When it comes to holiday meals, nothing says celebration quite like a beautifully baked ham. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or keeping things cozy at home, this easy-baked holiday ham is a showstopper that doesn’t require a ton of fuss. With a simple glaze and minimal prep, you’ll have a centerpiece dish that’s equal parts impressive and delicious — and perfect for making memories around the table.
Ingredients for Baked Ham Recipe:
Ham– 5-10 pound bone-in ham. A spiral-cut ham makes things easier to serve, but it’s ok if you can’t find a spiral cut ham you can cut it yourself. The one thing I will say is important is to try and find a ham that says with natural juices, not water added. Water-added hams tend to have a more diluted flavor. You may have to visit more than one grocery store to find the best ham for this recipe.
Bone-in vs. Boneless Ham
Bone-in is said to have the best flavor and you will be left with a ham bone which is great for making soups. Boneless hams tend to have a spongy texture.
White Wine– 1 bottle of white wine. Any mid-priced white wine will do. Try Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. There are many recipes out there that incorporate orange juice or pineapple juice in the marinade, but I have found that white wine is just perfect.
Disposable Oven Bag– I like to use a disposable oven bag, to help keep the ham from drying out. The oven bag helps retain moisture while cooking keeping the ham moist and delicious.
Ingredients for Brown sugar glaze recipe:
Apricot Jelly– 1/2 cup jelly. Apricot or orange. I recommend jelly over preserves or jam, you don’t want chunks of fruit in the glaze.
Brown Sugar-1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Dark or light is fine.
Dijon Mustard– 2 tablespons of Dijon mustard. You could also use a spicy brown mustard as well.
Honey– 1 teaspoon of honey. You could also use maple syrup. (not pictured above)
Apple Cider Vinegar– 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
Cornstarch– 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Cornstarch will act as a thickening agent for the glaze.
Here’s how to make this holiday ham recipe:
There are 3 baking methods to choose from. All 3 methods are explained on the recipe card below. Here I will give step-by-step instructions on my preferred method which is to bake in an oven bag. When you buy a ham from the grocery store you are usually getting a fully cooked ham. So essentially all we are doing today is warming it up and slathering on a delicious glaze to make the perfect holiday ham.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Baked Holiday Ham
Step 1: Marinate the Ham (Overnight)
Score your ham with a sharp knife in a shallow criss-cross pattern. Place the ham in a large bowl or pot and pour white wine over it until it’s well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors soak in. Flip the ham a few times during the time so it marinades evenly.
Step 2: Let the Ham Come to Room Temperature
Remove the ham from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour before baking. Also, remember to remove the plastic piece inserted into the ham.
Step 3: Calculate Your Bake Time
Bake the ham for 12 minutes per pound (10–15 minutes per pound works too). Subtract 20 minutes from your total bake time — this will be your first bake time. The final 20 minutes are reserved for glazing.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place a small wire rack on top if you have one (no worries if you don’t — it still works without). I have found baking the ham at a low heat yields a tender ham that is not dried out.
Step 5: Bake the Ham (Part 1)
Place the ham flat-side down into an oven-safe roasting bag and tie it closed. Set the bagged ham on the rack or directly on the foil-lined pan.
Bake for your first bake time (total bake time minus 20 minutes).
Step 6: Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze
While the ham is baking, make your glaze:
In a small saucepan, mix all glaze ingredients over medium heat. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes, until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes shiny. Set aside until ready to use. If the glaze has thickened too much warm it up until it thins out a bit and makes it easy to brush the glaze onto the ham.
Step 7: Glaze the Ham and Raise the Heat
Once the first bake is complete, remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C).
Carefully remove the ham from the roasting bag (watch for steam and liquid at the bottom of the bag!) and discard the bag and rack. Place ham flat-side down directly on the foil-lined pan.
Generously brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get between the slices if using a spiral-cut ham.
Step 8: Bake the Ham (Part 2)
Return the glazed ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 more minutes, until the glaze is bubbling, caramelized, and golden brown. If using a meat thermometer the internal temperature of the ham should be 145 degrees.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps seal in the juices and keeps every bite tender and flavorful. Slice it up, and serve it with your favorite sides, like green beans and mashed potatoes. This delicious ham is perfect for Easter dinner or Christmas dinner.
Leftover Ham
Store any ham that is left over in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. One of the best parts of making a whole ham is what you can make with the leftovers. I love ham sandwiches, ham and cheese omelets, or a ham and cheese quiche.
Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Christmas, or just gathering with loved ones, this delicious ham is the perfect centerpiece — bringing warmth, flavor, and happy faces to your holiday table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe, let me know what you think in the comments below!
More Recipes To Try!
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Baked Sweet Potatoes and Apples
Easy Baked Holiday Ham
Baked holiday ham is easier than roasting a turkey. Marinate with white wine overnight and then bake off the next day. It’s finished with a Dijon brown sugar glaze that makes the ham special enough for any holiday table.
Ingredients
- 5-10 pound Ham, Bone-in, Spiral Cut. Shank if possible (try and find one that says ham and natural juices (not water).
- 1 bottle of white wine. (Chardonnay, Savignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio)
- Disposable Oven Bag
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1/2 cup jelly (apricot or orange)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
***Marinade ham OVERNIGHT***
Score ham using a knife, then place ham in a large bowl or pot and pour white wine all over. Marinate the ham in wine for 6 hours or overnight. Flip the ham a few times so it marinades evenly. Remove from marinade and let ham come to room temp for an hour before baking.
3 Baking Methods
Option #1- Bake in an oven bag
Bake 10-15 minutes per pound. I usually do 12 minutes per pound. Once you figure out the total bake time subtract 20 minutes. This will be your first bake time.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty foil. Place a small rack on top of the foil. If you don’t have one, it’s ok.
- Put ham inside of oven bag and tie it up. Place the ham flat-side down on top of the small rack.
- Bake in the bag for the first bake time.
- While the ham is baking prepare the brown sugar glaze. See the instructions below.
- After the allotted time remove ham from the oven. Raise the temperature in the oven to 425 degrees.
- Remove the small rack from the pan. Carefully remove the ham from the bag. Place ham flat side down on top of foil.
- Glaze ham all over. If using a spiral cut ham be sure to get in between slices.
- Return the ham to the oven uncovered for 20 more minutes.
- Remove ham from the oven and let the ham rest for 15 minutes before eating.
- Slice and enjoy!
HAM MATH WITH OVEN BAG
10 POUND Ham x 12= 120 minutes (2 hours) TOTAL BAKE TIME
120 - 20 = 100 minutes (1 hour, 40 minutes) FIRST BAKE TIME
20 Minutes GLAZE BAKE TIME
8 POUND Ham x 12= 96 minutes (1 hour, 36 minutes) TOTAL BAKE TIME
96-20 = 76 minutes (1 hour, 16 min) FIRST BAKE TIME
20 Minutes GLAZE BAKE TIME
Option #2- Bake without an oven bag
Bake 15 minutes per pound. Once you figure out the total bake time subtract 20 minutes. This will be your first bake time.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- Line the roasting pan or baking sheet with heavy-duty foil.
- Place flat side down in pan and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake covered for the first bake time.
- Remove ham from oven. Raise the temperature in the oven to 425
- Glaze ham all over. If using a spiral cut ham be sure to get in between slices.
- Return ham to oven uncovered for 20 more minutes.
- Remove ham from the oven and let the ham rest for 15 minutes before eating.
- Slice and enjoy!
HAM MATH WITHOUT AN OVEN BAG
10 POUND Ham x 15= 150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes)TOTAL BAKE TIME
150 - 20 = 130 minutes (2 hours, 10 minutes) FIRST BAKE TIME
20 Minutes GLAZE BAKE TIME
8 POUND Ham x 15= 120 minutes (2 hours) TOTAL BAKE TIME
120-20 = 100minutes (1 hour, 40 min) FIRST BAKE TIME
20 Minutes GLAZE BAKE TIME
Option #3-Low and Slow method
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
- Insert a baking thermometer into the ham. The rack should be in the lower middle section of the oven. Bake at 250 until ham reaches 110 degrees. About 3 1/2-4 1/2 hours.
- Remove ham from oven. Raise oven temperature to 450 degrees.
- Carefully remove the ham from the oven bag. Remove the small rack from the pan. Place ham flat side down on foil. Glaze the ham and finish cooking until the glaze is bubbling, about 5-7 more minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Directions for brown sugar glaze:
Mix all the ingredients together in a small saucepan for about 3 minutes, stirring until thickened. Spread all over the ham for the last 20 minutes of baking the ham.
Notes
Bone-in is preferred, as they are said to have more flavor. Hams without bones tend to have a spongy texture. Also, pay attention to the ingredients. You want it to say ham and natural juices. Try and avoid ingredient that says water added.
Recommended Products
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Commercial Quality Baking Sheet Pan Set, Natural Aluminum Cookie Sheet, Umite Chef Warp Resistant Nonstick Baker's Half Sheet Pan, Large Thick Cookie Tray Pans for Baking, Roasting(2 Pack, 18X13Inch)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 13 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 587Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 223mgSodium: 3479mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 0gSugar: 16gProtein: 78g
**I have included an estimation of the nutrition information for this recipe. However always remember a recipe is so much more than just nutritional content and these numbers do not need to dictate your food choices. Please don’t forget that both your body and soul need nourishment! The owner of this website is not liable for this estimation.
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