There’s something undeniably special about a Honey Glazed Gammon Ham, isn’t there? I still remember the first time I made this for a holiday gathering. The aroma wafting through the house was like a warm embrace, drawing everyone into the kitchen with eager anticipation. As I pulled the ham from the oven, the beautifully caramelized exterior gleaming with that iridescent glaze, I knew I had created something magical. It was a hit at the dinner table, and I still get requests from friends and family to make it every festive season!
What makes this dish stand out to me is not just the incredible flavor—it’s the joy of sharing something so beautifully crafted with loved ones. The combination of sweet and savory, with hints of citrus and warm spices, creates a feeling of comfort that makes every occasion feel that much more special. So, are you ready to impress and satisfy at your next gathering? Let’s dive into the recipe!
What’s in Honey Glazed Gammon Ham?
Whole Gammon Joint: This succulent cut is the star of the dish! Around 3-4 kg is perfect for feeding a crowd. Opt for a good-quality joint from your local butcher if you can; the flavor is just unbeatable.
Apple Cider or Orange Juice: I love using apple cider as it adds a lovely depth of flavor, but orange juice works equally well for a zesty twist. Choose a fresh or 100% juice option without added sugars for the best taste.
Honey: The sweet backbone of our glaze! Use a good-quality, runny honey for the perfect texture. Local honey is a great option here if you want to boost the dish’s flavor profile.
Oranges: We use both the zest and juice for a vibrant citrusy note. The zest adds a beautiful fragrance while the juice brings a tangy sweetness.
Dijon Mustard: This little ingredient packs a punch! It adds a lovely kick that balances the sweetness of the honey and oranges perfectly.
Ground Cloves and Ground Cinnamon: Talk about warming spices! They lend a cozy warmth that makes this ham perfect for holidays and gatherings. Just be sure to use fresh spices for the most flavorful result.
Black Pepper: A pinch of black pepper rounds out the flavor, adding just enough heat to elevate the entire dish.
Dried Fruits (Cranberries and Apricots): These add a beautiful pop of color and a burst of sweetness, perfectly complementing the savory elements of the dish.
Apple: Diced into wedges, the apple brings a refreshing crunch and a touch of sweetness that enhances the entire presentation.
Fresh Thyme: A gorgeous garnish that also adds a subtle herby note to your ham. Plus, isn’t it just lovely to look at?
Is Honey Glazed Gammon Ham Good for You?
Oh, honey glazed ham can definitely be a delightful treat! Let’s break it down.
Gammon: This cut of meat is a great source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, but it’s also important to remember that it can be high in sodium, especially if you’re using a processed joint. Moderation is key here!
Honey: While it does bring sweetness, honey is still a form of sugar, so use it wisely! It does offer antioxidants, and when consumed in small amounts, it can be a lovely natural sweetener.
Fruits and Spices: The addition of fruits increases the nutritional value, offering fiber and vitamins. Meanwhile, the spices can have anti-inflammatory properties, making this dish a little more nutritious!
All in all, when served as part of a balanced meal, this honey glazed ham can certainly fit into a healthy eating plan—especially if you load your plate with plenty of veggies alongside it!
Ingredients
– 1 whole gammon joint (about 3-4 kg)
– 500 ml apple cider or orange juice
– 200 g honey
– 2 oranges, zested and juiced
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tbsp ground cloves
– 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
– 1 tsp black pepper
– Fresh thyme, for garnish
– 1 cup mix of dried fruits (such as cranberries and apricots)
– 1 apple, diced into wedges
– Additional orange slices for garnishing
*Serves approximately 10-12 people*
How to Make Honey Glazed Gammon Ham?
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large pot, place the gammon joint and cover it with either apple cider or orange juice. Bring to a boil then reduce it to a simmer. Cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, turning occasionally.
3. Once cooked, carefully remove the gammon from the pot and allow it to cool slightly before preheating the oven for glazing.
4. Score the skin of the gammon in a diamond pattern. This not only helps the glaze stick but also gives it a lovely visual appeal.
5. In a bowl, mix together the honey, orange zest, orange juice, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper until everything is well blended.
6. Brush the honey glaze all over the scored gammon, making sure to get it deep into the cuts for maximized flavor.
7. Place the gammon in a roasting pan. Surround it with the diced apples, dried fruits, and additional orange slices for a beautiful presentation.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until it’s heated through and the outside is caramelized and sticky.
9. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm alongside roasted veggies or on a festive table.
Sizzling Suggestions for Serving
Oh my goodness, you’re going to love serving this! It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad to cut through the richness. You can also serve the sliced ham with a side of cranberry sauce—the tartness really complements the sweetness of the ham. And if you want to save some for later (if there’s any left!), it’s great in sandwiches too.
So there you have it—my resource for a Honey Glazed Gammon Ham that’s guaranteed to impress and delight! I genuinely can’t wait for you to try it. Next time you serve it to family and friends, I’d love to hear all about your baking adventures and any special touches you added! Happy cooking!
