Steal the show this Christmas with this unforgettable twist on the classic Christmas Ham. Get ready to be asked for the recipe, because this wonderful blend of sweet glaze and tender ham will be the star of your Christmas lunch. Part of our Season of Christmas recipe series, this is the dish to really take your celebration to the next level.
Read on for how to create your own Glazed Ham masterpiece!
Serves: 10-12
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 90 minutes
Difficulty: moderate
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Ingredients
1 whole leg ham, bone in, about 6kg
Whole cloves, for studding
1 cup cranberry sauce
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon thyme sprigs, plus extra for roasting
2 tbsp water
2 oranges, cut into wedges
6 shallots, peeled and halved lengthways
Method for Cranberry Glazed Ham
1. Preheat oven to 160°C (fan forced). Line a large roasting pan with baking paper.
2. Prepare the ham: Place ham skin side up on a board. Using a small sharp knife, cut through the skin around the hock (bone end), then run the knife under the skin at one end. Gently slide fingers between skin and fat to lift off the skin in one piece, leaving a 1cm layer of fat.
3. Score and stud: With a clean sharp knife, score the fat in a neat diamond pattern, about 2cm apart, taking care not to cut into the meat. Stud the centre of each diamond with a clove – this helps keep the scored fat in place as it roasts.
4. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, brown sugar, mustard, thyme and water. Simmer for 5 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened.
5. Roast the ham: Place orange wedges and shallots in the base of the prepared roasting pan. Sit the ham on top and brush generously with glaze. Scatter extra thyme sprigs around the base. Bake for 90 minutes, basting with glaze every 20 minutes, until the surface is deeply caramelised and shiny.
6. Rest and serve: Remove from oven and rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Handy Hints for your Cranberry Glazed Ham
- Keeping the glaze warm while brushing ensures it spreads evenly and coats smoothly.
- Adding oranges and shallots underneath enhances the sweetness of the glaze and creates natural pan juices.
- Place a small amount of water in the roasting pan to prevent the glaze from burning.
- Wrap the hock in foil or muslin for easier handling and a polished presentation.
Drinks Pairing – Bellini
Nothing makes a meal more memorable than the right drink, and this stunning White Peach & Thyme Bellini is just the right amount of fancy!
Get mixing with our recipe here.
More Christmas Dinner Inspiration
Take your spread to the next level with even more ideas for a truly memorable Christmas Dinner or Lunch.
- Turkey Breast Stuffed with Sage & Pancetta
- Duck Fat Potatoes
- Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
- Grilled Lobster Tails
- Whole Roast Jewel Pumpkin
Discover More Seasonal Recipes from the Season of Christmas 2025 Series!
Be sure to create the Christmas feast of your dreams with the rest of our mouth-watering recipes from the Season of Christmas series for 2025.