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Best Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham Recipe for Christmas Dinner

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This cranberry orange glazed ham is the perfect centerpiece for Christmas dinner, featuring a glossy, jewel-toned glaze that balances tart cranberries and bright orange with salty, tender ham. It’s simple to make yet impressive enough for company.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 fully cooked bone-in spiral-cut ham (8–10 pounds)
  • 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Whole cloves for decoration (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the ham out of the refrigerator about 1 hour before baking. Remove all packaging, rinse briefly under cool water, and pat dry. Place flat-side down on a rack in a roasting pan.
  2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep, making cuts about 1 inch apart. If using whole cloves, press one into the center of each diamond.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange zest, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Whisk until smooth, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside 1/2 cup of glaze for serving.
  4. Preheat oven to 325°F. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes (about 10 minutes per pound).
  5. Remove ham from oven, discard foil, and increase oven temperature to 400°F. Generously brush the glaze all over the ham, getting into the spiral cuts. Return to oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes. Baste again and bake another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 140°F and glaze is caramelized.
  6. Transfer ham to a cutting board and let rest for at least 15 minutes. Carve along the spiral cuts, then cut around the bone to release remaining meat. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with reserved glaze.

Notes

Don’t overcook the ham; use a thermometer and pull at 140°F. Baste generously and often for a thick, sticky coating. If the glaze gets too dark, tent with foil. Save pan drippings for a quick sauce or to drizzle over mashed potatoes. Leftover ham keeps for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange glazed ham, Christmas ham, holiday ham, glazed ham, spiral ham, Christmas dinner, Easter ham

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/best-cranberry-orange-glazed-ham-recipe-for-christmas-dinner/