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A Christmas ham is the perfect centrepiece for your table during the festive season. Read on to uncover the selection, preparation, cooking, serving and storage tips you need for the best Christmas ham results these holidays.
What kind of ham is used for Christmas?
Selecting the best ham for Christmas is essential in creating a memorable holiday feast. When it comes to Christmas leg ham types, you have various options, such as bone-in or boneless.
While traditional bone-in-leg ham is an Australian Christmas favourite, the best ham to get largely depends on your preference and the number of guests you're serving. Bone-in hams often offer a richer, more authentic flavour as the bone imparts its essence into the meat during cooking.
Meanwhile, boneless Christmas hams are convenient because they’re typically fully cooked and ready to slice, meaning you don't have to deal with the intricacies of carving around the bone.
When you order Christmas ham, you’ll have options like cured and smoked (fully cooked), raw ham (uncooked + smoked) and pickled leg pork (green ham).
For the best quality, buy ham from a trusted Melbourne butcher with the expertise to ensure you receive the Australian Christmas ham that's right for you.
How to prepare Christmas ham
A well-sourced butcher's ham will likely be expertly prepared, requiring minimal fat trimming. The skin must be removed before scoring the fat - but only if you are glazing. If you don't intend to glaze the ham, simply remove the skin and fat and slice your desired quantity.
How to glaze a ham for Christmas
To keep things simple, you can buy Christmas ham glaze that’s ready to use. If you want to make a glaze from scratch, prepare it by combining your ingredients in a saucepan and warming them over low heat until they meld into a sweet, fragrant mixture.
Classic glaze recipes often include a mix of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves and pineapple juice. You can experiment with flavour combinations, incorporating ingredients like maple syrup, orange zest, bourbon or ginger for a unique twist. When applying the glaze, use a basting brush to generously coat the ham, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered.
How to cook Christmas ham
Do you have to cook Christmas ham? While most hams come fully cooked and can be enjoyed without further cooking, some are typically perfectly baked in the oven. Find the best Christmas ham recipe for you, and then follow its method for cooking a Christmas ham, whether it be in the oven or the slow cooker.
To prepare a raw ham, preheat your oven to around 160-180°C, then place your prepared ham in a roasting dish. As it cooks, the key is to baste the ham occasionally with your chosen glaze, which infuses it with layers of flavour and creates a delicious, caramelised exterior.
For a more hands-off approach, you can also cook your ham in a slow cooker on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, which results in tender, moist ham.
As for the required time for cooking ham in the oven, a general rule of thumb is about 20-30 minutes per kilogram, but precise times can vary based on the type and size of your ham.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches around 71°C. Insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding contact with any bones, and wait for it to give an accurate temperature reading.
You can lightly tent the ham with aluminium foil to keep it warm while it rests. Before carving the ham, allow it to rest for about 15-20 minutes, depending on its size and type.
How to carve a leg of ham
To remove the rind from your ham, use a sharp knife to carefully cut a straight line just below the rind, ensuring you remove only the tough outer layer. Once the rind is gone, you're ready to start carving your Christmas ham.
To achieve uniform portions, make a horizontal cut along the bone that gives you access to the meat. Then, carve thin, even slices vertically along the bone, working your way around the ham. Continue to cut until you have as many slices as you need.
How much ham you need per person will vary based on individual appetites and the number of other dishes you serve. However, you can plan for around 100-150 grams per adult.
What to serve with Christmas ham
You can elevate your Christmas ham and dress up your dining table with various sides, from roasted or steamed vegetables to vibrant salads. Consider serving roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes and pumpkin seasoned with herbs and drizzled with olive oil.
For those looking to balance the richness of the ham, steamed asparagus or green beans make an excellent addition. A fresh salad made with a mix of greens, cherry tomatoes and avocado can provide a refreshing contrast.
How long does Christmas ham last?
How long a Christmas ham lasts depends on whether it's cooked or uncooked and how it's stored. Uncooked hams can be refrigerated for 1-2 weeks or frozen for up to 6 months. Cooked ham can be stored in the fridge for about two weeks or the freezer for 1-2 months.
How to store Christmas ham
Storing Christmas ham properly is important, ensuring your post-holiday meals remain as enjoyable as the festive feast itself.
In the freezer, the best way to store ham, whether on the bone, boneless or sliced, is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the ham's quality.
In the fridge, airtight containers or tight wrapping will keep your ham from drying out or absorbing any unwanted odours.
Using a ham bag is a traditional and effective method for storing and preserving your ham. To use a ham bag, clean and sterilise it by soaking it in a mixture of water and vinegar. Wring out any excess liquid and gently place your ham inside the bag, ensuring it fits comfortably. Tie the top securely to prevent any unwanted pests or contaminants from reaching the ham. Monitor the wetness of the bag, re-soaking it every few days or when it becomes dry.
What to do with leftover Christmas ham
When you find yourself with Christmas ham leftovers, you can use them to make everything from classic ham sandwiches and hearty ham and pea soups to gourmet quiches and ham-studded omelettes. You can also dice the ham to add a savoury touch to salads, pasta dishes or fried rice. For a comforting twist, consider whipping up ham and cheese stuffed potatoes or a creamy ham and mac 'n' cheese casserole. The versatility of Christmas ham leftovers allows you to get creative in the kitchen, ensuring that no precious morsel goes to waste.
What is the best Australian ham for Christmas?
Nothing beats a fresh Christmas leg ham sourced from a butcher. Are you looking for an Australian Christmas ham in Melbourne? Choose Peter Bouchier, your local Christmas ham butcher, for quality meats you can buy in-store or online this festive season.
