Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham – Easy, Festive, and Flavorful

A Festive Main Dish Bursting with Flavor

If you’re looking to elevate your holiday menu, look no further than Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham. This dish blends the savory richness of a spiral ham with the bright, tangy sweetness of cranberries and oranges—creating a gorgeous, flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any time you’re feeding a hungry crowd.

Simple to prepare and stunning to serve, this ham is the kind of centerpiece that brings everyone back to the table for seconds.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and tangy glaze: Combines fresh citrus and cranberries for bold flavor
• Minimal effort, maximum impact: A simple glaze transforms store-bought ham
• Beautiful presentation: Deep red glaze and orange slices make it visually stunning
• Perfect for holidays and leftovers
• Great for feeding a crowd

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ham:

• 1 fully cooked spiral ham (7–9 lbs), bone-in or boneless
• Whole cloves (optional for studding)

For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup orange juice (fresh squeezed is best)
• Zest of 1 orange
• ⅓ cup honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish: fresh orange slices, whole cranberries, rosemary sprigs

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👨‍🍳 How to Make It – Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Glaze

• In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, mustard, vinegar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer for 10–15 minutes.
• Stir frequently until cranberries pop and sauce thickens.
• Remove from heat and strain if you prefer a smoother glaze, or leave chunky.

2. Preheat and Prep the Ham

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Place ham in a roasting pan cut-side down.
• Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour (about 10 minutes per pound if using a cooked ham).

3. Glaze and Roast

• After the first hour, remove foil and brush ham generously with the cranberry-orange glaze.
• Return to oven uncovered and bake for another 30–45 minutes, glazing every 10–15 minutes for maximum flavor and color.

4. Rest and Serve

• Let the ham rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
• Garnish with orange slices and cranberries for a festive touch.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve with scalloped potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and dinner rolls
• Pair with sweet potato casserole or green bean almondine
• Use leftovers for sandwiches, omelets, or ham and bean soup
• Ideal for brunch spreads with scrambled eggs and fruit salad

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🔁 Flavor Variations

• Maple version: Swap honey for maple syrup
• Spiced: Add cloves, nutmeg, or star anise
• Alcohol-free wine: Use for depth instead of vinegar
• Add garlic or shallots to the glaze for a savory edge
• No cranberries? Use pomegranate or cherry preserves instead

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📦 Storage and Freezing Tips

• Fridge: Store sliced leftovers in airtight container up to 5 days
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Warm slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth or glaze

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📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving Approx.)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 18g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 850mg

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🧠 Pro Tips

• Use fresh orange juice and zest for brightness
• Let glaze thicken slightly before using—runny glaze will slide off
• Glaze toward the end of baking to prevent burning
• Score ham lightly to help the glaze penetrate
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temp of 140°F

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❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use canned cranberries?
Yes, but reduce added sugar and cook briefly to blend flavors.

Q: What kind of ham should I use?
Fully cooked spiral-cut hams are best—they absorb glaze well and are easy to serve.

Q: Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Absolutely. Make up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge.

Q: Do I need to baste the ham?
Yes—basting every 15 minutes ensures deep flavor and caramelization.

Q: What can I do with leftovers?
Make sliders, quiche, breakfast hash, or freeze for later use in soups and casseroles.

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✅ Conclusion: Your Holiday Hero

Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham is more than just a main course—it’s the highlight of your holiday meal. With its jewel-toned glaze, juicy interior, and layers of bright and bold flavor, it’s the kind of dish that turns a dinner into a celebration. Whether you’re hosting for 20 or just cooking for the family, this ham delivers every time.

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