Happy Holly Glaze
A sweet and tangy holiday ham glaze featuring cranberry, orange, and warm spices, perfect for festive gatherings and elevating your main course with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake ham according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, combine remaining ingredients.
- Heat slowly until smooth, beating with wire whisk or rotary beater.
- Thirty minutes before ham is done, remove from oven.
- Spoon half of the glaze onto the ham surface.
- Continue baking.
- Serve ham with remaining glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter glaze, consider using maple syrup instead of brown sugar. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper. Make sure to whisk the glaze thoroughly to avoid lumps. To elevate the flavor, try adding zest from an orange or lemon. This glaze also pairs beautifully with Pork Chops With Pears for a delightful dinner.
Serving Suggestions
This Happy Holly Glaze ham is perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For extra flavor, drizzle some of the remaining glaze over the sides. Complement the meal with a glass of orange juice or a fruity cocktail. You can also browse more American recipes for additional side dish ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices on a plate, covered with a damp paper towel, for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Happy Holly Glaze contains roughly 810 calories, with 11g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 669mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
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 other types of ham, such as a smoked or spiral-cut ham. Adjust the baking time according to the weight of the ham you choose. Just ensure to monitor the glaze to prevent it from burning during the baking process.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
To thicken the glaze, simmer it longer on low heat until it reduces to your desired consistency. You can also mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) while heating to achieve a thicker texture. Just be sure to whisk constantly to avoid lumps.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to use, reheat it gently on the stove until smooth before applying it to the ham during baking.
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).