Learn how to glaze and carve a Christmas ham like a pro. Holly Bacon shares step-by-step tips for a golden glaze, perfect slices, and a showstopping festive centrepiece.
How to Glaze and Carve the Perfect Christmas Ham
There’s nothing quite like the sight (and smell) of a beautifully glazed ham taking centre stage on the Christmas table. At Holly Bacon, we’ve been curing and crafting traditional hams for generations — so we know a thing or two about how to make yours shine. Whether it’s a full ham on the bone or a half ham, here’s our foolproof guide to glazing and carving it to perfection.
Step 1: Choose Your Ham
Start with the best quality ham you can find — that’s where the magic begins. Our Holly Bacon Christmas Hams are traditionally cured, wood-smoked, and full of natural flavour. You can serve them cold or gently warmed with a glaze for a glossy finish and extra festive flair.
Step 2: Prepare Your Glaze
A glaze adds that irresistible golden shine and a hint of sweetness to balance the smoky saltiness of the ham. Here are a few Kiwi favourites:
Traditional Honey & Mustard Glaze
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½ cup honey
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2 tbsp Dijon or wholegrain mustard
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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A splash of orange juice or apple cider
Brown Sugar & Pineapple Glaze
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½ cup brown sugar
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1 small can crushed pineapple (drained)
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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A pinch of ground cloves
Maple & Orange Glaze
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½ cup pure maple syrup
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Juice and zest of one orange
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1 tbsp soy sauce
Simmer your glaze ingredients in a small saucepan until slightly thickened, then set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Ham
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Preheat oven to 160°C.
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Cut around the shank and loosen the skin with your fingers.
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Peel off the rind, leaving a thin layer of fat.
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Score the fat in a diamond pattern (2 cm apart).
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Press a whole clove into the centre of each diamond, if desired.
Step 4: Glaze and Bake
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Place ham on a lined roasting tray.
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Brush generously with glaze.
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Bake for 40–50 minutes, basting every 10–15 minutes.
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Watch carefully — you want it golden and caramelised, not burnt!
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Brush once more with glaze after removing from the oven for extra shine.
Step 5: Carve Like a Pro
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Place the ham skin-side up on a large board.
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Slice a few pieces from the shank end to create a stable base.
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Stand the ham upright and slice thinly from the opposite end toward the bone.
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Turn and repeat.
Use a long, sharp carving knife for neat slices — and save the bone for soup later!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange slices on a platter, drizzle with glaze, and serve with new potatoes, salads, or fresh pineapple salsa. Leftovers make incredible sandwiches or breakfast fry-ups.
🎄 From Our Family to Yours
At Holly Bacon, our hams are made the traditional way — slowly cured and smoked here in Hawke’s Bay for a rich, authentic flavour that brings people together.
Order your Holly Bacon Christmas Ham today and make this year’s festive feast one to remember.
