Ah, the holidays! A time for joy, laughter, and the inevitable food coma that follows a hearty Christmas feast. If you’re anything like me, the star of your festive table is none other than the gloriously succulent (Finnish) Christmas ham. But hold onto your Santa hats, folks—this isn’t your grandma’s ham recipe. Nope, I’ve taken this traditional Finnish favorite and given it a carnivore twist that’ll have you singing “Jingle Bells” all the way to the dinner table.
You see, while the classic recipe calls for breadcrumbs and keto enthusiasts might opt for almond flour, I’ve discovered the ultimate fiber-free, carnivore-approved alternative: crushed pork rinds. Yes, you read that right. Pork on pork action, baby! This ingenious swap not only keeps things keto-friendly but also adds an irresistible crunch that will leave your taste buds caroling with joy.
Happy feasting, and may your holidays be as crispy and savory as your new favorite ham recipe!
FAQ: Pork Rind Crusted Christmas Ham
Welcome to the FAQ section of my Pork Rind Crusted Christmas Ham recipe—where all your burning questions (and a few delightfully absurd ones) get answered! Whether you’re wondering if serenading your ham will make it taste better, or if you can name your ham before cooking it, I’ve got you covered. So grab a cup of low-carb eggnog from my Low-Sugar, So Simple book, put on your Santa hat, and dive into the hilarity and helpfulness below.
Can I use any type of ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! Whether you’ve got a spiral-cut, bone-in, or boneless ham, this recipe will turn it into a festive masterpiece. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before you start because nobody wants a raw surprise on Christmas Day.
Why pork rinds?
Great question! Pork rinds add an amazing crunch and are a fiber-free, zero-carb alternative to traditional breadcrumbs or keto almond flour. Plus, who can resist the idea of double pork? It’s like the ham is wearing a delicious, crispy coat.
My ham looks too pretty to eat. Can I use it as a Christmas centerpiece instead?
While your ham might be the most beautiful thing on the table, I recommend eating it. But hey, snap a photo first and let it bask in its glory on social media!
Can I substitute the Dijon mustard with another type of mustard?
Sure thing! If Dijon isn’t your jam, feel free to use another mustard. Just avoid anything sugary to keep things low in carbs. If you fancy sweet mustard, try this easy mustard recipe.
What if I don’t have whole cloves for decorating?
No worries! You can skip the cloves or get creative with other festive decorations. Just don’t use anything inedible—those glittery Christmas ornaments might look cute, but they won’t taste very good.
Can I use this recipe for other holidays?
Of course! This ham is versatile enough to make an appearance at Easter, Thanksgiving, or even a random Tuesday when you’re feeling fancy. Who needs a special occasion for porky perfection?
Is it normal to feel an overwhelming sense of joy while eating this ham?
Totally normal. It’s the magic of Christmas and the deliciousness of the ham working together to bring you pure happiness. Enjoy every bite!
Is it okay to name my ham before cooking it?
Sure, if it makes you happy! Just remember, once it’s cooked, you’ll have to say goodbye. Naming your ham can add a fun, personal touch to your cooking experience. Just don’t get too attached.
Can I sing carols to my ham while it bakes?
Please do! Serenading your ham can only enhance the festive spirit. Just make sure to keep an eye on it—you don’t want it to get too carried away and overcook.
Can I use this recipe to bribe Santa for extra presents?
While Santa traditionally prefers cookies, I think a slice of this ham might just do the trick. After all, even Santa needs a break from sweets. Just make sure to leave a note explaining the switch-up!
Happy cooking, and may your Pork Rind Crusted Christmas Ham be the highlight of your holiday feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions: Pork Rind Crusted Christmas Ham
If your fully cooked ham has a rind, carefully trim it off, leaving as thick a layer of fat as you can. Fat equals flavor and nutrients, folks!
Smear a thick layer of unsweetened Dijon mustard all over the ham. Don’t be shy—get messy!
Place the mustard-slathered ham on a rack in a roasting pan or any oven-proof dish you’ve got lying around.
Press crushed pork rinds onto the ham, ensuring they stick well to the mustard.
Think of it as giving your ham a crunchy, porky coat.
Stick whole cloves into the ham in a decorative pattern.
It’s like bedazzling, but tastier.
Pop the ham into the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and roast for about 30—40 minutes…
…or until the pork rind crust is golden and crispy.
Remove the ham from the oven and let it cool down to room temperature. Patience, my friend.
Slice the ham and serve with your favorite carnivore holiday dishes. Relish the crunchy, savory pork rind crust that perfectly complements the juicy ham!
How I Came Up with This Carnivore Holiday Recipe
Picture this: it’s a chilly December evening, and I’m in the kitchen, pondering how to create the perfect Christmas ham. As a hardcore carnivore, I knew I needed to ditch the traditional breadcrumb crust or even keto almond flour crust for something more meaty and magnificent.
Suddenly, a lightbulb moment! I remembered the 67 bags of pork rinds I had to sell in my online store. It was like a porky prophecy—these crispy delights were destined to become the ultimate ham crust. It was a match made in carnivore heaven. But here’s the thing: traditional Finnish Christmas ham calls for a sweet mustard laden with sugar. Being a dedicated keto proponent, I couldn’t bear the thought of added sugars sneaking into my holiday feast.
That’s when I decided to break with tradition and reach for the trusty Dijon mustard instead. This sugar-free, tangy marvel would be my secret weapon, infusing the ham with flavor without compromising my low-carb ways.
Now, here’s where things get a bit chaotic. With a mile-long to-do list and not enough hours in the day, I had to get crafty. Instead of slaving away in the kitchen for hours, I decided to use a ready-cooked ham. A little shortcut never hurt anyone, right?
So, I slathered that ham in a generous layer of Dijon mustard, gave it a luxurious pork rind coat, and studded it with aromatic cloves. Into the oven it went, filling my home with the mouthwatering scent of the holidays.
And voilà! The Pork Rind Crusted Christmas Ham was born—a deliciously unconventional twist on a classic that saved me time, satisfied my carnivorous cravings and kept things sugar-free. Plus, it helped me to promote the pork rinds in my online store. Talk about a holiday miracle!
Here’s the recipe for you to enjoy:
Pork Rind Crusted Christmas Ham
Ah, the holidays! A time for joy, laughter, and the inevitable food coma that follows a hearty Christmas feast. If you’re anything like me, the star of your festive table is none other than the gloriously succulent (Finnish) Christmas ham. But hold onto your Santa hats, folks—this isn’t your grandma’s ham recipe. Nope, I’ve taken this traditional Finnish favorite and given it a carnivore twist that’ll have you singing “Jingle Bells” all the way to the dinner table.
You see, while the classic recipe calls for breadcrumbs and keto enthusiasts might opt for almond flour, I’ve discovered the ultimate fiber-free, carnivore-approved alternative: crushed pork rinds. Yes, you read that right. Pork on pork action, baby! This ingenious swap not only keeps things keto-friendly but also adds an irresistible crunch that will leave your taste buds caroling with joy.
Happy feasting, and may your holidays be as crispy and savory as your new favorite ham recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham
- unsweetened Dijon mustard
- crushed pork rinds
- whole cloves for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If the ham has a rind, carefully trim it off, leaving as thick a layer of fat as you can.
- Smear a thick layer of Dijon mustard all over the ham.
- Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan or in an oven-proof dish.
- Press the crushed pork rinds onto the ham, ensuring they adhere well to the surface. The mustard will help the pork rinds stick to the ham.
- Stick whole cloves onto the surface in a decorative pattern.
- Place the ham in the preheated oven and roast for about 30—40 minutes, or until the pork rind crust is golden and crispy.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Slice the ham and serve with your favorite dishes. Enjoy the crunchy, savory pork rind crust that perfectly complements the juicy ham!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases - without any extra costs for you.
-
EPIC Pink Himalayan Salt Pork Rinds, Keto Consumer Friendly, 4Ct Box 2.5oz bags (Pack of 4) -
Low Sugar, So Simple: 100 Delicious Low-Sugar, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Recipes for Eating Clean and Living Healthy -
Quick and Easy Low Sugar Recipes: Delicious Low-Carb Recipes for Crushing Cravings and Eating Clean -
365 by Whole Foods Market, Mustard Dijon Organic, 8 Ounce -
SPICE TRAIN, Handpicked Organic Cloves Whole (283g/10oz) USDA Certified Premium Cloves from South India in Resealable Zip Lock Pouch | Antioxidant, Perfect for Cooking, Smoothies, Pomander Balls & Tea
Tips for Variations
Looking to add a personal touch to your Pork Rind Crusted Christmas Ham? Here are some easy and delicious variations that cater to both carnivore and keto diets. Whether you’re a meat lover or a low-carb enthusiast, these creative twists will help you make this holiday main dish your own!
Carnivore Variations: Pork Rind Crusted Christmas Ham
1. Parmesan-crusted perfection: Replace the pork rinds with grated Parmesan cheese for a deliciously savory crust. It’s like giving your ham a cheesy, carnivore-approved makeover!
2. Bacon-crusted bliss: Swap out the pork rinds for crushed cooked bacon. Because the only thing better than a pork rind crust is a bacon crust! Your taste buds will be in porky paradise.
3. Prosciutto-wrapped wonder: Wrap the ham in thin slices of prosciutto before smearing with mustard and baking. It’s like a fancy Italian suit for your Christmas ham!
Keto Variations: Pork Rind Crusted Christmas Ham
1. Almond flour delight: Replace the pork rinds with almond flour for a nutty, keto-friendly crust that’ll add a delightful texture to your ham. It’s like a low-carb hug for your taste buds!
2. Herby heaven: Create a flavorful, keto-approved herb rub by mixing almond flour with dried rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of unrefined sea salt. Coat the mustard-smeared ham with this aromatic blend for a fragrant and savory crust.
3. Garlic-studded goodness: Cut small slits into the ham and insert thin slices of garlic before smearing with mustard and coating with almond flour. The garlic will infuse the ham with a delightful aroma and flavor, making it a keto-friendly feast for the senses!
Whether you’re a carnivore or a keto follower, these variations on the Pork Rind Crusted Christmas Ham recipe will help you create a holiday main dish that’s both delicious and tailored to your dietary preferences. So go ahead and give these tasty twists a try—your Christmas dinner guests will be thrilled by your creativity in the kitchen!
General Prattling
So, you might remember that I’m threatened by a 15,000€ fine by the local food safety authority here in Tampere because I dare to tell on my Finnish site that I have healed myself from various ailments with the keto diet.
Things are getting more interesting, as in 2022, I wrote a blog post for my previous company—also a keto food seller—detailing the benefits of the keto diet for various diseases. Strangely, the local food safety authority in the North Karelia region—where that company is located—hasn’t batted an eyelid at that text, which makes the whole situation even weirder.
So, this is the text that the Tampere food safety authority wants me to remove, and if I don’t, I might have to pay a 15,000€ fine:
“I have tackled various health issues with the help of the keto diet, including migraines, depression, panic disorder, eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia), joint pain, debilitating gastrointestinal problems, and hormonal symptoms (such as PMS).”
And here’s a snippet from the text I wrote in 2022 for my previous company’s site—which still exists:
“Scientific studies on the keto diet and ketosis have shown significant health benefits when a properly formulated keto diet is followed for extended periods. However, even short-term adherence can yield substantial results.
Research on keto has also been conducted in Finland. A 2020 Finnish study on the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with the keto diet found that after just six days of following a ketogenic diet, liver fat content had significantly decreased, and liver insulin resistance had improved. It’s baffling why such a significant study did not make headlines.
According to studies and personal testimonials, the keto diet has provided almost astonishing benefits for conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, neurological disorders, mental health issues, and even certain types of cancer. Anecdotal evidence suggests that there are hundreds of different conditions that can be positively impacted by the keto diet.
Significant work and long-term research are also being conducted by Virta Health, an American initiative led by Finnish entrepreneur Sami Inkinen. Their goal is to treat 100 million people with type 2 diabetes by 2025 through adherence to the keto diet. The project has published robust data on the benefits of the keto diet in managing type 2 diabetes and its complications.”
I’ve repeatedly told the Tampere authority that another authority hasn’t asked for the longer text to be removed, but they’ve completely ignored me. In a country like Finland, which is supposed to be civilized and democratic, it’s shocking that the Tampere authority is basically making up its own laws and violating the principle of non-discrimination set for authorities—a pretty serious offense.
So, I’ve hired a lawyer to help me fight against this illegal behavior. Wish me luck!
Looks great and very healthy, thanks for your good work
Thanks, Steve!
This Christmas ham looks delicious and I am sure that it is also.
The cloves also make it look great.
PS. I definitely have to try both this and the bacon-crusted variation.
PS. Good luck
Thank you so much for the comment and your kind wishes! I’m sure you’ll love both variations. Happy cooking and enjoy!