Classic Holiday Ham Christmas Dinner Ideas

The classic holiday ham is a staple of Christmas dinner in many households. A beautifully glazed ham, surrounded by an assortment of delicious side dishes, is the perfect centerpiece for a festive holiday meal. In this article, we'll explore some classic holiday ham Christmas dinner ideas that are sure to impress your family and friends.

A traditional holiday ham is a glazed ham that's been baked to perfection. The glaze is typically made from a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices, which adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the ham. To make your holiday ham truly special, consider adding some additional ingredients to the glaze, such as cloves, allspice, or pineapple juice.

When it comes to choosing the perfect ham for your Christmas dinner, there are several options to consider. A bone-in ham is a classic choice, as it's easy to carve and serves as a beautiful centerpiece for the table. However, a boneless ham is also a great option, as it's easier to slice and serve.

No matter which type of ham you choose, be sure to pair it with a variety of delicious side dishes. Some classic holiday side dishes include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and green beans. You could also consider adding some more unique side dishes, such as sweet potato casserole or braised red cabbage.

In addition to the ham and side dishes, don't forget to add some festive touches to your Christmas dinner. Consider using holiday-themed plates, napkins, and table runners to add a pop of color to the table. You could also add some candles, flowers, or other decorations to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Classic Holiday Ham Glaze Recipe

A classic holiday ham glaze is a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices that's brushed over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking. Here's a simple recipe for a classic holiday ham glaze:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, mustard, honey, cloves, allspice, and black pepper.
3. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.
4. Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is cooked through.

Side Dishes for a Classic Holiday Ham

A classic holiday ham is typically served with a variety of side dishes, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Here are some recipes for classic holiday side dishes:

Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 large Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together the olive oil, onion, carrots, and Brussels sprouts.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.

Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper, and mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they're smooth and creamy.

Green Beans

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Add the green beans and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they're tender but still crisp.
3. Drain the green beans and return them to the pot.
4. Add the butter, salt, and pepper, and toss the green beans to coat.

Unique Side Dishes for a Classic Holiday Ham

If you're looking for some unique side dishes to serve with your classic holiday ham, here are a few ideas:

Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix well until the sweet potatoes are coated with the sugar and spice mixture.
4. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with the marshmallows and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.

Braised Red Cabbage

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of red cabbage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped cabbage, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and lightly browned.

Holiday Ham Pairing Ideas

A classic holiday ham is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of ingredients to create a delicious and festive meal. Here are some holiday ham pairing ideas:

Pineapple-Raisin Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, raisins, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
3. Brush the sauce over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Cherry-Orange Glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cherry jam
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade
• 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the cherry jam, orange marmalade, and honey.
2. Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Dinner

Hosting a holiday dinner can be a stressful experience, especially if you're cooking for a large group of people. Here are some tips for a stress-free holiday dinner:

Plan Ahead

• Make a list of all the dishes you want to serve and the ingredients you need.
• Shop for ingredients ahead of time to avoid last-minute trips to the store.
• Prep as much as you can ahead of time, such as chopping vegetables or making side dishes.

Keep it Simple

• Don't try to make too many complicated dishes. Stick to simple recipes that you know will turn out well.
• Consider making a few dishes that can be served at room temperature, such as a cheese platter or a fruit salad.

Ask for Help

• Don't be afraid to ask for help from your guests. Assign tasks such as setting the table or pouring drinks to make the evening more enjoyable for everyone.

Enjoy the Moment

• Remember, the holiday season is a time to relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Don't get too stressed about the details – focus on having fun and making memories.

Gallery of Classic Holiday Ham Ideas

FAQs

Q: What type of ham is best for a classic holiday ham?

A: A bone-in ham is a classic choice for a holiday ham, as it's easy to carve and serves as a beautiful centerpiece for the table.

Q: How do I glaze a holiday ham?

A: To glaze a holiday ham, brush a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.

Q: What are some unique side dishes I can serve with my holiday ham?

A: Consider serving unique side dishes such as sweet potato casserole or braised red cabbage to add some variety to your holiday meal.

Q: How can I make my holiday dinner less stressful?

A: Plan ahead, keep it simple, ask for help, and enjoy the moment to make your holiday dinner less stressful.

Q: What are some tips for pairing a holiday ham with other ingredients?

A: Consider pairing your holiday ham with ingredients such as pineapple, cherry, or orange to create a delicious and festive meal.