A Taste of Tradition: Caribbean Christmas Ham Recipe

When Christmas time rolls around, kitchens across the Caribbean come alive with the festive aromas of spiced meats, sweet treats, and hearty family dishes. One iconic centerpiece on many tables is the Caribbean Christmas Ham—a juicy, glazed delight that's often the highlight of Christmas Day. Caribbean Christmas ham is known for its fusion of flavors, incorporating sweet, spicy, and citrus notes.

Here’s a recipe that brings the taste of the islands to your holiday table, wherever you are.

Caribbean Christmas Ham Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2-3 hours

Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 1 whole bone-in ham (about 10-12 pounds)

• Cloves (for studding the ham, around 25-30 whole cloves)

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• 1/2 cup orange juice

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup dark rum (optional, for an extra Caribbean kick)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons ground allspice

• 1 tablespoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon ginger powder

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice (optional for color and extra sweetness)

• Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham

   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern, cutting about 1/2 inch deep. This helps the glaze seep into the meat. Stud each diamond shape with a clove. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan.

   
   

2. Make the Glaze

   In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, dark rum (if using), Dijon mustard, ground allspice, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, ginger powder, and fresh ginger. Add cherry juice for a little extra sweetness and color if you like. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

   
   

3. Bake the HamBrush the ham generously with the glaze, making sure to cover all sides. Place the ham in the oven and bake for about 2-3 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes. Add a little water to the pan if it dries out to keep the ham moist. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 140°F (60°C).

   
   

4. Add the Garnish

   When there’s about 30 minutes left of baking time, arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on the ham, securing them with toothpicks. This adds a beautiful, tropical look to the ham as well as extra flavor.

   
   

5. Final Baste and Serve

   For a sticky, caramelized finish, brush on any remaining glaze and turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

   
   

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Caribbean Christmas ham with traditional holiday sides like macaroni pie, rice and peas, roasted vegetables, or fried plantains. The ham’s sweet, spiced glaze also makes it perfect for sandwiches, if you happen to have leftovers!

Tips for Perfecting Your Caribbean Ham

1. Clove Usage: Go easy with the cloves if you want a milder flavor, as cloves can be potent.

2. Add Spice: For a little heat, try adding a chopped Scotch bonnet pepper to the glaze for the last 10 minutes of simmering, then remove before brushing the ham.

3. Leftover Glaze: The extra glaze can be served on the side or drizzled over the ham slices when serving.

   
   

This Caribbean Christmas ham brings the warm, festive spirit of the islands to your table, filling your home with an irresistible aroma and a taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy a taste of the Caribbean this Christmas, and let every bite remind you of warm sun, sandy beaches, and the joyous spirit of island festivities.