Glazed Holiday Ham

Glazed Holiday Ham is a celebratory centerpiece dish, typically a cured and smoked pork leg or butt coated in a sweet, sticky glaze. The glaze is most often made from a base of brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup, combined with spices like cloves, mustard, and sometimes pineapple juice or cola for acidity and depth. It is a traditional main course for festive gatherings in many Western countries, particularly the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, during holidays like Christmas and Easter.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein and fat, with the glaze contributing a significant amount of carbohydrates from sugar. It is a good source of B vitamins, particularly thiamine and niacin, as well as minerals like zinc and selenium. A typical serving (about 3-4 ounces or 85-113 grams) can range from 250 to 400 calories, depending on the cut and glaze richness.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	190 kcal
Protein	14 g
Carbs	10 g
Fat	10 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	9 g
Sodium	600 mg
Potassium	250 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Zinc	2.5 mg
Selenium	20 mcg
Iron	0.8 mg
Niacin (B3)	3.5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.5 mg

Per 3 oz (85 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the glazed ham symbolizes abundance and celebration, with its large size meant to feed a crowd. Nutritionally, while the glaze adds flavor, it also means the dish is high in sodium and added sugars, making it an indulgent treat rather than an everyday meal.