How to Cook a Glazed Ham for the Holidays

Sticky, shiny and full of flavour. An easy holiday ham with a simple honey-mustard glaze.

Editorial TeamNovember 6, 20261 min read

A glazed ham is a festive centrepiece that's easier than turkey and great for leftovers. Most supermarket hams are already cooked, so you're mainly warming and glazing.

Check your ham

Read the label: "fully cooked" hams just need reheating; uncooked hams need full cooking. Follow package instructions for timings and safe temperatures.

Easy honey-mustard glaze

4 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons wholegrain or Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar
A pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon

Method (fully cooked ham)

Heat the oven to about 160°C (325°F).
If there's skin, remove it and leave a thin layer of fat.
Score the fat in a diamond pattern.
Place in a roasting tin with a little water and cover with foil.
Heat according to the package, often around 10–15 minutes per pound.
For the last 20–30 minutes, remove foil, brush on glaze several times and increase the heat so it caramelises.

Avoid burningSugary glazes burn quickly. Watch closely during the final stage and cover with foil if it darkens too much.

Serving and leftovers

Rest the ham for 15 minutes before slicing. Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, omelettes, pasta and soup. Refrigerate promptly and eat within a few days.