In reality, by this time of year, you might have had more than enough of turkey, but usually, the next perfect option is a glazed Christmas ham. It is a show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday meal, and this diabetic-friendly recipe makes it possible to enjoy all the flavor without the sugar overload. Using a sugar-free glaze with warm spices, this Christmas ham is packed with festive cheer and perfect for a crowd.
Below, you’ll find the step-by-step instructions, tips for making the recipe easier, and links to tools that make preparation a breeze. Let’s create a holiday masterpiece!
Ingredients and Why They Work
For the Christmas Ham:
- 6–8 pound fully cooked, bone-in ham (unsliced): A bone-in ham is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect canvas for a sweet, spiced glaze.
- Whole cloves (optional): Adds a festive look and a hint of warm, aromatic flavor.
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup sugar-free maple syrup: Provides sweetness and a rich maple flavor without added sugar.
- ¼ cup granular erythritol or monk fruit sweetener: A diabetic-friendly sweetener that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Balances the sweetness with tangy, savory notes.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened orange juice (or 1 teaspoon orange zest): Adds brightness and a citrusy holiday vibe.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warm and aromatic, it’s a holiday staple.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a touch of spice to the glaze.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Complements the other spices with a rich, warming flavor.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Enhances the glaze with acidity and balances the sweetness.
Instructions with Tools You’ll Love
- Prepare the Ham:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham flat-side down in a large roasting pan. Score the surface in a crisscross pattern, cutting about ¼ inch deep. Insert whole cloves into the intersections for a decorative and flavorful touch.
- Recommended Tools: A roasting pan with a rack ensures even cooking and keeps the Christmas ham from sitting in excess juices.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the glaze ingredients: sugar-free maple syrup, erythritol, Dijon mustard, orange juice or zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat over medium-low, stirring until the sweetener dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Recommended Tools: A silicone whisk for smooth blending and a saucepan with a heavy bottom to prevent scorching.
- Apply the Glaze:
- Brush half the glaze over the ham, making sure it gets into the scored cuts for maximum flavor.
- Recommended Tools: A silicone basting brush for even application.
- Bake the Ham:
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
- Recommended Tools: A digital meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the ideal serving temperature of 140°F.
- Caramelize the Glaze:
- For the last 20–30 minutes, remove the foil and let the glaze caramelize, creating a glossy, flavorful crust. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Let the ham rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the juices to redistribute. Carve into slices and drizzle with any remaining glaze.
- Recommended Tools: A carving set with a sharp knife and fork for clean, even slices.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ham
- Score the Ham: Scoring allows the glaze to seep into the ham, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Don’t Skip the Basting: Regular basting with the glaze keeps the ham moist and flavorful.
- Keep an Eye While Caramelizing: The glaze can go from golden to burnt quickly, so monitor closely during the final baking phase.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the glaze a day in advance to save time on the big day.
Why This Ham is Diabetic-Friendly
- Sugar-Free Glaze: Sweeteners like erythritol and sugar-free maple syrup mimic traditional glaze flavors without the sugar spike.
- Natural Flavors: Spices and orange juice or zest provide festive notes without added carbs.
- Portion Control: Pair with healthy, balanced sides like roasted vegetables or a light salad for a diabetes-conscious holiday meal.
Tools I Recommend
- Roasting pan with a rack for even cooking.
- Silicone whisk for blending the glaze.
- Basting brush for easy glaze application.
- Meat thermometer to ensure the ham is perfectly heated.
- Carving set for clean, professional slices.
Find these tools here to make your holiday cooking effortless!
This diabetic-friendly holiday ham is a beautiful, flavorful centerpiece that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you serve it with classic sides or pair it with healthier options, this dish will bring festive cheer to your table without compromising your health goals. Happy holidays! 🎄🍖✨
Diabetic Friendly Spiced Maple Holiday Ham
Tender and juicy with a warm spiced glaze, this showstopping centerpiece is perfect for any holiday table. The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness without the sugar.
Ingredients
For the Ham
- 6-8 lbs ham, unsliced
- Whole Cloves
For the Glaze
- ½ cup sugar-free maple syrup
- ¼ cup granular monk fruit sweetener
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened orange juice or the zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Place the ham in a large roasting pan, flat-side down. Score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern, cutting about ¼ inch deep. If desired, insert whole cloves into the intersections of the scoring for a festive look and additional flavor.
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar-free maple syrup, monk fruit sweetener, Dijon mustard, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sweetener dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Brush about half of the glaze over the scored surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the cuts.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 ½ to 2 hours (about 10–12 minutes per pound). Baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
- During the last 20–30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and let the glaze caramelize. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with any leftover glaze drizzled over the slices.
Notes
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Why It’s Diabetic-Friendly:
- Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Erythritol or monk fruit and sugar-free maple syrup provide sweetness without spiking blood sugar.
- Natural Flavors: Orange juice or zest, cinnamon, and cloves add festive flavor without added sugar.
- Portion Control: Serving the ham with balanced sides ensures a healthy, festive meal.
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