Cranberry Glazed Ham
Elevate your holiday table with this show-stopping Cranberry Glazed Ham, a stunning centerpiece packed with sweet and tangy flavors. Combining the festive richness of cranberry sauce, zesty orange juice, and warm spices like cloves and cinnamon, this dish transforms a classic spiral-cut ham into a mouthwatering masterpiece. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that seeps into every slice. Perfect for gatherings, this crowd-pleaser serves up to 12 and pairs wonderfully with classic sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Simple to prepare and bursting with seasonal flavors, this Cranberry Glazed Ham is an effortless way to impress your guests this holiday season.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 lbs bone-in spiral-cut ham
- 14 oz cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp ground cloves
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for basting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup and place a roasting rack inside the pan.
Unwrap the ham and place it cut-side down on the roasting rack. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking.
Bake the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). For an 8-pound ham, this will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes. While the ham is baking, prepare the cranberry glaze.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture until the cranberry sauce melts and the ingredients are fully combined. Let the glaze simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
After the ham has been baking for about 1 hour, remove it from the oven and discard the foil covering. Brush a generous layer of cranberry glaze all over the ham, making sure to get between the spiral slices if possible. Save some glaze for additional basting later.
Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for another 30 minutes, basting with glaze every 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the ham to ensure the glaze does not burn—if it starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serve the ham warm with any remaining cranberry glaze drizzled over the top or served on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6421 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 218.7 g | 280% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.1 g | 400% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1846 mg | 615% | |
| Sodium | 44279 mg | 1925% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 307.1 g | 112% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 296.0 g | ||
| Protein | 764.6 g | 1529% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 473 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 33.9 mg | 188% | |
| Potassium | 10467 mg | 223% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
