Here’s a fantastic glaze recipe for a hame on the bone that will make your Christmas centrepiece absolutely delicious. It combines sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours for a perfectly caramelised finish.

Ingredients:

For a 4-6 kg ham on the bone

  • 1 cup (250ml) orange juice
  • 1/2 cup (125ml) maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 cup (125g) brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smokey flavour)

Optional garnish:

  • Whole cloves for studding
  • Orange slices or fresh herbs for decoration

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the ham

  1. Preheat the oven: set your oven to 160C
  2. prepare the ham
  • Remove the skin from the ham, leaving a thin layer of fat.
  • Score the fat in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut into the meat.
  • (Optional) Stud each diamond of fat with a whole clove for extra aroma and visual appeal.

Step 2: Make the glaze

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, maple syrup (or honey), brown sugar, Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and smoked paprika.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Let it reduce for 5-7 minutes until thickened slightly.

Step 3: Glaze the ham

  1. Place the ham in a roasting pan lined with foil or baking paper (to catch drips and make cleanup easier)
  2. Brush the blaze generously over the ham ensuring it is fully coated.

Step 4: Roast the ham

  1. Roast the ham in the preheated oven for 1.5-2 hours, basting with the glaze every 20-30 minutes.
  2. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Step 5: Finish and serve

  1. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
  2. Garnish with orange slices, fresh herbs, or festive decorations if desired.

 

Pro Tips

  • Extra glaze: Serve any leftover glaze on the side as a sauce.
  • Make ahead: You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and reheat it before using.
  • Flavour boost: Add grated fresh ginger to the glaze for an extra zing.

This recipe will give you a tender, flavourful ham with a beautifully caramelised, sticky glaze that your guests will rave about.

Posted in Blog, Christmas

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