Sweet and Savoury Twists: Glaze Ideas for Your Christmas Ham

I’ve always thought a glazed ham brings something special to the Christmas table – hearty, generous, and just the thing for feeding a crowd. It’s one of those centrepieces that doesn’t need overcomplicating, but a well-chosen glaze can make all the difference. Whether you lean towards something sweet, savoury, or with a bit of seasonal spice, there are plenty of easy ways to add flavour.

Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of flavour combinations – some traditional, some a little different – and I’m always amazed at how a few simple ingredients can completely transform the final result. So, if you’re thinking about glazing your ham this Christmas, here are a few ideas from my kitchen to yours.

Getting the Balance Right

A great glaze is all about finding the right balance between sweet and savoury. You want something that complements the saltiness of the ham without overpowering it. The glaze should enhance the meat – not mask it.

If you’re leaning towards something sweet, you can’t go wrong with a honey and mustard glaze. I usually go for a good runny honey with a couple of teaspoons of wholegrain mustard. It’s simple but never fails – slightly sticky, slightly sharp, and a lovely golden finish once baked.

For something more savoury, a rosemary and garlic glaze works wonders. Finely chop the rosemary, crush a few garlic cloves, and stir it all into a bit of olive oil or softened butter. The flavours are subtle but give the ham a lovely depth – especially if you’re not after anything too sweet.

And for those wanting a true festive twist, I’d recommend trying a mulled wine glaze. Simmer a little red wine with a cinnamon stick, a few cloves, orange peel and a star anise. Add a spoonful of brown sugar and brush it over the ham in the final stages of cooking. It smells as good as it tastes and brings a bit of seasonal warmth to the table.

A Few of My Favourite Glazes

Classic Honey-Glazed Ham

This one’s always a winner. I start by scoring the fat in a criss-cross pattern – it helps the glaze seep in and gives that lovely caramelised finish. I mix honey with brown sugar, a dash of mustard, and a pinch of ground cloves. Brush it on during the last 30–40 minutes of roasting, reapplying every ten minutes or so.

Maple and Orange

A lovely combination if you fancy something slightly lighter. The sweetness of the maple syrup pairs beautifully with the freshness of orange zest and juice. I sometimes add a bit of cinnamon or a few crushed pink peppercorns for a little warmth. It’s fragrant, a bit different, and absolutely delicious.

Bourbon and Peach

Now, this one’s a popular choice amongst some of our friends. A touch of bourbon mixed with peach jam or chutney makes for a glaze that’s smoky, fruity, and full of character. It’s a bit unexpected on a British Christmas table – but once people taste it, they’re always asking for the recipe. Just not one for the children!

A Few Handy Tips for Christmas Cooking

I know how much effort goes into putting on a proper Christmas spread – and it can all feel a bit much if you’re not organised. Here are a few things I always keep in mind:

• Plan ahead – I jot down the menu and shopping list a week or two beforehand. It keeps things calm and helps avoid those last-minute dashes to the shop.

• Get a head start – Most side dishes (and even some glazes) can be made ahead. It’s amazing how much more relaxed you’ll feel on the day if a few things are already done.

• Timing is everything – Work backwards from when you want to serve and note down when everything needs to go in the oven. Saves a lot of guesswork later on.

• Let it rest – Once your ham comes out of the oven, let it sit for at least 20 minutes. It helps the juices settle, making it even more tender.

• Keep it simple – Not every dish needs to be elaborate. A few well-prepared sides and a good ham are more than enough to impress.

So, whether you're sticking with a classic glaze or trying something new this year, the most important thing is sharing good food with the people you care about. I hope you have a lovely Christmas – and that your ham takes pride of place on the table.

Our Wiltshire Ham

The Copas Farm Shop Wiltshire Ham is cooked, ready to eat and available to pre-order now so don't miss out whilst stocks last as our ham is very popular!

Warm festive wishes from all of us here at the farm shop.