Nothing says Christmas quite like a sweet roasted leg of ham.

What you need to know before you start

This recipe takes 1 hour 15 minutes to cook in the oven, however it will need to be basted every 15 minutes, so be sure to keep a watchful eye on the timer. You’ll need some basic equipment such as a saucepan to make the glaze mixture, an oven, a sharp knife to gently lift and remove the rind of the ham, a large roasting pan, a wire rack, foil to wrap the shank to prevent it from burning and a brush for glazing.

If you’ve never prepared a whole leg ham on the bone before, there’s no need to be intimidated. As this ham is already cooked, there’s no need to worry about undercooking it. Instead, you’re allowing it to brown in the oven to create a sticky, glossy crust. You will be required to carefully remove the skin (rind) of the ham with a small sharp knife and a steady hand. 

Why is this the best maple-glazed ham recipe?

This simple glazed ham recipe is made from just 4 ingredients. The sticky glaze of store-bought orange marmalade, maple syrup, brown sugar and apple cider vinegar combine to create a sweet and salty mixture that turns golden and caramelised as it bakes with the ham. The beautiful flavours complement the ham’s natural saltiness to create a deeply savoury dish that deserves to make an appearance on your Christmas table. 

How do you get glaze to stick to ham?

Once you’ve removed the rind from the ham, you’re left with a lovely layer of fat that adds flavour and keeps everything moist. Use a sharp knife to score a diamond pattern into the fat, being careful not to cut too deeply. The sticky glaze will naturally stick to the crevices created from scoring. The leg is repeatedly glazed every 15 minutes, which also helps the glaze to adhere to the ham. 

What ingredients you’ll need

Orange marmalade: Store-bought orange marmalade adds a sweet, citrussy depth with a touch of bitterness, creating a flavourful base for the glaze.

Maple syrup: Maple syrup brings a natural, smooth sweetness with a hint of caramel flavour, adding complexity and a rich, sticky texture to the glaze.

Brown sugar: The mild molasses flavours in brown sugar add sweetness, while helping the glaze to thicken and caramelise.

Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider balances the sweetness of the glaze with a tangy acidity, helping to cut through the richness of the ham.

Whole leg ham on the bone: The star protein of the recipe. Ham on the bone provides a tender, juicy centrepiece. A 6kg ham on the bone will easily feed 10 people, with plenty of leftovers. 

Cloves: Cloves infuse the ham with a warm, aromatic spiciness.

Do you put water in the bottom of a roasting pan for ham?

In our recipe, we pour enough water into a large roasting pan to come 2cm up the side before placing the glazed ham on a wire rack over the water. Water stops the glaze from burning and sizzling as it drips. It also helps to create steam to keep the ham moist. 

How to store leftover maple-glazed ham

It’s best to store leftover ham on the bone, if you have the room. If not, pre-slice any leftovers and wrap tightly in layers of plastic wrap and foil before storing in the fridge. You can also place slices in an airtight container or freeze whole chunks. Just be aware that pre-sliced ham will dry out faster, so it’s best to use it up quickly. Use up leftovers in toasties, crepes, fritters or fried rice. 

How to serve maple-glazed ham

Maple glazed ham is best served at your Christmas or Easter feast. Think all the trimmings like potatoes roasted in duck fat, fresh summer salads or roasted vegetables with a tangy mustard sauce on the side for dipping. 

When you’re ready to eat, place the whole ham on a large cutting board and carefully carve with a large sharp knife and a serving fork. Enjoy slices with your choice of sides, or turn them into mini sliders with bread rolls and slaw. 

Drink pairings with maple-glazed ham

The sweet, savoury and slight smokiness of our glazed ham pairs beautifully with drinks that can balance its richness while complementing the sweetness from the glaze. Chardonnay, riesling, a chilled cider or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon all make great options. 

If you love our maple-glazed ham recipe, try this 

Still choosing your Christmas menu? Look to these recipes for complete your festive feast:

• Christmas trifle
• Gingerbread people
• Brined roast turkey