Mary Berry’s Orange-Glazed Ham is a show-stopping centerpiece, perfect for festive celebrations or special occasions. This tender and juicy ham is coated with a tangy and sweet orange glaze, creating a golden caramelized crust that pairs beautifully with the succulent meat. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a recipe that brings elegance to your dining table.
What is Mary Berry Orange-Glazed Ham?
Mary Berry’s Orange-Glazed Ham features a tender, slow-cooked ham joint finished with a sweet and tangy orange glaze. The glaze, made with fresh orange juice, honey, and warming spices, gives the ham a glossy, caramelized exterior. It’s a dish that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for Christmas, Easter, or any festive gathering.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The citrusy glaze balances the saltiness of the ham beautifully.
- Easy to Prepare: These are straightforward steps for a professional-looking dish.
- Great for Leftovers: Use the ham in sandwiches, salads, or soups.
- Elegant Presentation: A golden-glazed ham makes a stunning centerpiece.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Orange-Glazed Ham
For the Ham
- Ham Joint (2-3kg, unsmoked or smoked): Choose bone-in or boneless as preferred.
- Water (enough to cover): For boiling the ham.
- Bay Leaves (2): Adds subtle flavor to the cooking liquid.
- Peppercorns (1 tsp): Enhances the ham’s flavor during cooking.
For the Glaze
- Fresh Orange Juice (150ml): Adds tangy citrus flavor.
- Honey (3 tbsp): Sweetens and caramelizes the glaze.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): Adds a touch of tangy sharpness.
- Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Deepens the sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- Cloves (optional, for decoration): Adds a festive touch and warm flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Roasting pan
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Pastry brush
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Orange-Glazed Ham
Step 1: Prepare and cook the ham
- Place the ham joint in a large pot and cover it with water. Add the bay leaves and peppercorns.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes per 500g, or until tender.
- Once cooked, remove the ham from the pot and let it cool slightly. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: Prepare the glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar.
- Heat gently, whisking continuously, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 3: Score the ham
- Remove the skin from the ham, leaving a thin layer of fat.
- Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern. If desired, press a clove into each diamond for decoration.
Step 4: Glaze and roast the ham
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush generously with the orange glaze.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with additional glaze, until the ham is golden and caramelized.
Step 5: Rest and serve
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm, garnished with fresh orange slices if desired.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Orange-Glazed Ham
- Roast Potatoes: Crispy and golden, a classic side dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, or broccoli for a healthy balance.
- Grainy Mustard Sauce: Adds tanginess and depth.
- Fresh Bread Rolls: Ideal for making sandwiches with leftovers.
- Cranberry Sauce: A festive and sweet pairing.
- Scalloped Potatoes: Creamy and indulgent, perfect for special occasions.
- Zesty Orange Salad: Complements the citrusy glaze beautifully.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Orange-Glazed Ham
- Choose the Right Ham: A good-quality ham joint ensures the best flavor.
- Don’t Overboil the Ham: Simmer gently to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Score the Fat Evenly: This helps the glaze penetrate and caramelize evenly.
- Baste Frequently: Regular basting ensures a glossy and flavorful glaze.
- Rest the Ham: Let the ham rest before slicing to retain its juices.
- Use Fresh Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the glaze a vibrant flavor.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Orange-Glazed Ham
- Add Spices to the Glaze: Include cinnamon or ginger for extra warmth.
- Use Maple Syrup: Replace honey with maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Try Pineapple Juice: Swap orange juice for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
- Include Garlic: Add minced garlic to the glaze for a savory touch.
- Make It Alcohol-Free: Skip the Dijon mustard for a simpler glaze.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Orange-Glazed Ham
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for Longer Storage: Wrap tightly in cling film and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat Gently: Warm slices in the oven or microwave, and cover them with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
FAQs
Can I use boneless ham for Mary Berry Orange-Glazed Ham?
Yes, boneless ham works perfectly for this recipe. It is easier to slice and serves well while still retaining the delicious flavors of the glaze.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning while roasting the ham?
To prevent the glaze from burning, baste the ham frequently and keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of roasting. If it begins to darken too quickly, cover the ham loosely with foil.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before applying it to the ham.
How long should I rest the ham before slicing?
Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making the ham juicier and easier to slice.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Orange-Glazed Ham is a standout dish that combines tradition with a zesty twist. Its tender texture and glossy citrus glaze make it perfect for celebrations or holiday meals.
Give it a try and savor the flavor of this festive classic!
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Mary Berry Orange-Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 120
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and roasting
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Orange-Glazed Ham features a tender, slow-cooked ham joint finished with a sweet and tangy orange glaze. The glaze, made with fresh orange juice, honey, and warming spices, gives the ham a glossy, caramelized exterior. It’s a dish that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Ham
- Ham Joint (2-3kg, unsmoked or smoked): Choose bone-in or boneless as preferred.
- Water (enough to cover): For boiling the ham.
- Bay Leaves (2): Adds subtle flavor to the cooking liquid.
- Peppercorns (1 tsp): Enhances the ham’s flavor during cooking.
For the Glaze
- Fresh Orange Juice (150ml): Adds tangy citrus flavor.
- Honey (3 tbsp): Sweetens and caramelizes the glaze.
- Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): Adds a touch of tangy sharpness.
- Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Deepens the sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- Cloves (optional, for decoration): Adds a festive touch and warm flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and cook the ham
- Place the ham joint in a large pot and cover it with water. Add the bay leaves and peppercorns.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes per 500g, or until tender.
- Once cooked, remove the ham from the pot and let it cool slightly. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: Prepare the glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar.
- Heat gently, whisking continuously, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
Step 3: Score the ham
- Remove the skin from the ham, leaving a thin layer of fat.
- Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern. If desired, press a clove into each diamond for decoration.
Step 4: Glaze and roast the ham
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush generously with the orange glaze.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with additional glaze, until the ham is golden and caramelized.
Step 5: Rest and serve
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm, garnished with fresh orange slices if desired.
