Cranberry Glazed Ham is a show-stopping holiday dish that combines the savory richness of a perfectly roasted ham with the sweet-tart flavor of a cranberry glaze. This beautiful, festive centerpiece is glazed with a mixture of cranberry sauce, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, creating a glossy, flavorful coating that enhances the natural taste of the ham. As it bakes, the glaze caramelizes, adding a deliciously sticky and tangy layer that pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy meat. Ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions, Cranberry Glazed Ham is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to prepare as it is impressive on the table.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 can (14 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Zest of 1 orange
- Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep.
- Prepare the Cranberry Glaze:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Glaze the Ham:
- Brush the ham generously with about half of the cranberry glaze, making sure to cover the scored surface. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake the Ham:
- Bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes. During the last 20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices if desired.
Cranberry Glazed Ham is a deliciously festive dish that brings together the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberries with the savory richness of ham. Perfect for holiday feasts or any special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite tradition.
