Christmas Day has never looked – or tasted – more delicious.

What you need to know before you start

This recipe takes roughly 2 hours from start to finish. You’ll need ample space in the oven, so ensure you complete any baking earlier in the day or the day before. The ham will need to be basted every 15-20 minutes for a total of 1 hour 30 minutes, so don’t stray too far away from the kitchen.

You’ll also need some basic cooking equipment such as a sharp knife to remove the skin, a small bowl to mix the glaze ingredients, a roasting tray, a basting brush and the option to use a ruler to mark straight lines on the fat of the ham. 

Why is this the best baked Christmas ham with maple syrup and clove glaze?

Created by celebrated Australian chef and restaurateur Matt Moran, this Christmas ham recipe is a classic. You only need 7 ingredients to recreate this at home, and it highlights traditional sweet, salty, spiced and caramelised Christmas flavours, thanks to the maple syrup, cloves, apple cider vinegar and mustard.

If you’ve never prepared this Christmas main before, you may be surprised to discover just how simple it is to make. You’ll love the luscious, caramelised glaze to complement the moist, rich flavours of ham, making it the perfect centrepiece for your Christmas feast! 

What is the best kind of ham for Christmas?

The two most common options for a Christmas ham is a deboned ham or a bone-in ham. For this recipe, we recommend using a whole smoked leg ham on the bone. Smoked ham imparts a complex smoky flavour to the dish, while leaving it on the bone keeps everything moist and succulent. You’ll also get that authentic look of carving the ham at the dinner table when you choose the bone option. 

How much ham do I need for Christmas dinner?

Generally speaking, we recommend roughly 250g to 300g of ham per person. For this recipe, a 7kg bone in ham (as the bone will account for some of the weight) will feed a group of 18 people, with room for leftovers, depending on how hungry your guests are! Be sure to deck out your Christmas meal with plenty of sides like classic roast potatoes, greens and salads for a complete meal. 

What ingredients you’ll need

Smoked leg ham on the bone: There’s no Christmas ham without the ham. Smoked ham on the bone has a salty, smoky and slightly sweet flavour which pairs beautifully with the sweet tang from the glaze. 

Cloves: This aromatic spice has a slightly sweet flavour to add warmth and depth to the ham. 

Brown sugar: The caramel-like qualities of brown sugar create a beautiful sweet caramelised crust. 

English mustard: The slight kick from mustard imparts a robust sharpness with a hint of sweetness to balance the flavours of the glaze. 

Apple cider vinegar: Vinegar balances the sweetness from the maple syrup and brown sugar with a touch of tanginess. 

Maple syrup: A classic flavour when it comes to Christmas ham, maple syrup adds sweetness to complement the savoury saltiness from the ham. 

How do you tell if a pre-cooked ham is done?

Your ham is technically already cooked so instead, you’re looking for juicy, succulent meat with a glistening, glossy glaze. This should take between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes for a 7kg bone-in ham in a 180°C/160°C fan-forced oven. After the ham has rested, look for a golden, caramelised glaze and juices that run clear. If one side of the ham is getting darker than the other, rotate the tray in the oven. 

How to store leftover baked Christmas ham with maple syrup and clove glaze 

Store leftovers on or off the bone in the fridge for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or keep slices in an airtight container. You can also use the reserved ham skin as a natural covering for the ham, or use a cloth ham bag. Note that sliced ham will dry out faster, so only slice as much as you think you’ll need. If you’re stuck on ideas of how to use leftover ham, check out these recipes. 

How to serve Matt Moran's baked Christmas ham with maple syrup and clove glaze 

Serve up this baked Christmas ham on a large platter with a large knife and carving fork. As your guests are gathered around the dinner table, carefully carve the ham when you’re ready to eat. 

Pair this with other classic mains, sides and dessert like Christmas turkey, duck fat potatoes, a grain and pomegranate salad and White Christmas slice. 

Drink pairings with baked Christmas ham with maple syrup and clove glaze 

The sweet and tangy glaze will pair beautifully with the fruity aromas of a riesling or a rosé. If you prefer a red wine, look for light to medium-bodied ones that have a good balance of tannins and sweetness like a nero d’avola or tempranillo. 

If you love this baked Christmas ham with maple syrup and clove glaze recipe, try this 

Still deciding which ham recipe is right for you this year? Explore more of our Christmas ham glazes here:

• Coffee and brown sugar glazed Christmas ham 
• Colin Fassnidge’s Christmas ham with canned pineapple glaze
• Sour cherry-glazed ham