Introduction to You Have to Try This Cranberry Orange Glazed Holiday Ham

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of festive feasts and cozy gatherings. If you’re like me, you want to impress your loved ones without spending all day in the kitchen. That’s where this You Have to Try This Cranberry Orange Glazed Holiday Ham comes in! It’s a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will surely become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This You Have to Try This Cranberry Orange Glazed Holiday Ham

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Holiday Ham is a game-changer for busy moms and professionals alike. It’s not just about the incredible taste; it’s about the ease and speed of preparation. With minimal effort, you can create a stunning dish that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen. The sweet and tangy glaze adds a festive touch, making it a dish your family will rave about for years to come!

Ingredients for You Have to Try This Cranberry Orange Glazed Holiday Ham

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering Cranberry Orange Glazed Holiday Ham. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fully cooked ham: Choose an 8-10 pound ham for the best results. It’s the star of the show!
Cranberry sauce: This adds a sweet and tart flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought for convenience.
Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal, but bottled works too. It brightens the glaze beautifully.
Brown sugar: This sweetener caramelizes during baking, giving the ham a lovely glaze.
Dijon mustard: Just a tablespoon adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the holiday feel of the dish.
Ground cloves: A pinch of this spice adds depth and warmth to the glaze.
Black pepper: Just a touch for a hint of heat that rounds out the flavors.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less brown sugar, depending on your taste. If you want to get creative, consider adding a splash of bourbon or maple syrup for a unique twist!

For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing.

How to Make You Have to Try This Cranberry Orange Glazed Holiday Ham

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Making this Cranberry Orange Glazed Holiday Ham is a breeze when you follow these simple steps. Trust me, your family will be impressed!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your ham cooks evenly. A hot oven helps the glaze caramelize beautifully, giving your ham that irresistible shine and flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Ham

Next, place your fully cooked ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. This positioning is important because it helps keep the meat moist as it cooks. The juices will flow into the ham, making every bite tender and juicy.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

Now, let’s whip up that delicious glaze! In a bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Each ingredient plays a role: the cranberry sauce adds sweetness, while the orange juice brightens the flavor. The mustard gives it a tangy kick, and the spices bring warmth to the dish.

Step 4: Apply the Glaze

Time to brush that glaze over the ham! Use a basting brush to apply it evenly, making sure every inch is covered. This step is key for maximum flavor. Don’t be shy—get generous with that glaze!

Step 5: Bake the Ham

Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven. Baking it covered helps retain moisture, keeping the ham juicy. Remember to baste with the glaze every 30 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and keep the ham from drying out.

Step 6: Caramelize the Glaze

For the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil. This is where the magic happens! The glaze will caramelize, creating a beautiful, sticky coating that’s simply irresistible. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once your ham is done, let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful. Now, you’re ready to serve this stunning centerpiece to your family!

Tips for Success

Let the ham sit with the glaze for a few hours before baking for deeper flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Save leftover ham for sandwiches, salads, or breakfast casseroles.
Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
Don’t rush the resting time; it’s key for juicy slices!

Equipment Needed

Roasting pan: A sturdy pan is essential. If you don’t have one, a large baking dish works too.
Basting brush: For applying the glaze. A spoon can work in a pinch!
Aluminum foil: To cover the ham while baking.
Meat thermometer: To check the ham’s temperature. A regular kitchen thermometer can suffice.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet and spicy flavor combination.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist that complements the sweetness.
Maple Glaze: Substitute half of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients, especially the mustard, are labeled gluten-free for a safe dish.
Fruit Medley: Toss in diced apples or pears with the glaze for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Classic sides: Pair the ham with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts for a comforting meal.
Festive drinks: Serve with a sparkling cranberry punch or a glass of chilled white wine.
Presentation: Garnish the ham with fresh orange slices and cranberries for a beautiful holiday display.

FAQs about You Have to Try This Cranberry Orange Glazed Holiday Ham

Can I use a different type of ham? Absolutely! While I recommend a fully cooked ham for convenience, you can use a bone-in or boneless ham. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage!

Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before using it on the ham.

What can I serve with this ham? This Cranberry Orange Glazed Holiday Ham pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, creamy potatoes, or a fresh salad. Don’t forget a festive drink!

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes! All the ingredients listed are gluten-free. Just double-check the labels, especially for the Dijon mustard, to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cranberry Orange Glazed Holiday Ham is more than just cooking; it’s about creating memories around the table. The sweet and tangy glaze brings a festive spirit that fills the room with warmth and joy. I love watching my family gather, their faces lighting up with each delicious bite. This recipe is a reminder that even in our busy lives, we can create something special with minimal effort. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the holiday spirit, and let this ham be the star of your next gathering. You won’t regret it!

You Have to Try This Cranberry Orange Glazed Holiday Ham Recipe!

Author: dishrcp_admin
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious and festive holiday ham glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry orange sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1 fully cooked ham (about 8–10 pounds)
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
In a bowl, mix together the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
Brush the glaze over the ham, making sure to cover it evenly.
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Once done, let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For a more intense flavor, let the ham sit with the glaze for a few hours before baking.
Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches or salads.
Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less brown sugar.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 oz
Calories: 250
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg