Few things shout “it’s a big Aussie Christmas” quite like a beautifully glazed ham sitting proudly in the middle of the table. The smell alone brings back all the festive feels — that sweet, sticky glaze, those caramelised edges, and the joy of sneaking a slice before it’s officially served. As a single mum, I’ll admit, the first time I tackled a Christmas ham solo, I was nervous. But once that golden glaze started bubbling away, it felt like a little victory — proof I could create something special for my kids and me. Now it’s become our Christmas tradition: a bit of chaos, plenty of laughs, and leftover ham sandwiches for days.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned ham hero, here’s your ultimate guide to making your Christmas ham shine — from Christmas Eve prep to the big day feast, right through to those laid-back Boxing Day leftovers.
1. Buying the Perfect Ham
Start with quality. Look for Australian pork, ideally free-range or from a trusted local butcher such as Grange Meat Co. You’ll find two main types:
- Full leg ham: impressive, with the bone in for extra flavour and a classic table presentation.
- Half leg ham: easier to handle and perfect for smaller gatherings.
Check for a firm texture, even pink colour and a good layer of fat on top. That fat is the secret to a perfect glaze later on. If you can, pre-order early to avoid disappointment and coming up short on Christmas day.
2. Glazing Like a Pro
Glazing transforms a good ham into a showstopper. The goal is golden, sticky, slightly caramelised perfection.
Here’s a simple method that works every time:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C.
- Remove the rind carefully, leaving a thin layer of fat.
- Score the fat in a diamond pattern without cutting into the meat.
- Brush generously with your chosen glaze.
- Optional: pierce the juncture of each diamond with a clove
Classic glaze ingredients include brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard and orange juice. For something special, try adding maple syrup or a splash of rum. Baste every 15 minutes as it cooks. The final product will be the culinary equivalent of applying sunscreen for a well-seasoned, all-over tan.
3. Carving with Confidence
When it’s showtime, give your ham a few minutes to rest before carving — it really does make a difference. The juices settle, the glaze sets, and it’s much easier to handle.
- Use a sharp carving knife and steady your hand. A good knife will glide through those caramelised edges like butter.
- Slice along the bone to release neat, thin pieces — this helps you get the most out of your ham.
- Cut across the grain for tender, easy-to-eat slices that practically melt in your mouth.
Serve it warm with roasted veggies and crisp salads, or cold with a fresh pineapple relish. Either way, you’ll have guests hovering by the carving board, waiting for “just one more slice.”
4. Storing and Keeping It Fresh
A cooked ham will keep beautifully for up to two weeks in the fridge if you treat it right — and honestly, it’s worth the effort. Wrap it snugly in a clean tea towel or ham bag that’s been dampened with a mix of water and a splash of vinegar. This helps stop the ham from drying out and keeps that delicious glaze tasting fresh. Every few days, rinse and re-soak the cloth to keep it clean and slightly damp.
Store your ham in the coldest part of the fridge — usually near the back, not the door, where the temperature fluctuates. And only slice what you need each time. With just a bit of care, you’ll be enjoying that Christmas flavour well into the New Year.
5. Creative Leftover Ideas
The best part of Christmas is the leftovers. Ham is the gift that keeps on giving.
Here are a few ways to make the most of it:
- Ham and cheese croissants for Boxing Day breakfast.
- Pea and ham soup for cooler summer nights.
- Ham and pineapple pizzas for lazy beach dinners.
- Ham fried rice or pasta bakes when the fridge needs clearing.
Freeze leftover slices for up to three months in airtight containers. Handy for quick meals long after the decorations are packed away.
Make It a Christmas to Remember
Christmas ham isn’t just food — it’s a tradition that brings people together, no matter how big or small the gathering. From that first sizzle of the glaze to the final leftover sandwich eaten in your pyjamas, it’s the flavour of Aussie summer, wrapped in nostalgia and shared moments.
As a single mum, I’ve learned that Christmas doesn’t need to be perfect to feel special. It’s about the smell of the ham roasting while the kids sneak a peek under the tree, the laughter that fills the kitchen, and the joy of creating something with love. So roll up your sleeves, pour yourself something sparkly, and give your ham the care it deserves. Nothing says Christmas in Australia quite like a perfectly glazed ham carved under fairy lights, with laughter floating through the warm night air.
