What type of ham works best for this dish?

A fully cooked, bone-in ham weighing 8 to 10 pounds is ideal for allowing the glaze to adhere and heat evenly.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the glaze can be made in advance and gently reheated before brushing it onto the ham during baking.

Baste the ham every 15 to 20 minutes after the initial hour to build up a rich, caramelized glaze.

Cinnamon and cloves add warm spice notes, while a pinch of cayenne can add subtle heat if desired.

Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and sprigs of thyme or rosemary provide both visual appeal and aromatic freshness.

Keep leftover slices refrigerated and enjoy them in sandwiches, salads, or warmed with side dishes.

A succulent, festive ham featuring a sweet-tart cranberry and zesty orange glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

This ham has become a holiday staple for my family; its glaze impresses every guest who tastes it.

Ham: 1 (8–10 lb) fully cooked, bone-in ham
Glaze: 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied), 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred), 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Garnish (optional): Fresh cranberries, orange slices, Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs

Step 1:: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2:: Place the ham, flat side down, on a rack in a large roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern if desired.
Step 3:: Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour.
Step 4:: While the ham bakes, prepare the glaze: In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5:: After 1 hour, remove ham from the oven and discard foil. Brush generously with about half the glaze.
Step 6:: Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 45–60 minutes, basting with remaining glaze every 15–20 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized.
Step 7:: Let the ham rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and herbs if desired.

This dish always brings my family together around the table creating warm and joyful memories.

Roasting pan with rack, Saucepan, Basting brush, Sharp knife, Aluminum foil

Contains: None of the major allergens Check labels for potential allergens or gluten in store-bought cranberry sauce or mustard

Calories: 350 Total Fat: 14 g Carbohydrates: 18 g Protein: 36 g per serving

Serve this glazed ham warm and garnish just before serving for maximum freshness and appeal.

→ What type of ham works best for this dish?: A fully cooked, bone-in ham weighing 8 to 10 pounds is ideal for allowing the glaze to adhere and heat evenly.
→ Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?: Yes, the glaze can be made in advance and gently reheated before brushing it onto the ham during baking.
→ How often should I baste the ham during baking?: Baste the ham every 15 to 20 minutes after the initial hour to build up a rich, caramelized glaze.
→ What spices enhance the glaze’s flavor?: Cinnamon and cloves add warm spice notes, while a pinch of cayenne can add subtle heat if desired.
→ Are there garnish options to complement the glaze?: Fresh cranberries, orange slices, and sprigs of thyme or rosemary provide both visual appeal and aromatic freshness.
→ How should leftovers be stored and used?: Keep leftover slices refrigerated and enjoy them in sandwiches, salads, or warmed with side dishes.