Ham Cranberry Sauce
A sweet and tangy ham glaze with cranberries and orange, perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, offering a flavorful complement to roasted ham.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, brown sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan and heat slowly.
- Add cornstarch and water to the mixture to thicken the sauce.
- Thirty minutes before the ham is finished baking, score the top of the ham and pour the cranberry sauce over it.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the cranberry sauce, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar by half or substitute it with honey. For a little zest, add some lemon juice along with the orange juice. This sauce also pairs beautifully with dishes like Orange Pork Chop Rice for a delightful contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham with the cranberry sauce drizzled generously over the top for a festive presentation. This dish pairs well with sides like Cheesy Green Beans(M-M-Good) or mashed potatoes, creating a well-rounded meal. For a complete feast, consider adding a light salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also use the microwave, heating in short intervals while stirring to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 504 calories, with 2g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 3g 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 use fresh cranberries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. However, you'll need to cook them down with some sugar and water to achieve the right consistency and sweetness. Fresh cranberries are more tart, so adjust the sugar to your taste when making the sauce.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the cranberry sauce up to a week in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. When ready to serve, simply reheat it and pour it over the ham before serving for a fresh taste.
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
A small Cure 81 ham works great for this recipe due to its flavor and texture. However, you can also use other types of ham such as spiral-cut or honey-baked ham. Just adjust the baking time according to the size and type of ham you choose.
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).