Delia Smith Christmas Ham

Delia Smith’s Christmas Ham is made with whole ham on the bone, cloves, English mustard, demerara sugar, and cold water. This traditional Christmas Ham recipe creates a delicious main course that takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 12 people.

Delia Smith Christmas Ham Ingredients

• 1 whole ham on the bone (12-14 lb / 5.5-6.5 kg)
• Cloves (for studding the ham)
• 3 heaped tablespoons (approx. 45 g) of English mustard
• 3 heaped tablespoons (approx. 45 g) of demerara sugar
• Cold water (for soaking)

How To Make Delia Smith Christmas Ham

1. Soak the Ham: Check with your ham supplier for the recommended soaking time. Soak the ham in a large container (like a plastic bucket or picnic cool box) filled with cold water. The soaking time depends on the salt content from curing. If the ham is smaller, you can soak it in the cooking pot. Once soaked, taste a small piece of the meat to check the saltiness. If it’s too salty, soak it for longer.
2. Prepare the Oven and Foil: Preheat your oven to gas mark 3, 325°F (160°C). Place one sheet of foil lengthways in the roasting tin and another piece widthways, creating a cross shape.
3. Wrap and Bake the Ham: Remove the ham from the soaking water and place it in the middle of the foil. Wrap the ham in the foil to create a ‘tent effect’, ensuring it is tightly sealed but with room for air to circulate. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes per lb (450 g). For example, a 12 lb (5.5 kg) ham will need approximately 4 hours, while a 14 lb (6.5 kg) ham will need around 4 hours 40 minutes.
4. Prepare for Glazing: Thirty minutes before the end of the cooking time, remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to gas mark 7, 425°F (220°C). Carefully remove the skin by making a cut along the length of the ham and peeling it away, leaving as much fat as possible.
5. Score and Stud the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the fat in a crosshatch pattern, forming diamonds. Stud the center of each diamond with a clove.
6. Apply the Mustard and Sugar: Spread 3 heaped tablespoons of English mustard all over the surface of the ham using a palette knife. Then, sprinkle 3 heaped tablespoons of demerara sugar over the mustard, pressing it into the ham with your hands.
7. Final Bake for Glaze: Return the ham to the hot oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the surface is glazed and golden.
8. Rest and Serve: If serving hot, allow the ham to rest for 45 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat easier to carve. Serve with Cumberland sauce or your preferred accompaniment.

Recipe Tips

• Soak Time: Check with your ham supplier for the exact soaking time based on the ham’s saltiness. Soaking helps reduce excess salt, so taste a small piece before proceeding.
• Foil Wrapping: When wrapping the ham in foil, make sure it’s tightly sealed but not too tight, leaving some room for air circulation. This helps cook the ham evenly.
• Scoring Fat: Score the fat in a crosshatch pattern with a sharp knife. This helps the glaze stick better and ensures even cooking.
• Glaze Application: Apply the mustard and sugar mixture evenly and press it into the ham to create a caramelized, flavorful crust.
• Resting Time: Let the ham rest for 45 minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier and easier to carve.

What To Serve With Christmas Ham?

This tasty Christmas Ham pairs well with roasted potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans. It can also be served alongside cranberry sauce, stuffing, baked sweet potatoes, or a fresh salad for a delicious dinner.

How To Store Leftovers Christmas Ham?

• Refrigerate: Let the leftover Christmas Ham cool to room temperature. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Freeze: If you need to freeze the ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating, or slice and use directly from frozen if desired.

How To Reheat Leftovers Christmas Ham?

• In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• In The Microwave: Slice the ham into smaller pieces and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals until heated through, checking frequently.
• On the Stove: For smaller portions, heat the ham in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Cover and heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Delia Smith Christmas Ham Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 3 oz / 85g)
• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Potassium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 4g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 22g

Try More Delia Smith Recipes:

• Delia Smith Chicken and Mushroom Pie
• Delia Smith Cheesecake No Bake
• Delia Smith Salmon En Croute
• Delia Smith Blackberry And Apple Jam