Christmas Smoked Leg

Christmas Smoked Ham Recipe

Hello! We are going to prepare a Christmas smoked ham that will become the jewel of your celebrations. This dish combines the Smoked Flavors with that traditional touch of Christmas Delights, delivering an intense flavor and a perfect texture that will captivate everyone. It is ideal for those looking for a juicy dish full of festive aromas for their dinner.

Preparation time

The process of this recipe is designed to respect every detail and achieve the Perfect Ham on your table.

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Marinating and smoking: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Final baking and glazing: 40 minutes
• Total: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 to 15 servings
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

For the ham and marinade

• 1 smoked pork leg of approximately 4-5 kg
• Juice of 2 oranges
• 3 tablespoons of honey
• 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 10 cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil

For garnish (optional)

• Pineapple slices
• Cherries
• Grapes

If you don't have Dijon mustard, you can substitute it with common yellow mustard without losing the essence of the flavor. For the honey, a light honey is preferable so that it doesn't overpower the other flavors.

Utensils we will use

• Deep and sturdy baking tray
• Kitchen brush
• Small pan to prepare the glaze
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Good quality aluminum foil
• Skewers or brochettes for decoration (optional)

Preparation

1. Prepare the ham and make decorative incisions

1. Clean the cut: Remove excessive fat and skin if it has any so that the flavor is purer and the marinade penetrates better.
2. Make diamond-shaped cuts: With a sharp knife, make shallow cuts all over the surface of the leg, forming a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze and aromas to be absorbed correctly.
3. Insert cloves: Place the cloves in some of the intermediate points of the cuts to enhance the aroma during cooking.

2. Marinate and wrap the ham

1. Mix the marinade: Combine the orange juice, honey, mustard, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks until well integrated.
2. Brush the leg: Spread the mixture over the entire surface of the leg, ensuring it penetrates the cuts and created spaces.
3. Wrap with aluminum foil: Place the leg in the baking pan and cover it completely with aluminum foil, making sure it is well sealed so that the juice does not evaporate during baking and smoking.

3. Bake and smoke the ham

1. Prepare the oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and place the pan in the center.
2. Add hot water: Pour a little hot water into the base of the pan, this creates humidity and helps keep the meat juicy.
3. Covered cooking: Cook for 2 hours and 30 minutes with the aluminum foil, maintaining a constant temperature and occasionally basting with the juices to intensify the flavor.

4. Glaze and finish cooking

1. Remove the aluminum foil: Carefully remove the leg to prevent the meat from losing juices.
2. Prepare the frosting: In a small saucepan, mix honey, mustard, and a little sugar; heat until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes shiny.
3. Brush the leg: Cover the entire leg with the glaze and return to the oven for 20 minutes so that the crust caramelizes and acquires that characteristic festive shine.
4. Decorate: Insert pineapple slices and cherries into the cuts for a festive presentation. Surround with fresh grapes for an additional detail.

To finish and serve

After removing the leg from the oven, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes so that the juices redistribute and the meat becomes juicier. Serve hot, preferably on a large platter, accompanied by mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or fresh salad to balance the texture. The combination of Festive Aromas and the Smoked Freshness will make it an unforgettable dish in your Smoked House. Also try other Christmas preparations from the recipe book such as the glazed carrots to complete your table with flavor and color.

Tips for achieving the perfect smoked ham for Christmas

• Choose a cut with marbled fat: Fat contributes to juiciness and flavor, essential for tender meat.
• Marinate in advance: At least 12 hours in citrus juices and spices to enhance texture and aroma.
• Control the internal temperature: Use a thermometer to not exceed 70°C and prevent the leg from drying out.
• Shiny glaze: The mixture of honey and mustard creates a much-appreciated sweet and caramelized surface.
• Decorate with fruits: Pineapple, cherries, and grapes not only add flavor, but also color and sophistication.
• Let the meat rest: A 15-minute rest improves the texture when cutting.
• Use firm aluminum foil: Ensures the marinade doesn't escape and the meat remains tender and juicy.

Remember that patience and details play a decisive role in achieving that Christmas Temptation everyone awaits. If you want to expand your repertoire of tasty dishes for these dates, visit our Christmas cookbook of magical flavors where you will find proposals that will perfectly complement your Leg and Seasoning.

Ideal moments to enjoy the Christmas smoked ham

This recipe shines at family gatherings and large celebrations typical of Christmas and New Year. Its preparation can be done in advance, which facilitates the logistics of your event and allows you to calmly enjoy the gathering. In 2025, smoked leg reaffirms itself as a unifying tradition, creating a warm atmosphere thanks to its unmistakable aroma and flavor. It is also special for long weekend events where you want a main dish that captivates on its own. The combination of Smoked Flavors and the freshness of the accompanying fruits make each bite represent the perfect union of tradition and creativity.

To complement, it is recommended to prepare simple yet impactful side dishes like the delights found in recipes such as the lamb mixiote, which add variety of flavor without complicating your preparations.

Simplify excellence: 5 keys to make your Christmas smoked ham perfect

• Select a cut with good fat: Good marbling ensures juiciness and authentic flavor.
• Marinate with spices and citrus: These ingredients tenderize the meat and provide layers of flavor.
• Cook at a constant temperature: Avoid high heat spikes to maintain tender texture.
• Maintain humidity during baking: Placing water in the pan helps preserve juices.
• Glaze at the end for a shiny finish: This way you get that caramelized and tasty crust that everyone loves.

These tips will not only save your preparation, but will enhance the Taste of Christmas with a gourmet and homemade touch that will fascinate your guests.

Inspiration to accompany your ham: complementary Christmas recipes

• Chilorio: To add a touch of spicy and traditional flavor alongside a main dish.
• Short rib with tamarind and pasilla sauce: Combines perfectly with the smoked leg due to its rich and creamy sauce.
• Glazed carrots: Their sweetness is an excellent contrast to the intensity of the leg.

These accompaniments will balance the flavors and make your Christmas table a true feast for the senses.