Honey-Glazed Christmas Ham
AI-generated image
Gluten-free British

Honey-Glazed Christmas Ham

A British Christmas centerpiece made from a gently simmered gammon joint, then roasted under a glossy honey, mustard, and brown sugar glaze until bronzed and fragrant. Orange and cloves bring classic festive warmth without overpowering the pork.

170 min 8 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Place the gammon in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add half of the orange zest and juice, bring just to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and simmer for 1 hour 45 minutes, until a skewer enters easily and the center reaches at least 63°C.
2
Heat the oven to 200°C. Lift the gammon onto a board and cool for 10 minutes, reserving 120 ml of the cooking liquid. Remove the rind with a sharp knife, leaving an even layer of fat.
3
Score the fat in a diamond pattern, cutting through the fat but not into the meat. Press the cloves into several diamond intersections, then place the joint in a foil-lined roasting tin.
4
Whisk the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, remaining orange zest and juice, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid in a small bowl until smooth.
5
Brush half of the glaze over the scored fat. Roast for 20 minutes, then brush with the remaining glaze and roast for 15 to 20 minutes more, rotating the tin once, until deeply golden and the thickest part reaches at least 63°C.
Bronzed honey-glazed Christmas ham with a scored clove-studded crust AI-generated image
6
Transfer the ham to a board, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 20 minutes so the juices settle and the glaze firms. Slice across the grain and serve warm or at room temperature.
Sliced honey-glazed Christmas ham showing its tender center AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

Simmering keeps the cured pork succulent while removing excess salt; the final hot roast concentrates the honey-mustard glaze into a lacquered, aromatic crust.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cool leftovers within 2 hours, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 2 months.

How to reheat it

Reheat sliced ham covered with foil in a 160°C oven with a splash of water until steaming hot, or serve leftovers cold. Avoid repeatedly reheating the whole joint.

Nutrition / serving

596kcal
58.84 gprotein
21.74 gcarbs
31.05 gfat
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Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 14 Aug 2026 · updated 14 Aug 2026