 100°F internal temperature, carefully remove it from the oven. Increase your oven temperature to a warmer 350°F (175°C). Roll down the sides of the plastic oven bag and generously brush the ham with about 1/3 cup of your prepared cherry glaze. Return the glazed ham to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze looks wonderfully sticky and slightly darker in color. If your glaze seems a bit hard to spread, a quick gentle reheat will loosen it right up!
Rest, Sauce, and Serve Your Festive Ham!
Take the beautifully glazed ham out of the oven and transfer it to a carving board, making sure to save the plastic oven bag with its flavorful juices. Brush the ham with another 1/3 cup of the cherry glaze. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes – this is a super important step for tender, juicy slices! While it rests, mix the remaining cherry glaze with 4-6 tablespoons of the warm ham juice from the roasting bag to create a pourable, savory-sweet sauce. Carve your ham into delicious slices, arrange them on a platter, and serve with that incredible cherry ham sauce. Enjoy your easy, healthy, and festive holiday meal!

Presenting and Serving Your Gorgeous Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham!

Your Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham! isn’t just a meal; it’s a masterpiece that deserves a spectacular presentation! Here are some ideas to make your holiday table truly unforgettable:

Garnish with Flair: Once carved, arrange your ham slices beautifully on a large, elegant platter. Garnish with fresh cherries, sprigs of fresh rosemary, or even thinly sliced oranges and cranberries for a pop of festive color. A light dusting of powdered sugar (optional!) can mimic fresh snow.
The Perfect Sides: This ham pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, or a fresh winter salad. Offer a variety to complement the rich flavors of the ham.
Sauce on the Side: Always serve that incredible cherry ham sauce on the side in a beautiful gravy boat or small pitcher. This allows guests to drizzle as much (or as little!) as they desire, enhancing every savory bite.
Buffet Style or Plated Elegance: For a casual gathering, a grand carving board with the ham ready to slice for guests can be impressive. For a more formal dinner, arrange 2-3 slices elegantly on each plate alongside your chosen side dishes.
Bread for Sopping: Don’t forget some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of that amazing cherry ham sauce!

However you choose to present it, your Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham! is guaranteed to be the star attraction!

Storing Your Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham!

Planning for leftovers from your delicious Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham! is almost as exciting as the meal itself! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy those delectable flavors for days to come:

Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer any leftover ham slices and the cherry ham sauce to airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. Ensure the ham is covered well to prevent drying out.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze carved ham slices. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. The cherry ham sauce can also be frozen in a separate container. Frozen ham and sauce will last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm ham slices in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or in the oven covered with foil, until just heated through to maintain moisture. Reheat the sauce separately in a small saucepan.

Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham! FAQs

1. Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in for this Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham?: Yes, you can! A boneless spiral-sliced ham will work. Cooking times may be slightly shorter, so always rely on the internal temperature for doneness (100°F initially, then 140°F after glazing for pre-cooked ham).
2. Why use an oven bag for cooking the ham?: The oven bag creates a steamy, moist environment, ensuring your Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham! stays incredibly juicy and tender throughout the long, slow cooking process. It also helps contain flavors.
3. Can I make the cherry glaze ahead of time?: Absolutely! You can prepare the cherry glaze up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until it loosens up and is easy to brush when you’re ready to glaze the ham.
4. What if my glaze is too thick or too thin?: If your glaze is too thick after reducing, whisk in a teaspoon or two of cherry juice or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it gently for a few more minutes, whisking constantly, to allow it to reduce further.
5. Is the initial low temperature of 250°F correct?: Yes, the initial low temperature is correct for slow-roasting, which helps to tenderize the ham and prevent it from drying out. The temperature is increased later for glazing and caramelization, giving your Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham! its beautiful finish.
6. How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?: Most spiral-sliced hams are pre-cooked. The initial bake is to warm it through to 100°F. After glazing and the second bake, the ham should reach an internal temperature of 135-140°F for optimal serving temperature and safety, though it’s already safe to eat at 140°F when sold.
7. Can I skip the red wine vinegar?: The red wine vinegar adds a crucial touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the glaze, preventing it from being cloying. While you could omit it, the glaze for your Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham! might not have the same depth of flavor. A splash of apple cider vinegar could be a substitute.
8. What if I don’t have an instant-read thermometer?: An instant-read thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy, especially when cooking large cuts of meat like this Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham!. If you don’t have one, estimate the cooking time based on the recipe (approx. 20-25 minutes per pound for pre-cooked ham), but be aware that results may vary.
9. Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?: Absolutely! The recipe suggests reducing the brown sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness. You can start with ¾ cup and taste the glaze before adding more, or use low-sugar cherry preserves to further control the sweetness of your Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham!.
10. What can I do with leftover ham?: Leftover Festive Cherry-Glazed Christmas Ham! is fantastic! Use it for ham sandwiches, chop it for quiches or omelets, add it to split pea soup, or make ham and cheese sliders. The possibilities are endless!