A Festive Keto Christmas Delight: Glazed Ham and Low-Carb Comfort Sides

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the joy of sharing delicious meals with loved ones. As someone who has embraced the keto lifestyle, I’ve often wondered how to combine tradition with my dietary preferences. This year, I decided to tackle that challenge head-on, creating a festive, keto-friendly Christmas menu that everyone—keto or not—could enjoy. Let me tell you, the results were nothing short of magical!

Imagine a succulent glazed ham with a perfectly caramelized, sweet-savory crust as your centerpiece, surrounded by comforting low-carb sides like creamy garlicky cauliflower mash and aromatic cauliflower stuffing. These recipes bring the holiday cheer without sacrificing your keto goals. Let's dive in!

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What Makes This Menu Special

This keto Christmas menu stands out because it combines traditional holiday flavors with low-carb ingenuity. The glazed ham captures the essence of holiday feasting, featuring a keto-friendly glaze that’s rich, tangy, and slightly sweet. The sides are equally show-stopping: creamy cauliflower mash that mimics classic mashed potatoes and stuffing made with cauliflower florets, packed with the warmth of holiday spices.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or contributing to a potluck, these recipes are designed to impress. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

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Why You’ll Love These Recipes

• Festive and Delicious: Brings the classic Christmas flavors without the carbs.
• Make-Ahead Options: Perfect for reducing holiday stress—prep components in advance!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by keto and non-keto eaters alike.
• Versatile: Easy to adapt to other dietary needs or personal preferences.
• Easy to Prepare: No complicated techniques—just straightforward, foolproof steps.

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Essential Information

Prep Time:

• Glazed Ham: 15 minutes
• Low-Carb Sides: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

• Glazed Ham: 2-3 hours
• Sides: 45 minutes

Total Time:

• Ham and Sides: 3-4 hours

Servings:
8-10 people

Calories (Per Serving):
Varies based on portions and sides (approx. 300-400 for ham and sides combined).

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Equipment Needed

• For the Ham:
  • Large roasting pan
  • Foil for covering
  • Basting brush
• For the Sides:
  • Medium pot (for boiling cauliflower)
  • Food processor or blender
  • Large baking dish (for stuffing)

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Ingredients

Glazed Ham

• Ham: 8-10 pounds, bone-in or boneless
• Keto-friendly sweetener: ½ cup (erythritol or allulose work best)
• Mustard: 2 tablespoons
• Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
• Spices: ½ teaspoon each of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg

Low-Carb Cauliflower Mash

• Cauliflower florets: 2 large heads, chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves
• Butter: 3 tablespoons
• Heavy cream: ¼ cup
• Salt and pepper: To taste

Cauliflower Stuffing

• Cauliflower florets: 1 large head, chopped
• Celery: 3 stalks, diced
• Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Broth: ½ cup (chicken or vegetable)
• Herbs: 1 teaspoon each of sage, thyme, and rosemary

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Expert Tips

1. For the Glaze: Heat the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan before applying to ensure even consistency.
2. Cauliflower Mash Texture: Drain cauliflower thoroughly after boiling to avoid watery mash.
3. Stuffing Aroma: Sauté celery and onions until golden for a deeper, richer flavor.
4. Ham Juiciness: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to lock in juices.
5. Make Ahead: Both the mash and stuffing can be prepped a day in advance and reheated.

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Instructions

Glazed Ham

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface with shallow cuts.
3. Mix glaze ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth.
4. Brush half the glaze over the ham and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 2-3 hours, basting with remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
6. Remove foil for the final 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

Cauliflower Mash

1. Boil cauliflower and garlic in salted water until tender (about 10 minutes).
2. Drain and transfer to a food processor.
3. Add butter, cream, salt, and pepper; blend until smooth.

Cauliflower Stuffing

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté celery and onion in butter until translucent.
3. Add cauliflower and herbs, cook for 5 minutes.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, add broth, and bake for 30 minutes.

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Variations and Substitutions

Dietary Adaptations

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and olive oil in the mash.
• Vegan: Swap ham for a roasted stuffed squash.

Flavor Variations

• Add a dash of smoked paprika to the mash for a smoky twist.
• Include cranberries in the stuffing for a festive touch.

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Serving Suggestions

• Garnish the ham with fresh herbs or orange slices.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Serve with sparkling water or a keto-friendly holiday cocktail.

This keto-friendly Christmas feast is sure to become a holiday tradition in your home. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the joy of creating something that brings everyone together. Happy holidays, and happy cooking!