A beautiful glaze can transform your Christmas ham, turkey, or lamb into the star of your festive table. With a mix of sweet, savoury, and tangy flavours, the right glaze adds depth and richness to your meat.
Whether you’re a traditional honey and mustard fan or keen to try something bold, we have ideas to inspire your Christmas meats and festive menu!
These versatile glazes can complement a range of popular Christmas meats, from succulent roast pork to tender chicken, ensuring your entire spread feels cohesive and delicious.
Honey and mustard glaze
This classic glaze is easy to prepare and delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavours.
How to make it
Ingredients:
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional, for a festive twist)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, mustard, and brown sugar
- Heat over low-medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth
- Add apple cider vinegar and cloves (if using) and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened
- Let the glaze cool slightly before using it to ensure it adheres well to the meat
Best suited for…
Ham
The sweetness of honey balances the salty, smoky flavour of ham. The mustard adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
Score the fat layer of ham into a diamond shape before baking. This helps the glaze seep into the meat, enhancing flavour. Apply the glaze during the last 30 minutes of baking, brushing a thick layer every 10 minutes. The result is a glossy and caramelised crust.
Turkey
This glaze provides a delicate flavour for turkey lovers that doesn’t overpower the meat. Brush the glaze over the turkey during the final hour of roasting. Baste the meat every 15 minutes to build a shiny, golden coating.
Extra tips
- Add a teaspoon of crushed garlic for a savoury twist
- Use this glaze as a dipping sauce for Christmas leftovers or drizzle it over roasted vegetables
- Read more about preparing the ultimate Christmas turkey here
Cranberry glaze
This festive glaze combines tart and sweet flavours, perfect for adding a bold touch to your Christmas meal.
How to make it
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, for a warm, spiced flavour)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and sugar
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to pop and the mixture thickens. This takes about 10 minutes
- Add cinnamon (if desired) and simmer for another 2–3 minutes
- Allow the glaze to cool slightly before brushing it onto your meat
Best suited for…
Turkey
The tartness of cranberries complements the rich flavour of turkey, making it a standout glaze for your Christmas roast.
Brush the glaze during the final hour of roasting. Apply a thin layer every 15 minutes to build up a glossy coat that locks in moisture and creates a lovely finish.
Ham
For a unique twist, pair cranberry glaze with the perfect Christmas ham. The sweet-tart flavour contrasts nicely with the salty, smoky ham.
Apply the glaze during the last 20–30 minutes of baking, brushing generously over the surface. Baste every 10 minutes to achieve a sticky crust.
Extra tips
- Add a splash of red wine for a deeper, more complex flavour
- Use the leftover glaze as a sauce for festive side dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, or sweet potato wedges
Maple and brown sugar glaze
This glaze combines the deep, caramel-like sweetness of maple syrup with the richness of brown sugar. The result? A comforting and quintessentially festive flavour!
How to make it
Ingredients:
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cloves (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup and brown sugar
- Heat over low-medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth
- Stir in apple cider vinegar and cloves (if using) and simmer for 2–3 minutes
- Remove from heat and let the glaze cool slightly before applying to the meat
Best suited for…
Lamb
Maple and brown sugar glaze enhances the bold flavour of lamb, making it ideal for festive gatherings.
Brush the glaze onto the lamb during the final 15 minutes of roasting. Apply thin layers every 5 minutes for a sticky, well-coated surface that doesn’t overpower the taste of the meat.
Ham
The rich, sticky sweetness of this glaze complements ham’s smoky and salty flavours perfectly.
Score the fat layer of the ham into a diamond pattern before baking. Brush the glaze on during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Apply a thick layer every 10 minutes to create a glossy, caramelised finish.
Extra tips
- Add a teaspoon of mustard for a tangy depth
- Use remaining glaze as a sauce for roasted root vegetables or as a drizzle over mashed sweet potatoes
Citrus and herb glaze
This glaze brings a refreshing tang and aromatic flavour, perfect for brightening up your Christmas meal.
How to make it
Ingredients:
- ½ cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Combine orange juice, lemon zest, honey, and olive oil in a small saucepan
- Heat over low-medium heat, stirring until the honey dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly
- Stir in fresh thyme leaves and let simmer for 1–2 minutes
- Let the glaze cool slightly before using to ensure it sticks well to the meat
Best suited for…
Turkey
The tangy citrus paired with fragrant herbs enhances the natural flavours of turkey.
Brush the glaze over the turkey during the last hour of roasting. Baste every 15 minutes for a golden, aromatic finish.
Ham
This glaze adds a zesty twist to the rich and salty flavour of ham. Score the ham’s fat layer before baking and brush the glaze generously during the last 30 minutes. Baste every 10 minutes for a shiny, caramelised coating.
Extra tips
- Add a pinch of chilli flakes for a hint of heat
- Use the glaze as a dressing for roasted carrots or parsnips for a cohesive flavour
Bring beautiful festive flavours to your Christmas table
With the tangy kick of citrus and the richness of maple, these glazes add irresistible flavour to your meal.
Experiment with your favourites, and don’t forget the little touches that make your Christmas feast truly special!
Still planning your Christmas day menu? Catch up on our related blog posts for expert guidance and festive inspiration:
- Tips to help plan your Christmas meat order (including quantities, varieties, and timings)
- How to carve your turkey (and other Christmas meats) like a pro
