Cranberry-Orange Glazed Ham
A festive glazed ham featuring a tangy cranberry-orange sauce, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic spices, perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 to 18 lb.) smoked fully cooked ham ⓘ
- whole cloves ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar, divided ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups cranberry juice cocktail ⓘ
- 1/2 cup honey ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons prepared mustard ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 to 3 oranges, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice skin from ham.
- Score fat on ham in a diamond design and stud with cloves.
- Place ham, fat side up, on rack in a shallow roasting pan.
- Insert meat thermometer, making sure it does not touch fat or bone.
- Bake at 325°F for 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
- Combine 1/2 cup sugar, cranberry juice, honey, cider vinegar, flour, mustard and butter in a saucepan, mixing well.
- Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute.
- Coat exposed portion of ham with remaining sugar.
- Place orange slices on ham, securing in centers with wooden picks; leave tips of picks exposed.
- Place cherry half on each pick.
- Pour hot cranberry mixture over ham; bake an additional 1 hour or until thermometer registers 140°F, basting ham with pan juices twice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, let the ham sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking. You can substitute maple syrup for honey if desired. If you're short on cranberry juice, a blend of cranberry and pomegranate juice works well too. Consider using fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch in the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry-orange glazed ham is perfect for holiday gatherings or Sunday dinners. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a refreshing salad. For a sweet finish, pair it with sides like Scalloped Spuds or American recipes that feature seasonal flavors. Don't forget to provide crusty bread to soak up the delicious glaze!
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover glazed ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Drizzle with a bit of juice or broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Orange Glazed Ham contains roughly 140 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use a different type of ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bone-in or boneless ham, but cooking times may vary. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it's heated through. A spiral-cut ham is also a great option as it allows the glaze to penetrate the meat more easily.
What can I do with the leftover glaze?
The leftover glaze can be used as a sauce for grilled chicken or pork. Simply simmer it on the stove until it thickens slightly, then drizzle over your dish for added flavor. It also makes a great dip for bread or rolls!
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake the ham, simply warm the glaze on the stove before pouring it over the ham. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).