Glorious Cranberry-Orange Glazed Ham: 1 Holiday Star

The Cranberry-Orange Glazed Ham (Holiday Centerpiece) is more than just a meal; it’s the heart of our holiday table. Growing up in Italy, holidays were always about gathering around a table bursting with flavor and love. My grandmother’s kitchen was legendary, filled with the aromas of slow-cooked meats and vibrant citrus. She taught me that the best dishes come from the soul, a philosophy I carry with me today. This ham recipe, with its beautiful marriage of tart cranberries and sweet orange, reminds me so much of those cherished family moments. It’s a tradition I’m thrilled to share with you, a centerpiece that promises to bring smiles and warmth to your festive celebrations. It truly feels like a taste of home.

This isn’t just any ham; it’s a true holiday showstopper! It brings a beautiful pop of color and a delightful flavor to your festive table. I love how the sweet and tangy glaze cuts through the richness of the savory ham. It’s surprisingly simple to make, too. Even if you’re new to holiday cooking, you’ll nail this one. It’s a fantastic gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy. This festive and flavorful addition will make your holiday menu truly shine.

• A show-stopping centerpiece for any holiday table
• Sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly complements savory ham
• Simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks
• A festive and flavorful addition to your holiday menu
• Naturally gluten-free

Let’s get our kitchen ready for this festive feast! Having all your ingredients measured and prepped makes the cooking process so much smoother. It’s like setting the stage before the main performance!

For our star, you’ll need a fully cooked ham. Aim for one that’s about 8 to 10 pounds. This size is perfect for feeding a good crowd and makes a grand statement on the table.

The magic of our glaze comes from a few key players. We’ll use 1 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce. The whole berries give a lovely texture and burst of fruitiness. Then, we need 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice for that bright citrus note. Don’t use the concentrate if you can help it; fresh is always best!

To sweeten and deepen the glaze, we’ll use 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar. Make sure it’s packed down into the measuring cup for the right amount of sweetness. A couple of tablespoons of Dijon mustard will add a wonderful tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. We also need 1 teaspoon of orange zest, which really amps up the citrus flavor without adding more liquid.

Finally, our warm spices: 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves. These cozy spices are like a warm hug in every bite. Having everything ready means you can focus on the fun part – making that beautiful glaze!

To bring this delicious Cranberry-Orange Glazed Ham to life, you’ll need a few trusty kitchen companions. A sturdy roasting pan with a rack is essential for even cooking and easy basting. You’ll also need a medium saucepan to whip up that glorious glaze. A whisk or spoon is perfect for stirring everything together until smooth. Don’t forget a basting brush to evenly coat the ham with all that flavorful goodness. And of course, your oven will do the heavy lifting!

Now for the fun part – bringing this beautiful ham to life! It’s all about layering those flavors and letting the oven do its magic. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a showstopper ready in no time.

Step 1: Prepare your oven and ham. First things first, let’s get the oven nice and hot. Preheat it to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature is key for cooking a large ham evenly without drying it out. Place your ham, cut-side down if it’s spiral-cut, on the rack in your roasting pan. If you have a whole, un-cut ham, now’s the time to score the fat. Just make shallow diamond patterns with a sharp knife. This helps the glaze penetrate and makes it look so pretty!

Step 2: Create the vibrant glaze. In your medium saucepan, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, packed brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Give it a good stir. Place the pan over medium heat. Keep stirring gently until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and everything looks smooth and inviting. Let it come to a gentle simmer, then take it off the heat. This glaze is like liquid sunshine, bursting with festive flavors!

Step 3: Glaze and bake. It’s time to dress up our ham! Take your basting brush and generously brush about half of that glorious glaze all over the ham. Don’t be shy! Then, loosely tent the ham with aluminum foil. This helps keep it moist as it cooks. Pop it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. We’re aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Remember, it’s already cooked, so we’re just warming it through and letting the flavors meld.

Step 4: Final glaze and finishing touches. For the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking, remove the foil. This is when the magic really happens! Brush the ham with the remaining glaze. You’ll see it start to caramelize and turn a beautiful, glossy deep red. This final glazing step adds that perfect sweet and tangy crust. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t get too dark.

Step 5: Resting is key. Once your ham hits that perfect temperature and looks absolutely stunning, take it out of the oven. Resist the urge to carve it right away! Let it rest on the cutting board, loosely tented with foil, for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly moist and tender. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference, just like my nonna always said about letting pasta water rest before adding the pasta!

Getting that perfect Cranberry-Orange Glazed Ham is all about a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years. For an extra burst of aromatic flavor, try studding your ham with whole cloves before you even start glazing. Just gently press them into the fat. It adds such a lovely, subtle spice!

Sometimes, the glaze can get a bit too thick as it simmers or while it’s on the ham. Don’t worry! Just stir in a tablespoon or two of water or a little more orange juice to reach a nice, brushable consistency. It’s all about getting that beautiful coating.

And always, always trust your thermometer. Ensuring your ham reaches the correct internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) is crucial. It guarantees the ham is perfectly heated through and wonderfully juicy, making it safe and delicious for everyone at your table.

This recipe is wonderful as is, but I love to experiment! You can easily make this Cranberry-Orange Glazed Ham your own. Want an extra layer of sophisticated citrus flavor? Add a splash of Grand Marnier or Cointreau right into the glaze as it simmers. It gives it a little something special.

For those cozy holiday vibes, try incorporating a pinch of nutmeg or a touch of ground ginger into the spice blend. It adds a beautiful warmth that pairs wonderfully with the fruit and spices. If you like a little heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper in the glaze can add a surprising and delightful kick. These small tweaks can really personalize your festive ham!

Now that your stunning Cranberry-Orange Glazed Ham is ready, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it. To complement the rich, sweet, and tangy flavors, I love pairing it with hearty roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also adds a refreshing contrast.

Presentation is key for a holiday centerpiece! Carve the ham and arrange the slices attractively on a platter. Don’t forget to offer any of that delicious leftover glaze on the side. It’s perfect for drizzling over individual servings!

Got delicious leftovers? Wonderful! To keep your Cranberry-Orange Glazed Ham fresh, store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator. It should stay tasty for up to 3 to 4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is simple. Place the ham in a baking dish. Cover it loosely with foil. Gently reheat it in the oven at a low temperature, around 300°F (150°C). Just warm it through until it’s heated to your liking. This method keeps it wonderfully moist and flavorful for round two!

It’s always good to have an idea of the nutritional breakdown of your meal. Please remember these are just estimates, as the exact values can change based on the specific ham and ingredients you use. This information is for a standard 4 oz serving.

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Cholesterol: 90mg

I absolutely adore seeing your culinary triumphs in action! Please, share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Did you try any of the fun variations? I’m always so excited to hear about your festive ham masterpieces! Let’s inspire each other!

Glorious Cranberry-Orange Glazed Ham: 1 Holiday Star

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• Author: Lina Kohn
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 10-12 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A festive and flavorful Cranberry-Orange Glazed Ham, perfect as a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. This recipe combines the savory richness of ham with a bright, tangy glaze that’s sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds)
• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. If using a spiral-cut ham, you can skip scoring. For a whole ham, score the fat in a diamond pattern.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves.
4. Heat the glaze over medium heat, stirring until the brown sugar is dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
5. Brush about half of the glaze over the ham.
6. Cover the ham loosely with foil.
7. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
8. Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Brush with the remaining glaze during this time.
9. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can stud the ham with cloves before glazing.
• If the glaze becomes too thick during heating, add a tablespoon or two of water or orange juice.
• Serve any leftover glaze on the side.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 oz
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg