This Sweet Honey Glaze Gammon Ham Delight is the perfect showstopper for any dinner table. With its tender, juicy meat and a luscious, sticky glaze, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Ideal for festive celebrations or hearty family meals, this gammon ham dish is a surefire way to impress your guests.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) unsmoked gammon joint
• 2 onions, halved
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 4 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns
• 1 tsp cloves
• 4 cups water (or enough to cover the gammon in a pot)

For the glaze:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Directions

1. Prepare the Gammon: Place the gammon in a large pot and add the onions, carrots, celery, bay leaves, peppercorns, and cloves. Pour in enough water to cover the gammon. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1.5–2 hours, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
2. Preheat Oven: While the gammon simmers, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
3. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Heat gently while stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
4. Score the Ham: Once the gammon is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the skin, leaving a thin layer of fat. Score the fat in a criss-cross pattern, making sure not to cut into the meat.
5. Apply the Glaze: Place the gammon on a roasting tray lined with foil. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored lines.
6. Roast: Roast the gammon in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, basting with more glaze every 10 minutes, until the fat is golden and caramelized.
7. Serve: Allow the gammon to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or cold with your favorite sides.

Nutrients (per serving, serves 10)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fiber: 1g

Enjoy this sweet and savory delight that’s perfect for any occasion!

A Tradition of Flavor and Elegance

Gammon ham has a long-standing tradition in culinary history, especially in festive settings such as Christmas, Easter, or celebratory feasts. The unsmoked gammon joint provides a perfect canvas for flavors to shine. The process of slow simmering, followed by roasting with a rich glaze, creates layers of taste that are both satisfying and luxurious.

The combination of sweet and savory elements in this dish strikes a perfect balance. The honey adds a natural sweetness, the brown sugar enhances the caramelization, and the Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar provide a subtle tang. Ground cinnamon and cloves introduce a warm, aromatic depth, elevating the dish to gourmet status.

Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the reasons this recipe is so popular is its versatility. It’s hearty enough to be the centerpiece of a holiday table but easy enough to make for a family dinner. The gammon can be served warm, fresh from the oven, or chilled and sliced for sandwiches and salads. It pairs well with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes to fresh salads and crusty bread.

For those looking to impress their guests, the glistening, golden crust of the gammon ham is a feast for the eyes before it even reaches the plate. The scored fat creates a stunning lattice pattern, and the glaze caramelizes beautifully, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Tips for the Perfect Gammon Ham

While the recipe is straightforward, a few tips and tricks can help you achieve the best results:

• Choose Quality Ingredients: The quality of your gammon joint and honey can make a significant difference. Opt for a fresh, unsmoked gammon joint and high-quality, natural honey for the best flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Simmering Step: Simmering the gammon before roasting ensures the meat is tender and infused with the flavors of the aromatics. It also helps remove excess salt from the curing process.
• Score with Care: When scoring the fat, use a sharp knife and take your time. This step not only enhances the presentation but also allows the glaze to seep into the meat for maximum flavor.
• Baste Generously: During the roasting process, basting the gammon with glaze at regular intervals ensures a rich, sticky coating and prevents the meat from drying out.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the gammon to rest after roasting lets the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, moist slices.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Profile

Gammon ham, when enjoyed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet. It’s a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, and provides important vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, zinc, and iron. The honey glaze adds a touch of sweetness but also brings antioxidants from natural honey.

This dish’s nutritional profile strikes a balance between indulgence and nourishment. At approximately 350 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying meal that can be complemented with nutrient-rich sides like steamed vegetables or whole grains for added fiber.

Pairing Suggestions

A great meal isn’t complete without the perfect accompaniments. Here are some pairing ideas to complement your Sweet Honey Glaze Gammon Ham:

• Sides: Serve with roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, or a creamy potato gratin for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp, refreshing salad or steamed asparagus.
• Sauces: While the glaze itself is bursting with flavor, a dollop of wholegrain mustard or cranberry sauce can add a delightful contrast.
• Drinks: A full-bodied red wine, such as Merlot or Shiraz, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the gammon. For non-alcoholic options, consider a spiced apple cider or a sparkling elderflower drink.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Sweet Honey Glaze Gammon Ham recipe isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. The aroma of the simmering gammon, the visual appeal of the golden glaze, and the burst of flavors in every bite come together to create a truly special meal. It’s easy enough for beginner cooks yet impressive enough to satisfy seasoned chefs.

What sets this recipe apart is its blend of simplicity and sophistication. The steps are easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available, but the end result feels like a gourmet creation. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual Sunday dinner.

Conclusion: A Recipe to Remember

Sweet Honey Glaze Gammon Ham is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor and tradition. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and stunning presentation make it a must-have recipe for any home cook. Whether you’re serving it at a festive feast or a family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

With its tender, flavorful meat and sticky-sweet glaze, this gammon ham recipe is a surefire way to elevate your cooking repertoire. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen, bringing joy and deliciousness to your table for years to come.