Cooking a Christmas ham is a festive tradition that brings family and friends together. A juicy, tender ham with a caramelised glaze is the centrepiece of any Christmas dinner, combining sweet and savoury flavours in perfect harmony. Whether you're new to the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this guide fromHalswell Butchery will show you how to cook a Christmas ham and prepare the best glaze for a memorable holiday feast.

Choosing the Right Ham

Selecting the perfect ham is the first step toward a delicious festive ham. Options include:

• Bone-in ham: Known for its flavour and traditional presentation.
• Boneless ham: Easier to carve, ideal for effortless serving.
• Smoked ham: Adds a distinct, rich flavour.
• Half leg or whole ham: Depending on the size of your gathering.

Look for a ham with a good amount of fat for creating those signature fat diamonds, which help the glaze seep into the meat for maximum flavour.

Preparing Your Ham for Cooking

Start by prepping the ham:

• Remove the ham rind carefully using a small sharp knife. Leave a thin layer of fat for basting.
• Score the fat in a diamond pattern, ensuring the glaze penetrates deeply.
• Prepare ahead by letting the ham sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking.

Pro Tip: Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts without piercing the meat.

How to Cook a Christmas Ham

Cooking your ham to perfection involves patience and precision:

• Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
• Place the ham in a large baking dish or roasting pan lined with baking paper or parchment paper.
• Cover loosely with aluminium foil and bake for about 20 minutes per kilogram.
• During the last 30 minutes, apply the glaze and bake uncovered to achieve that golden sticky coating.
• Baste the ham with pan juices every 15 minutes during glazing for extra flavour.

Creating the Perfect Ham Glaze

The best glazed ham starts with a balanced recipe. Popular options include:

• Brown sugar and honey glaze for a classic sweet profile.
• Maple glaze with Dijon mustard for a rich, tangy flavour.
• Pineapple juice and whole cloves for a tropical twist.

Here is a winning glaze recipe that you may like to try this year.

Maple-Bourbon Ham Glaze Recipe:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)

Combine ingredients over low heat until the sugar dissolves, and let cool slightly before applying.

Glazing a Ham Like a Pro

Follow these steps for a caramelised glaze:

• Brush the ham generously all over with the prepared glaze.
• Add slices of pineapple rings or drizzle extra fruit juice for added flavour.
• Bake uncovered at 180°C (350°F) for 15–30 minutes, applying more glaze every 10 minutes.
• Watch for the glaze to turn sticky and golden brown.

Pro Tip: Lightly caramelise the glaze with a kitchen torch for the ultimate finish.

Serving and Storing Your Christmas Ham

After cooking:

• Let the ham rest for 15 minutes in the ham juices.
• Slice thinly or into thick slices, depending on preference.
• Serve with sides like roasted vegetables and fresh salads for a complete Christmas lunch or Christmas dinner.

Leftover ham? Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to five days. Boxing Day sandwiches never tasted so good!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the best cooking method for a Christmas ham?

A1. Baking is the most popular method for its even cooking and caramelised glaze. A baked ham is the type used when following a typical Kiwi Christmas ham recipe.

Q2. What type of ham is best for Christmas?

A2. A bone-in ham or a half-leg ham offers the best flavour and presentation.

Q3. What is ham glaze made of?

A3. A ham glaze typically combines sweet and savoury ingredients to enhance the flavour of your ham. A classic glazed ham recipe includes brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup paired with tangy elements like Dijon mustard or citrus juices like orange juice. For a rich and flavorful mustard glaze, mix Dijon mustard, soft brown sugar, and a splash of fruit juice for a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

Q4. How do you glaze a piece of ham?

A4. Apply the glaze over the ham during the final 30 minutes of cooking, brushing every 10 minutes for a sticky coating.

Cooking a Christmas ham is simpler than you might think, especially with the right preparation and a delicious glaze recipe. Follow these steps, and you'll impress your guests with a beautiful and delicious centrepiece.

Order Your Christmas Ham Today!