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Best Christmas Ham Recipe
Why choose Christmas ham?
Christmas ham is the hero of the holiday table. Known for its juicy, tender meat and sweet, glossy glaze, this festive classic brings everyone together. Our recipe uses premium Christmas hams from Grange Meat Co., ensuring you get the highest quality product for the centrepiece of your festive feast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning for days of leftovers, a glazed Christmas ham is both practical and impressive.
Selecting the right ingredients
The key to a perfect ham is starting with great produce and a balanced glaze. Here’s what you’ll need for your Christmas ham recipe:
- Ham: Choose a bone-in or half ham from Grange Meat Co. for maximum flavour.
- Cloves: Whole cloves add a subtle spice and look beautiful studded in the scored fat.
- Glaze base: Honey or maple syrup for sweetness, combined with mustard for tang.
- Sugar: Brown sugar helps caramelise the glaze.
Fruit juice: Orange or pineapple juice brightens the flavour.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole leg ham (about 4–5kg)
- ¼ cup whole cloves
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup orange juice
Order your Christmas Ham from Grange Meat Co.
Order ingredients:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a classic Christmas ham:
- Prepare your ham
Remove the skin by running a small sharp knife under the rind, leaving a thin layer of fat. Score the fat in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Stud with cloves at the intersections.
- Make the glaze
Combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, and orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 160°C. Line a large roasting pan with foil and place a rack inside to elevate the ham.
- Bake the ham
Brush the ham generously with half of the glaze. Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, basting every 20 minutes with more glaze, until glossy and caramelised.
- Rest before carving
Remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before carving. This ensures the juices redistribute and every slice stays moist.
- Serve
Serve your ham warm with roast vegetables, salads, and crusty bread, or enjoy it cold on Boxing Day sandwiches.
Tips for the perfect Christmas ham
- Pat the ham dry before scoring and glazing to help the glaze stick.
- Baste frequently. This builds up a glossy, caramelised finish.
- If you prefer a stronger flavour, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or bourbon to the glaze.
- Save the bone for a traditional pea and ham soup after Christmas.
Perfect pairings for Christmas ham
Christmas ham pairs beautifully with:
- Roast potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Tangy coleslaw
- Fresh green salads with citrus dressing
- Cranberry relish or chutney
How do I keep Christmas ham moist?
Wrap leftovers in a clean ham bag or tea towel soaked in water and vinegar. Refresh every 2–3 days and keep refrigerated.
Can I glaze a pre-cooked ham?
Yes, most Christmas hams are already cooked or smoked. You’re reheating and adding flavour with the glaze rather than cooking it through.
What size ham do I need?
Plan for about 250–300g of ham per person if it’s the main protein on the table.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the glaze 1–2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm slightly before using so it brushes on easily.
Now that you know how to prepare the perfect Christmas ham using quality produce from Grange Meat Co., you’re ready to impress at your festive gathering. This recipe delivers a juicy, golden ham that will be the star of your holiday table.
