Cranberry Glaze
A tangy and sweet cranberry glaze with orange zest, perfect for enhancing ham or other roasts with vibrant flavor and a glossy finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a saucepan and cook slowly until combined and heated through.
- Add the cornstarch and water mixture to the saucepan.
- Cook the mixture until it thickens to a glaze consistency.
- Apply the glaze to ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a balanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar by half. You can also substitute fresh cranberry juice for the canned sauce for a more vibrant taste. This glaze works wonderfully with both ham and turkey, making it versatile for various American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry glaze is perfect for glazing ham, especially during holiday meals. It pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. For a festive touch, serve it alongside Nine-Day Cabbage Salad for a refreshing contrast. It can also be drizzled over grilled chicken for a delightful twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, pour the glaze into a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid uneven heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Glaze contains roughly 441 calories, with 0g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day in advance. Just let it cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before applying it to your meat to ensure a smooth consistency.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned sauce?
Absolutely! If using fresh cranberries, cook them down with sugar and orange juice until they burst and create a sauce. This will give the glaze a fresher taste and a slightly different texture.
Is this glaze suitable for a vegan diet?
The glaze can easily be made vegan by ensuring the brown sugar is vegan-friendly and using a plant-based substitute for the orange juice, if desired. This makes it a great option for those following vegan recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).