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As the holidays draw near and twinkling lights begin to adorn every corner, the scent of something spectacular fills the air. Picture this: a succulent gammon joint glazed with the zesty sweetness of stem ginger and mustard, captivating your guests with its toffee-like aroma. This Stem Ginger & Mustard Glazed Ham isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms any festive gathering into a culinary celebration.

Whether served warm, fresh from the oven, or chilled for leftovers the next day, each slice reveals a tender, juicy interior that brightens up your holiday table. I discovered this recipe during a cozy December afternoon, eagerly searching for a standout centerpiece to impress my family. The combination of ginger beer, cloves, and clementines creates a unique flavor palette that is both bold and comforting. Get ready to elevate your festive feasts—this dish promises to become a beloved tradition in your home!

Why is Stem Ginger & Mustard Glazed Ham unforgettable?

Irresistible Flavor Profile: The sweet, zesty ginger combined with the sharpness of mustard creates an unforgettable taste experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Stunning Centerpiece: Its glossy, caramelized exterior and vibrant clementine garnishes make this ham not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual feast on your holiday table.

Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you can achieve a show-stopping dish that impresses guests while leaving you stress-free.

Versatile Serving Options: Whether served warm or cold, this ham adapts beautifully to your buffet spread or festive dinner, ensuring it’s perfect for any occasion.

Crowd-Pleaser: Serving 10-12 people, this dish is a great way to feed a gathering, turning your holiday meal into a memorable celebration. If you’re interested in more delicious holiday recipes, check out our festive collection.

Ingredients for Stem Ginger & Mustard Glazed Ham

• To create this mouthwatering stem ginger & mustard glazed ham, you’ll need a handful of flavorful ingredients to truly shine at your festive feast.

For the Gammon

Boneless gammon joint (5kg) – This is the star ingredient, bringing rich flavor and texture to your dish. Choose smoked for a deeper taste or unsmoked for something milder.

For the Cooking Liquid

Ginger beer (2l) – This adds sweetness and depth; you can swap it for regular beer or a non-alcoholic ginger drink if preferred.
Onion (1, quartered) – It enhances the savory depth of the cooking liquid for that extra punch.
Clementines (2, halved; additional for decoration) – Their sweetness and vibrant color brighten the dish; feel free to use satsumas as a substitute.
Cloves (20) – Infuse warm, aromatic flavors into the ham, enhancing its overall appeal.
Bay leaves (3 plus extras for decoration) – These elevate the flavor of the cooking liquid beautifully.

For the Glaze

English mustard (2 tbsp) – It provides a tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with the gammon.
Ginger syrup (4 tbsp) & additional stem ginger (3-4, thinly sliced) – These will intensify the ginger flavor in your glaze; use slices from the same jar for consistency.

Prepare to indulge in the delightful flavors of this stem ginger & mustard glazed ham!

How to Make Stem Ginger & Mustard Glazed Ham

Prepare the Cooking Liquid: Place the gammon in a deep saucepan and pour the ginger beer over it. Add the quartered onion, halved clementines, 5 cloves, and 3 bay leaves. Top up with water to cover the gammon completely.
Simmer Gently: Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then cover it with foil. Cook for 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water level remains adequate for even flavor infusion.
Cool the Ham: Once cooked, remove the ham from the liquid and let it cool for 10 minutes—this helps lock in moisture before the next steps.
Preheat the Oven: While the ham cools, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Carefully remove the rind from the ham, leaving a thin layer of fat, and score a diamond pattern into the fat for that delectable glaze.
Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the English mustard with ginger syrup. Spread half of this mixture over the ham, then insert thin slices of stem ginger into the scored fat and stud the surface with the remaining cloves.
Bake the Ham: Place the ham in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, brush on the remaining glaze and continue baking for an additional hour. Keep an eye on it, and cover with foil if the glaze starts to catch and darken too quickly.
Optional Garnish: During the last phase of baking, consider roasting additional clementine slices for a decorative touch. Once done, you can serve the ham warm or allow it to cool for a lovely cold dish.

Optional: Serve with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to enhance the presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Stem Ginger & Mustard Glazed Ham?

Make your holiday feast even more delightful by pairing this flavorful ham with complementary sides and drinks!

Roasted Root Vegetables: Their earthy sweetness balances the ham’s spice, creating a harmonious dish that is perfect for the season.
Garlicky Green Beans: Bright and crisp, these provide a light, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the ham while adding vibrant color.
Classic Potato Salad: Creamy and tangy, this side dish offers a comforting texture that makes for a satisfying bite alongside the savory ham.
Festive Stuffing: Filled with herbs, dried fruits, and toasted nuts, a savory stuffing adds depth and makes every mouthful feel like a holiday celebration.
Clementine Salad: A fresh salad with clementines, nuts, and greens brings a burst of citrus freshness, complementing the glaze beautifully and adding brightness to the table.
Mulled Wine: The warm, spiced notes of this drink echo the flavors of the ham, creating a cozy atmosphere for your festive gathering.
Baked Brie with Cranberries: Rich and creamy, this cheese paired with sweet-tart cranberries makes for an indulgent appetizer that guests will adore.

Stem Ginger & Mustard Glazed Ham Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this delicious dish uniquely yours!

Spicy Kick: Add more ground ginger to the glaze for a fiery twist that will awaken taste buds.
Honey Glaze: Swap the English mustard for honey for a beautifully sweet alternative that will enchant your guests.
Citrus Swap: Experiment with different citrus fruits like orange or lemon for a refreshing zest that brightens the flavors.
Maple Twist: Substitute ginger syrup with maple syrup for a delightful, rich sweetness that complements the savory ham beautifully.
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cooking liquid for a fragrant, earthy note.
Smoky Flavor: Use smoked ginger beer instead of regular for a deeper, layered flavor that adds character to your glaze.
Fruit Addition: Throw in some dried fruits, such as apricots or figs, while cooking for a touch of natural sweetness and texture.
Vegan Version: Use a plant-based ham substitute and replace the ginger beer with a ginger-flavored soda for a festive and inclusive meal option.

Expert Tips for Stem Ginger & Mustard Glazed Ham

Submerge for Flavor: Ensure the gammon is fully covered in the cooking liquid; this guarantees an even infusion of the delicious flavors.
Score Carefully: When scoring the fat, be gentle—avoid cutting into the meat itself. This prevents moisture loss and keeps your ham succulent.
Salt Considerations: Take note of your ham’s saltiness; some may require soaking to balance the flavors. If needed, soak for 24 hours with multiple water changes.
Adjust for Spice: For a bit more kick in your stem ginger & mustard glazed ham, consider adding additional ground ginger to the glaze mixture.
Monitor Glazing Time: Keep an eye on the ham during the final baking; covering with foil can help prevent the glaze from burning while achieving that perfect caramelized crust.

Make Ahead Options

This Stem Ginger & Mustard Glazed Ham is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the gammon up to 24 hours in advance, cooking it in the ginger beer mixture and then refrigerating it overnight in the cooking liquid to enhance flavor. When you’re ready to serve, simply follow the glazing and baking instructions, applying the delicious mustard and ginger syrup mixture before baking it in the oven. This ensures your ham remains just as juicy and flavorful, making your festive meal feel effortlessly gourmet without the last-minute rush!

How to Store and Freeze Stem Ginger & Mustard Glazed Ham

Fridge: Store the cooked ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil, and it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezer: If you want to preserve your stem ginger & mustard glazed ham longer, slice it and freeze it in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until heated through, keeping it covered to avoid drying out.

Stem Ginger & Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my gammon is the right size?
Choosing the right size gammon joint is crucial for feeding your guests. For a hearty meal, aim for about 400-500g (14-18 oz) per person; the 5kg joint mentioned will comfortably serve 10-12 people. You can always go a bit larger if you want leftovers!

How should I store my cooked ham?
Absolutely! Once cooked, store your stem ginger & mustard glazed ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil in the refrigerator. It will remain deliciously fresh for up to 5 days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it up to keep moisture locked in.

Can I freeze my glazed ham?
Yes! To freeze your stem ginger & mustard glazed ham, slice it first and pack it into freezer-safe bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. It can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven until warmed through.

What if my glaze doesn’t caramelize properly?
If you find your glaze hasn’t caramelized as expected, try increasing the oven temperature slightly or extending the baking time while keeping a close eye on it. You can also brush a bit more ginger syrup or honey over the surface during the last few minutes of cooking for that rich, glossy finish.

Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
Definitely! If you have guests with dietary restrictions, keep in mind that this dish contains gluten (from the ginger beer and mustard), and the gammon itself can be quite salty. Always check ingredient labels if you’re serving anyone with allergies, and consider using a gluten-free ginger beer and mustard substitution if needed.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
For a festive twist with leftovers, try slicing the ham thinly and layering it in a sandwich with arugula and your favorite cheese, or serve it cold on a charcuterie board with pickles and fresh fruits. The unique flavor of the stem ginger & mustard glazed ham pairs beautifully in both scenarios!