Name: brown sugarglazed ham with roasted root vegetables for christmas dinner
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 3 servings

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I still remember the first time I had a brown sugarglazed ham with roasted root vegetables for Christmas dinner. It was at my grandparents' house, and the aroma of the ham wafting from the oven was incredible. The combination of the sweet, sticky glaze and the tender, flavorful ham was a match made in heaven. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the effort that went into preparing such a delicious meal. My grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully selecting the ingredients and cooking the ham to perfection. As I started cooking myself, I realized that recreating this dish was not as difficult as I thought. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, I was able to create a brown sugarglazed ham with roasted root vegetables that rivaled my grandmother's. In this recipe, I will guide you through the process of making this delicious dish, from selecting the ingredients to cooking the ham to perfection. The reason I created this recipe is to share the joy of cooking a delicious Christmas dinner with others. There's something special about gathering around the table with loved ones and enjoying a meal that's been carefully prepared. This recipe is perfect for the holidays, as it's easy to make and feeds a large crowd. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a new family tradition.

Why You'll Love This brown sugarglazed ham with roasted root vegetables for christmas dinner

Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Delicious and Flavorful: The combination of the sweet, sticky glaze and the tender, flavorful ham is a match made in heaven.
Perfect for the Holidays: This recipe is perfect for Christmas dinner, as it's easy to make and feeds a large crowd.
Customizable: You can customize this recipe to your liking by adding your favorite root vegetables or using different types of ham.
Impressive Presentation: The brown sugarglazed ham is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful, sticky glaze and perfectly cooked ham.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Affordable: This recipe is affordable and won't break the bank, making it perfect for large families or groups.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options: This recipe can be easily adapted to accommodate gluten-free and dairy-free diets, making it perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredients for brown sugarglazed ham with roasted root vegetables for christmas dinner

The key ingredients in this recipe are the ham, brown sugar, mustard, and root vegetables. The ham is the star of the show, and it's essential to choose a high-quality ham that's tender and flavorful. The brown sugar adds a sweet and sticky glaze to the ham, while the mustard adds a tangy and spicy flavor. The root vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips, add a delicious and healthy element to the dish. When selecting the ingredients, make sure to choose fresh and high-quality items to ensure the best flavor and texture.

How to Make brown sugarglazed ham with roasted root vegetables for christmas dinner

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). This will ensure that the ham cooks evenly and at a low temperature.

Prepare the Ham:

Score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a beautiful presentation.

Make the Glaze:

In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, mustard, and 1/4 cup of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. This will create a thick and sticky glaze.

Glaze the Ham:

Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines. This will ensure that the ham is fully coated and that the glaze penetrates the meat.

Roast the Vegetables:

Toss the root vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.

Cook the Ham:

Place the ham in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the pan juices every 20 minutes to keep it moist and promote even browning.

Tips for Perfect Results

Use a Meat Thermometer:

A meat thermometer will ensure that the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature, and it will also help you achieve the perfect level of doneness.

Don't Overcook the Ham:

Overcooking the ham can make it dry and tough. Make sure to check the internal temperature regularly and remove the ham from the oven when it reaches 140°F (60°C).

Let the Ham Rest:

Letting the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing will allow the juices to redistribute, making the ham more tender and flavorful.

Use Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients:

Using fresh and high-quality ingredients will ensure that the dish is flavorful and delicious. Make sure to choose a high-quality ham and fresh root vegetables.

Don't Skip the Glaze:

The glaze is an essential component of the dish, and it adds a sweet and sticky flavor to the ham. Make sure to brush the glaze all over the ham during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Add Some Aromatics:

Adding some aromatics, such as onions and cloves, to the pan with the ham will add extra flavor and aroma to the dish.

Use a Large Enough Pan:

Using a large enough pan will ensure that the ham has enough room to cook evenly and that the glaze can spread out and caramelize.

Don't Overcrowd the Pan:

Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and a lack of caramelization. Make sure to leave enough space between the ham and the root vegetables.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Ham: Overcooking the ham can make it dry and tough. Make sure to check the internal temperature regularly and remove the ham from the oven when it reaches 140°F (60°C).
Fix: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature, and remove it from the oven when it reaches 140°F (60°C).
Not Letting the Ham Rest: Not letting the ham rest can result in a lack of juiciness and flavor. Make sure to let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Fix: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing, and make sure to slice it against the grain.
Not Using Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients: Using low-quality ingredients can result in a lack of flavor and texture. Make sure to choose a high-quality ham and fresh root vegetables.
Fix: Choose a high-quality ham and fresh root vegetables, and make sure to handle them properly to maintain their quality.
Not Basting the Ham: Not basting the ham can result in a lack of moisture and flavor. Make sure to baste the ham with the pan juices every 20 minutes.
Fix: Baste the ham with the pan juices every 20 minutes, and make sure to use a large enough pan to accommodate the ham and the root vegetables.

Variations & Substitutions

Glazed Ham with Honey and Mustard:

Replace the brown sugar with honey and add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the glaze. This will give the ham a sweet and tangy flavor.

Roasted Vegetable Medley:

Add some other root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and parsnips, to the pan with the ham. This will create a delicious and colorful medley of roasted vegetables.

Gluten-Free Glaze:

Replace the brown sugar with a gluten-free sweetener, such as maple syrup or honey, and use a gluten-free mustard. This will make the glaze gluten-free and suitable for guests with dietary restrictions.

Dairy-Free Glaze:

Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or olive oil, and use a dairy-free milk. This will make the glaze dairy-free and suitable for guests with dietary restrictions.

Spicy Glaze:

Add a teaspoon of hot sauce, such as sriracha or hot sauce, to the glaze. This will give the ham a spicy and flavorful kick.

Herby Glaze:

Add some fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the glaze. This will give the ham a fresh and herby flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temp:

The cooked ham can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Refrigerator:

The cooked ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

Freezer:

The cooked ham can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at a consistent freezer temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to serve, thaw the ham overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.

Can I use a different type of ham?

Yes! You can use a different type of ham, such as a boneless ham or a smoked ham. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Can I add other ingredients to the glaze?

Yes! You can add other ingredients to the glaze, such as honey, mustard, or spices. Just make sure to taste and adjust as you go to ensure that the flavors are balanced.

How do I prevent the ham from drying out?

To prevent the ham from drying out, make sure to baste it regularly with the pan juices and to not overcook it. You can also cover the ham with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Can I serve this recipe at a buffet?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for a buffet, as it can be served at room temperature and can be easily sliced and served. Just make sure to keep the ham covered and to provide serving utensils.

How do I reheat the ham?

To reheat the ham, wrap it in foil and place it in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.

Can I freeze the cooked ham?

Yes! You can freeze the cooked ham for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and to keep it at a consistent freezer temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to serve, thaw the ham overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop.

How do I store the leftover ham?

To store the leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator at a consistent temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. You can also freeze the leftover ham for up to 3 months.