Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free, Show-Stopping Christmas Ham
Blog Article
A glazed ham is the show-stopping centrepiece of any Christmas table. But between the prep, the glaze and the timing, it can feel a little daunting. These simple tips will help you create a beautifully caramelised ham while still leaving you time to enjoy the day with your guests.
1. Start with the right ham
A delicious ham begins long before the glaze. Choose a ham that feels plump and firm rather than soft or spongy. Select the size that suits your gathering – whether you are feeding a full table or hosting a smaller celebration.
Otway Pork offers a range of award-winning hams to suit every occasion. Explore the range here.
2. Prep ahead to stay relaxed on the day
A small amount of preparation on Christmas Eve will make Christmas Day far smoother. Pat it dry with a paper towel and take the skin off the ham by sliding a finger underneath the rind and running your finger along it like you are opening the flap of an envelope.
3. No one likes dry ham, so keep it steamy
To prevent your ham drying out, pour water into the base of your roasting pan and place the ham on a rack so it sits above the liquid. This creates a steamy environment that keeps everything tender and succulent.
4. Glaze, glaze, glaze
A good glaze balances sweetness, fruit and spice. Use a base liquid such as apple cider vinegar, add sweetness such as brown sugar or honey, a fruit element such as orange, and a warm spice such as cinnamon or clove.
Find some of our favourite ham glazes here.
5. Save some room, cook it on the barbecue
Keep your oven free and use your barbecue to cook your ham. Not only will your barbecue create a delicious, caramelised crust on your ham, it will also free up your oven for roast vegetables, roast pork or dessert!
6. Take a moment, let it rest
Once finished cooking, it’s important to rest your ham. Create a tent over the ham with tin foil to keep it warm for around 15-20 minutes depending on the size. This helps the juices settle and makes slicing easier.
7. It’s time to feast! Slice and devour
Slice just enough to serve your guests and leave the remaining ham whole. This keeps the ham fresher, juicier and perfect for seconds, or leftovers.
8. Keep it fresh for longer
To store your ham, dip a ham bag or pillowcase in a solution of 2 cups cold water and 2 tbsp vinegar, wring it out and place the ham inside. Rinse and re-dip the bag every two days to keep it moist and fresh.
With these tips, your Christmas ham will be glossy, succulent and full of bright festive flavour – an effortless hero for your holiday table.
