Serves 8, ready in 160 minutes (25 prep, 120 cook, 15 rest). A Christmas Ham Recipe with Clove Spice featuring honey, brown sugar, mustard, and orange juice for a rich, caramelized glaze. The warm cloves infuse every slice with festive aroma, while the glaze turns golden and glossy — the ultimate holiday centerpiece that’s tender, sweet, and beautifully spiced.
Festive Baked Perfection: Glazed Holiday Ham with Clove Spice
Aromatic centerpiece for your Christmas table
A Christmas Ham with Clove Spice is the essence of a traditional holiday feast — deeply aromatic, beautifully glazed, and irresistibly tender. The ham’s rich, smoky base becomes elevated by the warm aroma of clove spice, sweet honey glaze, and a hint of tangy fruit, creating a perfect harmony between savory and sweet. Each slice carries the comforting scent of winter celebrations and the nostalgia of family gatherings.
The secret to a perfect holiday ham lies in the balance of flavors. A whole or half ham, gently baked until golden, develops an irresistible caramelized crust when coated with a clove-infused glaze. Cloves not only enhance the aroma but also penetrate the meat, releasing their subtle, spicy warmth throughout the roasting process. When brushed with honey, brown sugar, or fruit preserves, the surface transforms into a glossy, lacquered finish — a hallmark of a classic Christmas centerpiece.
History and origin of the holiday ham
The tradition of serving ham during Christmas dates back to ancient European midwinter feasts, where it symbolized abundance and gratitude. The practice of baking ham with clove and honey emerged from Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon influences, blending the preservation technique of curing with the celebratory use of warming spices. Over centuries, it evolved into a culinary symbol of Christmas hospitality, found on festive tables from England to Germany, the United States, and Northern Europe.
Today, this recipe continues that legacy — a time-honored dish that bridges heritage, comfort, and celebration.
Flavor profile and key components
Each element of the dish plays an essential role:
- Ham provides a rich, savory depth and natural saltiness that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
- Clove spice adds complexity and warmth, enhancing both aroma and taste.
- Brown sugar or honey creates the caramelized golden crust that defines a festive glaze.
- Mustard, orange juice, or fruit preserves bring a touch of acidity, preventing the sweetness from overpowering the meat.
- Butter or plant-based oil adds smoothness and ensures even browning during roasting.
When combined, these ingredients create a multilayered experience — sweet, savory, aromatic, and luxurious.
Discover More Holiday Pairings
For a perfect side to serve with your Christmas Ham with Clove Spice, explore our seasonal dishes:
- Roasted Carrots Recipe with Honey Butter – a naturally sweet and buttery complement that enhances the spiced ham’s depth.
- Bread Dumplings Recipe – Quick Dumplings Ready in 20 Minutes – a soft, comforting side that absorbs every drop of the aromatic glaze.
These dishes bring balance to your festive table and highlight the warmth of the season.
The Essence of Holiday Harmony
This recipe embodies the balance between sweetness and spice, tradition and creativity. The cloves’ pungent fragrance mingles with the glaze’s sweetness to produce a symphony of flavors that celebrate the best of winter cooking. When baked properly, the ham develops a delicate crust that glistens under candlelight, creating a showstopping holiday centerpiece worthy of any Christmas gathering.
Whether served warm from the oven or enjoyed cold the next day, the dish remains tender and flavorful — a reflection of the care that goes into each step. The glaze seeps into every fiber, ensuring the meat stays moist while creating irresistible layers of flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Perfect for holiday entertaining and family gatherings
- Features a classic festive aroma of clove and caramelized glaze
- Easily customizable with fruit, honey, or mustard glazes
- Delicious both hot or cold, ideal for leftovers and sandwiches
- Visually stunning centerpiece that impresses every guest
Storage and make-ahead
A glazed Christmas ham is ideal for advance preparation, especially during busy holiday schedules. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor often intensifies after a day, making it even more aromatic and tender.
For longer storage, freeze slices individually in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, brush lightly with leftover glaze and warm in a covered dish at a low temperature to retain moisture.
If preparing ahead, the ham can be glazed and chilled overnight, then baked or reheated just before serving — ensuring a perfectly glazed, freshly aromatic centerpiece without last-minute stress.
The Seasonal Character of Spiced Ham
This festive ham with clove spice captures everything that defines a traditional Christmas meal — comfort, warmth, and timeless flavor. It reflects centuries of culinary heritage while allowing endless personalization through modern glazing variations. Each serving tells a story of family, celebration, and the joy of cooking with care.
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- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a roasting rack inside.
- Prepare the ham: Using a sharp knife, trim any excess skin but leave a thin layer of fat for flavor. Score the fat in a diamond pattern about 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep. If using whole cloves, insert one at each intersection of the scored lines. This adds aroma and a festive look.
- Make the glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup honey (340 g), 1 cup brown sugar (200 g), 2 tsp ground cloves (6 g), 1 tsp cinnamon (3 g), 1 tsp nutmeg (3 g), 1 cup orange juice (240 ml), 2 tbsp butter (30 g), and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (15 ml).
Cook over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. The aroma will be sweet and spiced. - Brush the ham: Place the prepared ham on the rack, flat side down. Brush generously with half of the warm glaze, coating all surfaces evenly.
- Bake the ham: Roast uncovered for 1 hour. After the first hour, remove from the oven, brush again with remaining glaze, and return to bake for another 50–60 minutes.
The ham will appear deeply golden brown and caramelized, and the glaze should bubble slightly at the edges. Internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). - Rest the ham: Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
- Optional glaze thickening: If you want a thicker sauce, pour remaining glaze into a small saucepan, add 1 tbsp cornstarch (8 g) mixed with 2 tbsp water (30 ml), and cook over low heat until glossy and syrupy.
- Slice and serve: Slice thinly using a sharp carving knife. Serve warm with glaze drizzled over the top. The slices should be tender, with a fragrant clove and honey aroma.
FAQ questionCan I use boneless ham instead of bone-in ham?
Yes, you can use boneless ham, but the flavor will be milder. A bone-in ham gives richer taste and juicier texture. If using boneless, reduce baking time by about 20 minutes and baste often to prevent drying.
FAQ questionWhat can I substitute for cloves in this recipe?
Replace cloves with a mix of allspice and cinnamon for warmth, or star anise for a light spiced aroma. These alternatives give a festive flavor profile without overpowering the glaze’s sweetness.
FAQ questionHow do I keep the ham from drying out during baking?
Cover loosely with foil during the first half of baking and baste every 30 minutes with glaze. The steam keeps the meat moist. Do not exceed 140°F (60°C) internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
FAQ questionCan I make this ham ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal for make-ahead. Cook fully, cool, wrap tightly in foil or airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently with a bit of glaze to restore shine and tenderness.
FAQ questionCan I freeze leftover glazed ham?
Absolutely. Slice leftovers, wrap each portion in freezer-safe bags, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven covered with foil at low temperature.
FAQ questionWhat sides go best with Christmas ham?
Serve with roasted vegetables, bread dumplings, or mashed potatoes. A sweet side like honey-glazed carrots or a tart cranberry relish perfectly complements the clove-spiced glaze.
FAQ questionHow can I adapt this recipe for a gluten-free or dairy-free diet?
Use gluten-free mustard and vinegar, and replace butter with plant-based oil. The taste remains rich and festive while keeping it allergen-friendly and suitable for guests with dietary restrictions.
I’ve tested this Christmas ham recipe many times to perfect the glaze’s sweetness and balance of clove spice. The key is controlling oven heat and brushing the glaze at the right intervals for that glossy finish.
PEKIS – professional chef and recipe developer with over 25 years of experience, specialized in European and international cuisine.
Perfectly Balanced Holiday Flavor
A Christmas Ham Recipe with Clove Spice captures everything that defines a festive meal — warmth, sweetness, and deep, savory richness. The honey glaze melts into the ham, creating a caramelized crust with notes of brown sugar, mustard, and orange juice. The aroma of clove spice transforms each slice into a fragrant, comforting bite that feels like the holiday season itself. With clear timing and simple steps, this dish offers professional results even for beginner cooks.
Effortless to Prepare, Impressive to Serve
Despite its luxurious taste, this glazed ham requires minimal active time — just 25 minutes of preparation followed by a hands-off bake. The process is simple: score, glaze, and roast until golden. Because the glaze naturally thickens as it bakes, there’s no complex technique involved. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a showstopping centerpiece without stress or complicated tools. The ham stays tender and juicy inside, with a crisp, flavorful exterior that glistens under candlelight.
Versatile for Every Table
This holiday ham adapts beautifully to various dietary preferences. By using plant-based oil instead of butter and gluten-free mustard, it can easily become allergen-friendly without losing flavor or texture. Leftovers remain delicious for days — perfect for sandwiches, breakfast platters, or festive buffets. It also pairs wonderfully with seasonal sides like roasted carrots, mashed potatoes, or bread dumplings, balancing sweet and savory tones.
A Holiday Classic Worth Repeating
The Christmas Ham with Clove Spice stands out for its harmony of taste, aroma, and tradition. Its glossy glaze, warm spices, and tender texture make it more than a meal — it’s an experience that gathers people around the table. Best served for Christmas Eve, family celebrations, or winter feasts, this dish brings timeless comfort and elegance to every occasion.
Allergens: Contains none of the major allergens. Gluten-free and dairy-free if butter is replaced with plant-based oil.
Substitution tips:
- For a gluten-free option, ensure mustard and vinegar are certified gluten-free.
- For dairy-free, replace butter with 2 tbsp neutral plant-based oil (such as sunflower or canola).
- For a lower-sugar glaze, use ½ cup honey (170 g) and ½ cup brown sugar (100 g), increasing baking time by 10 minutes for proper caramelization.
Vitamins and minerals (per serving):
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): 0.7 mg – supports energy metabolism and nerve function.
- Vitamin B6: 0.4 mg – aids in protein metabolism and brain health.
- Vitamin B12: 1.1 µg – contributes to red blood cell formation.
- Iron: 1.8 mg – supports oxygen transport and reduces fatigue.
- Zinc: 2.6 mg – strengthens immune response and cell repair.
- Phosphorus: 260 mg – important for bone health and energy storage.
- Potassium: 430 mg – helps regulate blood pressure and hydration balance.
Antioxidants (per serving):
- Clove polyphenols: 25 mg – combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Honey flavonoids: 12 mg – support immune defense and cell protection.
- Orange juice vitamin C: 18 mg – boosts collagen formation and antioxidant activity.
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