The Ultimate Christmas Ham Guide
The Christmas ham is the centrepiece of many an Australian family’s Christmas feast, and likely amongst the favourite things at the dinner table too! A beautifully glazed and succulent ham is a must-have for any festive table, but with so many options available, choosing, preparing, and glazing the perfect ham takes a little bit of work.
Thankfully, we at Melrina are experts when it comes to Christmas hams. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know to make your Christmas ham a masterpiece.
Choosing The Perfect Ham
Rather than rushing to the butcher at the last minute to grab the last of the available Christmas hams, it’s much better to plan in advance so that you have the pick of the best cuts available.
Bone-in, Or Boneless?
Not sure which one will be the biggest hit at the Christmas table? If you’re tossing up between the two, the first thing to note is that bone-in hams retain more moisture and flavour than the boneless variety, making them a mouth-watering choice. However, they are more difficult to carve, since you’re working around a bone through the middle of the ham. On the other hand, boneless hams are easier to carve and serve, but may dry out more easily.
Smoked, Or Unsmoked?
Another question when it comes to Christmas hams is smoked, or unsmoked? Smoked hams already have a smokey flavour, which can be great if you want to experience a rich taste. However, this smokey flavour can interrupt the taste of any glazes you add to your ham, which is why unsmoked hams may be a better choice. These offer a blank canvas for your own glazes.
Consider Size, Quality and Source
These last few considerations are also important, since they can impact the cooking process of your Christmas ham. Firstly, when it comes to picking the right ham size, take into consideration the number of guests you plan to host and how much leftover ham you want (leftover ham is always a great idea for the day after Christmas, when you just don’t feel like doing any more cooking!). As a general rule, allow 450g of ham per person.
Then, look for a ham with a firm, pink flesh and minimal fat. The fat should be white and firm, not yellowed or soft. It’s always a good idea to choose a ham from a reputable source that you trust.
Preparing Your Traditional Christmas Ham
- Soaking (Optional): Many people choose to soak their ham in water or brine (salted water) to add moisture and flavour. This is not always necessary, but can be done if you prefer
- Scoring: Scoring the fat of the ham with a sharp knife allows your chosen glaze to penetrate the meat. It also creates that iconic, visually appealing presentation
- Preheating: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the ham package.
Glazing Christmas Hams
The best glazes are sweet, sticky, and flavorful. They should complement the ham without overpowering it. Here are a few of our recommended options:
- Brown Sugar and Pineapple: A classic combination that’s perfectly sweet that famed chefs like Colin Fassnidge swear by
- Honey Mustard: Another classic, this glaze is tangy and sweet and pairs well with the smoky flavour of Christmas hams
- Maple and Bourbon: A sophisticated glaze with a hint of warmth
- Spiced Orange: Aromatic and festive, this glaze is perfect for a ham.
When glazing, make sure to apply the glaze generously using a pastry brush to the entire surface of the ham. Do this throughout the cooking process to ensure the most flavourful results.
Cooking And Serving
Now it’s time to cook. The best way to cook your ham is to follow any package instructions of course, but the typical guidelines say to cook for about 15-20 minutes per 450g. Once cooked, allow the ham to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This ensures that the juices move throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. Then, carve the ham against the grain for the best results.
Don’t Forget The Sides
There are so many side dishes that can be paired with Christmas hams. From vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, brussel sprouts and squash, through to salads, casseroles and gratins, there are so many flavours to explore this Christmas!
At Melrina, We’re The Meat Experts
Looking for cooking tips, meat selection ideas and more? We have you covered at Melrina Wholesale Meats. And, if you’re a restaurant, butcher, or other food service looking for meat in bulk, be sure to get in touch, and stock our quality products at your business.