This holiday season, let’s talk about a dish that’s as festive as your neighbor’s over-the-top Christmas lights but way more delicious: Toasted Spiced Ham Drizzled in Honey. It’s the showstopper your table needs, and yes, it’s featured in our Christmas Guide 2024. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why Ham? Why Now?

Ham is the Beyoncé of holiday meats—always in the spotlight and never disappointing. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a full-blown holiday bash, this recipe will have your guests raving (and possibly asking for leftovers). Plus, using that honey jar you bought during your “support local bees” phase is a great excuse.

The Recipe: Simple Yet Fancy

Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll need and how to make this masterpiece. Don’t worry; it sounds fancy, but easier than untangling Christmas lights.

Ingredients

• 1 boneless country ham
• 2 cups honey (the real deal, not the squeeze bottle from 2019)
• 2 tablespoons Toasted Spice Rub (recipe below)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped thyme
• 6 celery stalks (for roasting support, not snacking)

Toasted Spice Rub:

• ¼ cup fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 1 tablespoon peppercorns
• 1½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup California sweet chili powder*
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

*Chef’s Tip: If your chili powder feels like it could double as pepper spray, reduce the amount. California chiles are sweet, not fiery.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to toasty 425°F. Place your ham in a brown paper bag—it’s like a DIY roasting mat and makes cleanup a breeze. Score the ham with a paring knife in a grid pattern (about 1-inch squares). This helps the flavors seep in and makes you look like a pro.

Step 2: Glaze It Up

Brush the ham generously with honey. Don’t skimp; this is where the magic starts. Then, sprinkle the Toasted Spice Rub and thyme all over. It’ll smell so good you might consider skipping dinner and just inhaling deeply.

Step 3: Roast Like You Mean It

Lay the celery stalks in your roasting pan to act as a natural rack—because who needs extra gadgets? Add half a cup of water to the pan to moisten the ham. Place it on the celery and pop it in the oven.

Step 4: Baste Like a Boss

Every 15 minutes, baste the ham with its own juices and more honey. This step is crucial for that glossy, caramelized finish that screams “holiday perfection.” After an hour of roasting, let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. Trust me, patience pays off.

Step 5: Serve and Bask in Glory

Slice it up and drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top. Pair it with roasted veggies or buttery mashed potatoes for a meal that’ll make you forget all about Aunt Carol’s fruitcake.

Making the Toasted Spice Rub

Toast fennel seeds, coriander seeds, and peppercorns in a small pan over medium heat until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes (under an exhaust fan unless you enjoy coughing fits). Let it cool before blending with chili powder, salt, and cinnamon. Store leftovers in a jar for future culinary experiments—it works wonders on roasted veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This ham is everything you want during Christmas—sweet, savory, spiced just right, and unapologetically indulgent. The honey glaze caramelizes into a sticky-sweet crust while the spices add warmth without overwhelming your taste buds. Plus, it smells so good while cooking that even Santa might drop by early.

So there you have it, El Dorado Hills! A dish that’s sure to be the star of your holiday table—no inflatable reindeer required.

Source: foodnetwork.com
Header Image Source: foodnetwork.com