Cranberry Glazed Ham

Brighten up your holiday dinner table with this Cranberry Glazed Ham! Fresh cranberries simmer with maple syrup, brown sugar and is then pureed with dijon mustard and ground clove. Brush over ham while reheating until caramelized and sticky. Serve any extra (warm) glaze with the ham on the side. This recipe will serve about 28 people with 1/2 pound per person.

If you’re still using the packet glaze that comes with your ham, STOP.

This super simple glaze only calls for 8 basic ingredients and adds a delicious sweet and tangy glaze to your ham. Not to mention the color is stunning as well! It all starts with fresh cranberries that simmer with orange juice, maple syrup and brown sugar until they soften and pop. Then puree with Dijon Mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground clove and cayenne.

Kind of like a purred version of cranberry sauce, but for your ham.

Heat any leftover glaze and serve it with the ham to dip in.

Simple, sweet and so much better than packet glaze.

To Make This Cranberry Glazed Ham You Will Need:

• fresh cranberries – Usually found in the produce section. Adds delicious tart flavor.
• dark brown sugar – For sweetening and flavor and adds subtle caramel notes.
• orange juice – Adds bright, distinct citrusy flavor.
• maple syrup – Lends maple flavor and sweetness.
• dijon mustard – Adds flavor and tanginess.
• apple cider vinegar – Adds brightness and a touch of acidity.
• ground clove – A pungent warm spice with a distinct and intense flavor and aroma.
• cayenne pepper – Gives the sauce added kick and flavor.
• cooked ham – For this recipe I used a 14-pound spiral cut ham.

Make The Glaze:

Start by rinsing 8 ounces fresh cranberries.

Add them to a saucepan with 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup orange juice and 1/4 cup maple syrup.

For more of an orange-y pop of flavor, add orange zest.

Stir to combine and simmer over medium heat until the cranberries soften and burst open.

Remove off of the heat.

And stir in 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 heaping tablespoons dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon ground clove and cayenne pepper.

If you have an immersion blender use it to puree the cranberries. Otherwise you can add it to a blender, remove the center plug from the lid, cover it with a clean kitchen towel and puree until smooth.

Check out that color!

Glaze The Ham:

Preheat your oven to 325℉ (160℃).

Transfer your ham to a roasting rack that has been lightly coated with nonstick spray.

Grab some of the cranberry glaze – you won’t need all of it.

And brush it all over the ham.

Slip the ham onto the lowest rack in your preheated oven and bake for 90 minutes.

If your ham is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.

After 90 minutes, the ham should be a deep gorgeous red.

Brushwith more of the cranberry glaze and bake for 15 minutes for 45 minutes or until heated through.

The ruby red glaze is stunning!

Slice and serve with warmed reserved glaze on the side.

What To Serve with Glazed Ham:

• broccoli casserole
• brown sugar glazed carrots
• deviled eggs
• Mel’s cheesy potatoes
• maple bacon bourbon brussels sprouts
• sea salt rosemary dinner rolls.

Enjoy! And if you give this Cranberry Glazed Ham recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!