Belizean Holiday Ham Recipe

Belizeans know how to celebrate, and there’s no better way to bring family together during the holidays than around a beautifully glazed holiday ham. Growing up in Belize in the 1990s, we didn’t have access to ham year-round—it was a rare treat reserved for the most special occasions. Christmas was the highlight of the year when the fragrant aroma of a ham roasting in the oven filled the air, signaling that the festive season had truly begun. Imported from the U.S. or Mexico, hams were a symbol of togetherness, carefully prepared with tropical flavors that reflected our vibrant culture. This recipe is inspired by those cherished memories of holiday gatherings in Belize, where food was not just sustenance but a celebration of family and tradition.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (for an 8-pound ham)
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Estimated Nutrition (per serving): 350 calories, 12g fat, 45g carbs, 15g protein

Belizean Holiday Ham Recipe Ingredients

• 1 cup dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar with 1 tsp molasses)
• ½ cup pineapple juice (reserved from canned pineapple slices)
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• ½ cup honey
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices
• 1 jar maraschino cherries
• Whole cloves (optional, for decoration)

Ham Recipe Instructions

1. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, mustard, and honey until well combined. Set aside.
2. Score the Ham:
   • Place the ham on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. If desired, insert a clove into each corner of the diamonds for added flavor.
3. Roast the Ham:
   • Add about 1 inch of water to the pan and cover tightly with foil. Roast the ham in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 15 minutes per pound.
4. Apply the Glaze:
   • In the last hour of cooking, remove the foil. Brush the ham with the glaze and decorate with pineapple slices and cherries, securing them with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Finish Baking:
   • Continue baking uncovered, basting with the glaze every 15 minutes, until the ham is glossy and golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 140°F (60°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
   • Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with the pineapple and cherries as a garnish.

Belizean Holiday Ham Recipe

Nothing brings the spirit of Belizean holidays to life quite like the taste of a perfectly glazed ham, adorned with sweet pineapple slices and cherries. This dish carries the warmth and joy of Christmas gatherings, reminding us of the importance of family, love, and shared traditions. Whether you’re celebrating in Belize or bringing a taste of the tropics to your own holiday table, this ham is sure to be the centerpiece of your festivities. Enjoy every bite, and may it create cherished memories for you and your loved ones, just as it has for generations in Belize.