Five fabulous Christmas ham glaze recipes

A good Christmas ham doesn’t need much help – but the right glaze can take it from familiar to memorable. Whether you like things sweet, sharp, smoky or a little boozy, glazing a ham is one of the easiest ways to put your own stamp on Christmas Day.

The beauty of a glaze is that it looks impressive while doing very little heavy lifting. Most can be stirred together in minutes, brushed on, and baked until glossy and golden while you get on with the rest of the day. Here are five different Christmas ham glazes to suit every kind of table – from traditional to a little more adventurous.

Classic Honey & Mustard Glaze
Reliable, crowd-pleasing and timeless.

You’ll need:

½ cup honey
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
How to use it:
Warm ingredients gently until smooth. Brush generously over the ham and bake until sticky and golden. Perfect for traditionalists.

Maple & Orange Glaze
Sweet, citrusy and festive without being overpowering.

You’ll need:

½ cup maple syrup
Zest and juice of 1 orange
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cloves
How to use it:
Simmer briefly to thicken, then brush over the ham. The orange brightens the richness beautifully.

Brown Sugar & Pineapple Glaze
A retro favourite that never really left.

You’ll need:

½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup pineapple juice
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp soy sauce
How to use it:
Heat until dissolved. Brush repeatedly during baking for a deeply caramelised finish.

Bourbon, Honey & Spice Glaze
For those who like a little warmth and depth.

You’ll need:

⅓ cup honey
¼ cup bourbon
2 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
How to use it:
Simmer gently to cook off the alcohol slightly. Brush on and bake until glossy. Excellent with roasted vegetables.

Chilli, Lime & Marmalade Glaze
Sweet, sharp and just a little unexpected.

You’ll need:

½ cup orange marmalade
Juice of 1 lime
1–2 tsp chilli flakes (to taste)
1 tbsp soy sauce
How to use it:
Warm and stir until smooth. Brush on generously — this one pairs especially well with salads and lighter sides.