Christmas Ham Recipes: Festive, Juicy & Glaze‑Perfect
Looking to impress your family this year with the ultimate Glazed Christmas ham? Whether you're after a sweet traditional glaze or something a bit bold and boozy with brandy rum or spiced rum, these recipes have got you sorted — and yep, there’ll be plenty leftover for Boxing Day sandwiches. Let’s break it down so your ham game is strong this festive season.
1. Why Christmas Ham Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
It’s not just meat. A well-cooked smoked ham brings warmth, nostalgia, and that perfect festive aroma. It’s the centrepiece of many Aussie family tables, a comfort food you can prep ahead, serve hot or cold, and use up in dozens of ways (hello, leftover ham toasties).
2. What Ham Should You Choose?
Look for free-range ham with good fat marbling. A bone-in smoked ham delivers richer flavour and stays moist during cooking.
- Cook time: Around 20 mins per kg at 160°C, depending on your oven.
- Preparation time: Allow 15–20 mins for scoring and glazing.
- Choose a ham with the bone (ham bones = epic soup later!).
3. Must-Know Tips Before You Start
Before you even reach for the roasting dish, let’s get the basics right:
- Score the fat: Light diamond shapes help glaze stick and fat render.
- Remove the rind carefully — keep that thin fat layer underneath.
- Line your tray with baking paper to make clean-up easier.
- Use a meat thermometer to track cook time precisely.
4. Traditional Glazed Ham: Your Trusty Favourite
The Traditional Glazed Ham from Super Butcher is perfect if you’re after familiar, nostalgic flavours. Made with brown sugar, mustard, and golden syrup — it’s simple and timeless.
Decorate with cloves, pop it on a wooden board, and watch it become the showpiece.
5. Citrus-Glazed Baked Ham: A Zesty Crowd-Pleaser
Want a lighter, fresher twist? This version brings orange juice, lemon zest, and marmalade together for a bright, tangy bite.
Pairs beautifully with fresh seasonal ingredients like green beans, roasted carrots or a summer salad.
6. Pineapple Chipotle Ham Glaze: Bold & Smoky
Here’s a punchy glaze with sweet heat: pineapple juice, cherry, and a cheeky drizzle of spiced rum or brandy rum (your call!). Glaze generously, then bake until sticky.
Best served hot, but even better cold on Boxing Day with crusty bread and mustard.
7. The Cooking Process Made Simple
- Preheat oven: 160–180°C
- Set ham in a foil-lined roasting dish with a bit of water at the bottom
- Baste every 20 mins with glaze
- Bake uncovered for that shiny, caramelised finish
- Rest before carving into juicy slices of ham
8. Boxing Day: Leftover Ham = Endless Possibilities
That leftover ham is pure gold. Here’s what you can whip up:
- Ham & cheese toasties
- Pasta with ham bones broth
- Summer quiche with seasonal ingredients
- Sliced deli ham sandwiches with pickles and mustard
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–5 days, or freeze in batches.
9. Presentation Tips That Pop
Serve your ham sliced or whole on a wooden board. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, cranberries, or fresh citrus slices for an eye-catching finish.
Don’t forget a carving knife and tongs — it’s a show, not just dinner.
10. Pair It With... Everything!
A Glazed Christmas ham shines with:
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Honey-glazed carrots
- Beetroot and feta salad
- Creamy mustard or fruit chutney
And of course, a cheeky glass of spiced rum punch.
Final Thoughts
No matter your skill level, with these recipes from Super Butcher, you’ll glide through the cooking process like a pro. Choose from the traditional, citrus, or pineapple chipotle glazes, grab quality ingredients, and get ready to carve into perfect slices of ham.
This Christmas, your Glazed Christmas ham won’t just be a dish. It'll be a story shared, a tradition continued, and yes — the reason you’ll want leftover ham for days.
FAQs
Q1: How long should I cook my ham?
A: About 20 minutes per kg at 160°C. Always go by internal temp — aim for 60–70°C.
Q2: Can I prep the glaze ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Most glazes store well for a week in the fridge. Just reheat gently before applying.
Q3: What’s the best way to use ham bones?
A: Simmer them with onion, celery, and herbs to make a hearty broth — great for pea and ham soup!
Q4: Should I use baking paper or foil in the tray?
A: Both! Line with baking paper and then cover the top with foil to lock in moisture while baking.
Q5: What’s the difference between deli ham and Christmas ham?
A: Deli ham is pre-sliced and processed. Christmas ham is often bone-in, cooked whole, and has a richer flavour from glazing and roasting.