As the nostalgic scent of roasted ham fills my kitchen, I can’t help but feel the warmth of holiday gatherings that this Honey Glazed Gammon Ham brings to life. Drizzled in a sticky cherry and honey glaze, this recipe is not just about the vibrant flavors but also about creating memories around the dinner table. Perfectly paired with roasted pineapples and oranges, it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that transforms any meal into a festive celebration. Even better, this gammon recipe allows you to prepare it ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy the company during those busy holiday moments. Who wouldn’t love a hassle-free centerpiece that looks stunning and tastes divine? Ready to elevate your next meal? Let’s dive into this deliciously sweet escapade!
Why Is This Recipe So Special?
Ease of Preparation: This Honey Glazed Gammon Ham recipe is designed for success without the fuss. With simple steps, you can efficiently prepare a stunning dish that impresses!
Irresistible Flavors: The blend of cherry and honey creates a sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully, elevating your ham to a whole new level of flavor.
Versatile Pairing: This dish perfectly complements sides like Quinoa Salad Honey, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone at your table.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the gammon up to two days early, allowing you to spend more quality time with loved ones during the holiday rush.
Festive Showstopper: It’s the ultimate centerpiece for holiday dinners, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that fills hearts and homes with joy.
Dive into this delightful recipe and make your celebration truly memorable!
Honey Glazed Gammon Ham Ingredients
For the Gammon
- Gammon (2.5 kg) – The primary protein; choose a deboned, uncooked gammon joint for tenderness.
- Salt and Pepper Mix (¼ tsp) – Enhances overall flavor; adjust to your taste preference.
For the Simmering Vegetables
- Carrots (2, chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth during simmering.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped) – Provides aromatic depth, infusing flavor into the simmering liquid.
- Onion (1, chopped) – Boosts sweetness and enhances the flavor profile.
For the Cherry Glaze
- Pitted Cherries (1.5 cups) – Central to the glaze, contributing the necessary sweetness and tang.
- Dark Brown Sugar (1 cup) – Brings a rich sweetness that perfectly complements the gammon.
- Honey (½ cup) – Acts as the base for the glaze, providing that signature stickiness and flavor.
- Cinnamon Stick (1) – Infuses warm spice notes into the glaze.
- All Spice (¼ tsp) – Enhances the spiced notes and adds complexity to the flavor.
- Orange Juice & Zest (1 orange, ¼ cup) – Brightens the flavor, adding a refreshing note to balance the sweetness.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tbsp) – Adds acidity that counterbalances the sweetness in the glaze.
- Butter (2 tbsp) – Incorporates richness and depth into the glaze.
For Roasting Fruits
- Oranges (2, wedged) – Roasted with the gammon to infuse extra flavor; squeeze them over the dish for a citrusy kick.
- Chopped Pineapple (2 cups) – Roasted alongside oranges for an accent of sweetness and acidity.
- Whole Cherries (1 cup) – Used as a garnish and can be roasted for additional flavor.
- Fresh Thyme Sprigs – Optional, but adds a delightful herbal touch; sprinkle over the fruits before roasting.
- Sea Salt & Olive Oil – For seasoning and drizzling over fruit before roasting; enhances overall flavor.
This Honey Glazed Gammon Ham recipe is all about rich flavors and creating unforgettable holiday memories. Happy cooking!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Honey Glazed Gammon Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Glaze
Start by pitting the cherries and placing them in a saucepan alongside dark brown sugar, honey, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and allspice. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the ingredients meld together. You’ll know it’s ready when the cherries soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Strain the glaze through a fine sieve, reserving the liquid for later use.
Step 2: Simmer the Gammon
In a large pot, add the 2.5 kg gammon along with chopped carrots, celery, onion, and enough water to cover the meat. Bring the pot to a rapid boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover, allowing it to simmer for 2 hours. The gammon should become tender and fragrant. Once done, carefully remove the gammon from the pot and discard the vegetables.
Step 3: Cool and Preheat Oven
After removing the gammon from the pot, let it cool on a cutting board for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 190°C (374°F). The cooling step is important as it allows the juices to settle, making for a juicier ham. Ensure the oven is fully heated before proceeding to the next step for optimal roasting.
Step 4: Roast the Fruit
While the gammon cools, prepare the roasting tray. Line it with parchment paper and arrange the wedged oranges and chopped pineapple pieces. Drizzle the fruits lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. This step adds a delicious sweetness and aroma to complement the gammon. Roast in the oven at the same temperature for about 15-20 minutes until the fruits are slightly caramelized and golden.
Step 5: Prepare Gammon for Baking
Once cooled, carefully remove the skin from the gammon, leaving a layer of fat for basting. Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern, creating slits about 1 inch apart. This scoring helps the glaze adhere better and allows for crispy edges. Generously brush the reserved cherry glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring all scored areas are coated for maximum flavor during roasting.
Step 6: Bake the Ham
Place the glazed gammon in the oven alongside the roasted fruits. Bake at 190°C (374°F) for 20-30 minutes, basting with the glaze every 10 minutes to keep the meat moist and enhance flavor. In the last five minutes, increase the oven temperature to 220°C (428°F), watching closely for the glaze to caramelize to a beautiful, glossy finish. This final step will create an irresistible outer layer that beautifully complements the tender meat.
Step 7: Serve
Once the gammon is cooked and beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Slice the ham into thick, generous portions and serve garnished with the roasted oranges, pineapples, and additional whole cherries. The Honey Glazed Gammon Ham is now ready to be the star of your holiday feast, bringing warmth and joy to your table!
Expert Tips for Honey Glazed Gammon Ham
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Basting is Key: Baste the ham every 10 minutes during baking for maximum flavor and moisture retention, ensuring a juicy result.
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Watch the Heat: Monitor the gammon closely as you increase the oven temperature at the end for caramelization, preventing any burning.
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Adjust Glaze Consistency: Remember that the glaze thickens as it cools; if necessary, add a splash of water or juice to keep it pourable for your Honey Glazed Gammon Ham.
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Make-Ahead Convenience: Simmer the gammon up to two days in advance to lighten your workload during the holiday rush—just reheat before glazing and roasting.
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Don’t Skip Scoring: Scoring the fat allows the glaze to penetrate better, resulting in enhanced flavor and a crispier texture that everyone will love.
How to Store and Freeze Honey Glazed Gammon Ham
Fridge: Store leftover Honey Glazed Gammon Ham in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Ensure it’s well-covered to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the ham in a well-sealed, freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Consider slicing before freezing for easy meal prep later.
Reheating: Thaw frozen gammon in the fridge overnight. Reheat slices in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, adding a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
Wrap Wisely: If storing whole, wrap the gammon tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Glazed Gammon Ham recipes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday preparations! You can simmer the gammon up to 2 days in advance, allowing those rich flavors to develop beautifully. Simply cool the meat, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to roast. Additionally, the cherry glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—just be sure to reheat it gently before applying it. When it’s time to serve, remove the gammon from the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions for a stunning centerpiece that tastes just as delicious as if it were made fresh that day!
Honey Glazed Gammon Ham Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Honey Glazed Gammon Ham recipe! There are wonderful twists to explore that will delight your taste buds.
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Maple Syrup: Swap honey with maple syrup for a unique, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with gammon.
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Apricot Jam: Replace cherries with apricot preserves for a fruity glaze that gives a luscious, tangy note.
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Bourbon Boost: Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a warm depth that brings a sophisticated flavor to your ham.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to add a subtle heat that balances the sweet glaze perfectly.
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Citrus Zest: Enhance the brightness by adding additional citrus zest from lemons or limes, creating a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
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Pineapple Variation: Swap out the cherries for fresh pineapple chunks in the glaze for a tropical twist that complements the roasted fruits.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or sage into the glaze for an aromatic note that elevates your holiday dish.
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Mustard Glaze: Blend a small amount of Dijon mustard with the honey glaze for a tangy kick that cuts through sweetness and adds complexity.
Embrace these variations, just like you would when exploring other delightful treats, such as the charming Honey Glazed Corn or the indulgent Peach Pie Cruffins. Customize your honey glazed gammon ham and let your taste shine!
What to Serve with Honey Glazed Gammon Ham?
Elevate your holiday table with delightful side dishes that dance harmoniously with succulent flavors and aromas.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery, velvety texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect comfort food to balance the sweetness of the gammon.
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Buttered Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed in melting butter add a fresh, vibrant crunch that complements the richness of the ham.
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Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of seasonal root veggies not only looks beautiful on your plate but provides earthy notes that enhance each bite of gammon.
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Quinoa Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette: This light and refreshing salad brings brightness with a citrus twist, perfectly offsetting the richness of the dish.
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Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweet, creamy layer topped with crunchy pecans creates a delightful contrast to the savory gammon, pleasing every palate at your table.
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Cranberry Sauce: A homemade cranberry sauce provides a tart punch, cutting through the ham’s sweetness and adding a pop of festive color.
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Sparkling Apple Cider: This refreshing, bubbly drink brings a festive cheer to your meal, perfectly pairing with the holiday flavors of your gammon dish.
Indulge in these delicious combos, and let each bite be a celebration of togetherness!
Honey Glazed Gammon Ham Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best gammon for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting your gammon, look for a well-marbled, deboned, uncooked joint. You want a cut that has a nice balance of fat, which will keep the meat juicy during cooking. Freshness is key, so check for any dark spots or odors—this is an indicator of quality.
What’s the best way to store leftover Honey Glazed Gammon Ham?
Very! Leftover Honey Glazed Gammon Ham can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Make sure it’s well-covered to help maintain its moisture and flavor. If you need longer storage, consider freezing it.
Can I freeze the Honey Glazed Gammon Ham?
Absolutely! For freezing, slice the ham first for easy meal prep later on. Place the slices in a well-sealed, freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to preserve moisture.
What should I do if my glaze is too thick or too thin?
Don’t worry! If your glaze thickens too much after cooling, simply stir in a bit of water or orange juice until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin before the glazing step, let it simmer a little longer to thicken. Use a whisk to incorporate any air for a smooth finish.
Can people with dietary restrictions enjoy this recipe?
Yes! This Honey Glazed Gammon Ham is generally suitable for most diets, but keep an eye out for specific allergies. The main ingredient, gammon, is pork, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians or those avoiding pork for dietary or religious reasons. For those with sugar concerns, consider substituting the honey and brown sugar with a sugar alternative that works for your diet.
How can I ensure my gammon turns out perfectly cooked?
Definitely! For perfectly cooked gammon, the key is to simmer it slowly in the pan for about 2 hours. This allows it to become tender without drying out. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—it should read around 70°C (160°F) when ready. After baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices circulate evenly.
Irresistible Honey Glazed Gammon Ham Recipe for Holiday Feasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Cherry Glaze: Pit the cherries and combine them with dark brown sugar, honey, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and allspice in a saucepan. Simmer for about 10 minutes, then strain the glaze.
- Simmer the Gammon: In a large pot, cover the gammon with water and add chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Boil, then simmer for 2 hours until tender. Remove and discard the vegetables.
- Cool and Preheat Oven: Let the gammon cool for 15-20 minutes and preheat the oven to 190°C (374°F).
- Roast the Fruit: Line a roasting tray with parchment, arrange the oranges and pineapple, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare Gammon for Baking: Remove the skin from the gammon, score the fat in a diamond pattern, and brush with the reserved cherry glaze.
- Bake the Ham: Place the gammon in the oven and bake at 190°C (374°F) for 20-30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. Increase the oven to 220°C (428°F) for the last 5 minutes.
- Serve: Let the ham cool for 10 minutes, slice, and serve with roasted fruits.
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