Close-up of a glazed, mustard-crusted ham with brown sugar and cloves, garnished with fresh parsley

Christmas ham

Name: Mustard-Crusted-Christmas-Ham-with-Brown-Sugar-and-Cloves
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 8-10
Ingredients: 5-7 pound bone-in ham Ham; 1 cup Prepared Mustard; 1/2 cup, packed Brown Sugar; 1 teaspoon Ground Cloves; 1 cup Water or Broth

mustard crusted christmas ham with brown sugar and cloves

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

23 Apr 2025

This recipe for a mustard-crusted Christmas ham is a family favorite – and for good reason! It’s unbelievably delicious, incredibly easy to make, and always impresses my guests. The combination of tangy mustard, sweet brown sugar, and warm cloves creates a flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and comforting. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and leaves everyone wanting more.

A beautifully presented mustard-crusted Christmas ham on a platter, surrounded by festive side dishes

I remember my first attempt at making a holiday ham. It was…a disaster. The glaze was runny, the ham was dry, and frankly, it was a little sad. But I learned from my mistakes, and over the years I’ve perfected this recipe. Now, it’s a guaranteed hit every single time. And honestly, you should try it! You won't regret it!

A close-up shot of the mustard crust on the ham, highlighting its texture and color

Required Equipments

Large roasting pan
Meat thermometer
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Pastry brush

Mustard Crusted Christmas Ham with Brown Sugar and Cloves

This recipe delivers a perfectly cooked, flavorful, and moist Christmas ham with a delicious mustard-brown sugar-clove crust. It's a festive centerpiece that will wow your family and friends!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 8-10 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 90 minutes

Total Time: 100 minutes

📖 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Make sure your roasting pan is ready, too. Don't forget to place it on the middle rack of your oven.
Rinse your ham thoroughly under cold water, and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is super important for getting a nice, even crust.
In a medium bowl, combine the prepared mustard (about 1 cup – I like using Dijon!), the brown sugar (1/2 cup – packed!), and the ground cloves (1 teaspoon – or more, if you're feeling bold!). Whisk it all together until it's a smooth paste. My tip? Taste it! Adjust accordingly if you like a sweeter or more pungent flavor.
Now for the fun part! Use your pastry brush to generously coat the ham with the mustard mixture. Make sure you get every nook and cranny covered! It's like painting a masterpiece. I usually even go a little crazy. Don't judge.
Place the ham in your prepared roasting pan. Add about 1 cup of water or broth to the bottom of the pan, to prevent the ham from drying out. This is key to keeping it nice and juicy.
Roast the ham for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound. Remember what I said about the internal temperature? Yes, check it constantly using a meat thermometer! It should register 145°F (63°C). If it's not done, just keep roasting until it is. My old ham used to take forever! This one was super fast. Who knows.
Once the ham reaches the correct internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister and more flavorful ham.
Carve the ham and serve! It tastes even better when paired with some festive sides, like mashed potatoes or green beans. Enjoy! This is my fave recipe for holiday's!

📝 Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mustard glaze.
If you're using a pre-cooked ham, reduce the cooking time significantly. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it's safe to eat.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months