The Festive Season is fast approaching! Start thinking about your menu and get your Christmas meat orders organised today!
Choosing the right Christmas ham is key to creating a festive meal to impress your guests.
If you’re also considering other options, you might want to balance the table by preparing a Christmas turkey and exploring a variety of other different Christmas meats, ensuring plenty for your guests to enjoy.
From smoked to glazed, bone-in to boneless, each ham type offers a unique flavour and texture.
But which one is perfect for your Christmas table?
In this blog post, Australian Butchers Store will explore the different types of ham, how best to cook or prepare them, and tips on selecting the right size based on how many people you’re hosting.
Types of Christmas hams: smoked, glazed, bone-in, and boneless
Smoked ham
Smoked ham delivers a robust, savoury flavour with a slightly sweet undertone.
The smoking process infuses the meat with a rich taste, making it perfect if you want something that’s full of delicious flavour.
Preparation and cooking tips:
- Smoked ham is often pre-cooked, so you just need to warm it through
- Cover with foil and heat in the oven at 160°C for about 20 minutes per kg
- For extra flavour, apply a glaze towards the end of cooking (last 30 minutes)
Glazed ham
Glazed ham is a show-stopper at any Christmas gathering. The glaze creates a beautiful caramelised crust that adds sweetness to the savoury meat inside.
Preparation and cooking tips:
- Score the surface of the ham before glazing to allow the flavours to penetrate
- Choose a glaze that balances sweet and tangy flavours; popular options include honey, mustard, or maple syrup
- Bake the ham at 180°C for 15-20 minutes per kg
- Baste with glaze every 10 minutes to build up a sticky, golden crust
Bone-in ham
Bone-in hams have a rich, juicy texture, thanks to the bone, which helps retain moisture during cooking. This type of ham is perfect for those who love traditional, hearty flavours.
Preparation and cooking tips:
- Bake at 160°C, allowing 25 minutes per kg, covered with foil for most of the cooking time to retain moisture
- For added flavour, place whole cloves in the scored fat layer before applying your glaze
Boneless ham
Boneless ham is ideal for ease and convenience. It’s simpler to carve and serve, making it a great option for larger gatherings where practicality is key.
Preparation and cooking tips:
- Since boneless ham is often fully cooked, you can simply glaze and reheat
- Heat at 160°C for 15-20 minutes per kg. If you’re short on time, slice the ham before heating and apply the glaze for quicker cooking
How to choose the right size ham
For the perfect portion, aim for 250-300g per person for a bone-in ham and 150-200g for boneless. Larger groups may prefer a combination of ham and turkey to offer variety. If you’d like more tips on preparing your Christmas meat order, read this blog.
Meat carving tips
Always let your ham rest before carving.
Use a sharp knife and slice thinly against the grain for tender pieces. For bone-in ham, start by cutting around the bone.
Popular ham glazes
Popular ham glazes include honey mustard, maple syrup, and brown sugar. These simple and sweet festive meat glazes add extra cheer to your dish, enhancing most types of Christmas meats, from ham to turkey.
Pairing your meats with carefully chosen side dishes can make all the difference in creating a balanced, memorable, and delicious meal.
How to store and use ham leftovers
Wrap leftover ham tightly and store in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to two months. Use leftovers in sandwiches, pasta, or soups. Want more advice? Get inspo on what to do with all those Christmas leftovers here.
Start planning your Christmas ham order today!
Now is the time to get ahead of the holiday rush.
Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or a small family meal, order your ham from Australian Butchers Store. Visit us in-store or shop online.
