Christmas gammon is one of the most beloved centerpieces on a holiday table. With its rich, savory flavor and tender, juicy texture, this dish brings warmth and festivity to the Christmas season. Whether glazed with a sweet and sticky finish or seasoned with aromatic spices, gammon is a classic that many families look forward to every year. Preparing a gammon joint may seem like a long process, but it’s surprisingly simple and rewarding. This recipe for Christmas gammon is easy to follow and adaptable, giving you a delicious and showstopping result to enjoy with loved ones during your holiday feast.
Understanding Gammon
Gammon is a cut of pork taken from the hind leg, which has been cured like bacon but requires cooking before eating. When cooked, gammon transforms into ham. For Christmas, it’s often served hot with vegetables and gravy or cold as part of a buffet spread. Gammon is prized for its flavorful meat and its ability to pair beautifully with glazes made from ingredients like honey, mustard, brown sugar, or fruit juice.
Ingredients for Christmas Gammon
Before starting, gather the following ingredients. These will serve a medium-sized group, and you can scale as needed:
- 1 boneless or bone-in gammon joint (2.5 to 3.5 kg)
- 1 onion, halved
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon cloves (for studding, optional)
For the glaze:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar or orange juice
Preparing the Gammon
Step 1: Soak the Gammon (If Necessary)
If your gammon joint is heavily salted or comes with instructions to soak, place it in a large bowl of cold water and leave it for several hours or overnight. This helps reduce the saltiness. Rinse well before cooking. Many modern gammon joints are mild enough that soaking isn’t required, so check the packaging.
Step 2: Boil the Gammon
Place the gammon in a large pot and cover it with fresh cold water. Add the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes per 500g of meat, or until the internal temperature reaches 68-70°C (155-158°F).
For added flavor, you can use a mixture of water and apple cider, or substitute part of the water with cola or ginger ale. These liquids add sweetness and subtle spice to the meat.
Step 3: Cool and Prepare for Roasting
Once the gammon is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Using a small sharp knife, carefully remove the skin from the gammon, leaving a layer of fat underneath. Score the fat in a crisscross diamond pattern without cutting into the meat. If you like, press a clove into each diamond for a traditional decorative look and added aroma.
Making and Applying the Glaze
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine honey, mustard, brown sugar, and cider vinegar. Heat gently and stir until smooth and slightly thickened. You can adjust the sweetness or acidity to your taste. Other variations include adding orange zest, a pinch of cinnamon, or even maple syrup.
Step 5: Glaze and Roast
Place the scored gammon in a roasting tray lined with foil. Brush the glaze generously over the surface of the meat. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with more glaze. Watch closely to ensure the glaze caramelizes but doesn’t burn. If needed, loosely cover with foil partway through roasting.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once beautifully golden and sticky, remove the gammon from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Resting helps the juices settle and keeps the meat moist.
Serving Suggestions
Christmas gammon is delicious served hot or cold and pairs wonderfully with many festive sides. Here are some ideas for accompaniments:
- Roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans, glazed carrots, or Brussels sprouts
- Cranberry sauce or apple compote
- Gravy or mustard sauce
- Stuffing, Yorkshire puddings, or soft dinner rolls
For a cold spread, thinly slice the gammon and serve it with pickles, cheese, bread, and salads.
Flavor Variations and Glaze Ideas
One of the most exciting parts of making Christmas gammon is customizing the glaze. Below are a few glaze variations to suit different palates:
- Maple & Mustard Glaze: Substitute honey with maple syrup and use wholegrain mustard for a rustic touch.
- Pineapple Glaze: Mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, and ginger for a tropical sweetness.
- Cherry or Cranberry Glaze: Use fruit preserves or juice with vinegar and spice for a tart and festive twist.
- Balsamic Glaze: Combine balsamic vinegar with honey and rosemary for a rich and tangy option.
Feel free to experiment with spices like clove, allspice, or star anise to bring extra warmth and complexity to your glaze.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Gammon
- Choose a high-quality gammon joint from your local butcher or market.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without overcooking.
- Don’t skip scoring the fat – it allows the glaze to penetrate better and improves presentation.
- Let the gammon rest before carving to retain its juices.
- Prepare the day before for convenience; gammon can be cooked and glazed ahead of time, then reheated gently.
Storing Leftover Gammon
Leftover Christmas gammon stores well and can be repurposed in many ways. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to five days or freeze for up to two months.
Ideas for using leftover gammon:
- Slice for sandwiches with mustard or chutney
- Chop into pasta dishes or creamy casseroles
- Add to omelets or breakfast hash
- Use in hearty pea or lentil soups
- Cube for pizza toppings or savory pies
A well-prepared Christmas gammon brings joy, flavor, and tradition to the holiday table. From boiling the joint with aromatic vegetables to glazing and roasting it to perfection, this recipe captures the essence of holiday cooking. The beauty of gammon lies not only in its delicious taste but in its versatility and ability to feed a crowd. Whether served hot with all the trimmings or cold in a festive buffet, gammon is sure to be a seasonal favorite. With this easy recipe for Christmas gammon, you’ll be ready to impress your family and guests and create lasting holiday memories with every slice.