Christmas Ham Joulukinkku

Celebrate the holiday season in true Nordic style with Christmas Ham Joulukinkku, a traditional Finnish delicacy that will elevate your festive feast. This slow-roasted bone-in cured ham is expertly flavored with aromatic whole cloves and finished with a golden, caramelized crust of Dijon mustard, dark brown sugar, buttery breadcrumbs, and a hint of Scandinavian charm. Tender and juicy, the ham is cooked low and slow to achieve maximum succulence, creating a show-stopping centerpiece for your Christmas dinner table. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this irresistible dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, making it a versatile and unforgettable addition to your holiday menu. Indulge in the rich flavors and time-honored techniques of this festive classic—ideal for gatherings with family and friends.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:300 mins

Total Time:320 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 4 kg bone-in cured ham
• 3 liters water
• 15 pieces whole cloves
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter (melted)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 100°C (212°F).

Step 2

Rinse the ham thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess curing salt. Pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 3

Place the ham in a large roasting pan with the skin-side up. Pour in 3 liters of water, ensuring the bottom of the pan is covered. Insert the whole cloves into the top of the ham, spacing them evenly.

Step 4

Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil or a lid. Transfer to the preheated oven and cook for approximately 5 hours (or about 75 minutes per kg). The internal temperature of the ham should reach at least 70°C (158°F).

Step 5

Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and carefully peel off the skin while leaving a thin layer of fat. Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (392°F).

Step 6

In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard and dark brown sugar until well combined. Brush this mixture evenly over the surface of the ham.

Step 7

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the mustard layer, pressing gently to help them adhere. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the breadcrumbs.

Step 8

Place the ham back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and crisp.

Step 9

Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature as the centerpiece of your Christmas feast.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(7200.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6417.5

Total Fat 255.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 95.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 2062mg	0%
Sodium 49986.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 131.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.4g	0%
Total Sugars 92.5g
Protein 847.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 648.7mg	0%
Iron 34.8mg	0%
Potassium 10866.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.0%

Protein: 54.6%

Carbs: 8.5%